Are you going on the Manaslu Trek? That sounds amazing! But I know this creates a question in the minds of trekkers: Where are we to sleep at night? Well, being a remote area, an option would largely include staying in tiny little places known as teahouses. Think of them as small family-run hotels set right in the mountains. These people are nice, and they know exactly what weary hikers need. After a long day of walking, you'll be more than ready for a comfy bed with thick blankets and some nice hot food and warmth after coldness with tiredness!
Most teahouses have shared toilet facilities, but big villages like Samagaun and Lho have some with private bathrooms just for you. Some even have the most amazing hot showers, and having that just after more days of walking would feel so good. It might even have Wi-Fi to share, a home, and charging points for your phone. You will pay extra for these facilities sometimes, but it's worth it. Some people bring tents and camp outdoors. Sounds fun, right? But most of the trekkers usually choose teahouses because they are warmer and so much more comfortable. Plus, you will get to experience meeting local families and fellow hikers.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous and wilderness hike within the special restricted area of the Manaslu Region. You will walk around Mount Manaslu, which is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trail measures about 180 kilometers, which seems a lot, but you take it slow, day by day. You'll be passing tiny villages where folks would wave to you and smile at you in return. Then you'll be crossing a very high pass called Larkya La Pass, which is at an elevation of 5,135 meters.
Considering the Trek to Manaslu but with the assurance of where you'll sleep each night? Here's everything you need to equip yourself with for a confirmed cozy stay while on this mountain adventure. Find the best tea houses and lodges along the Manaslu Circuit Trek by getting insider tips, tricks, and recommendations for comfortable stays with top amenities to enhance and ease your expedition with our comprehensive guidance.
Types of Accommodation during the Manaslu Trek
So, you have three options in the matter of Manaslu Circuit Lodging options, and each gives you a different kind of experience and has its pros. So, we will give you the options and you can decide whichever sounds best for your adventure!
Tea Houses
Tea houses are like small-scale family hotels in the mountains. They are run by local people, and they really know how to take care of hikers like you! These establishments began to pop up everywhere after 2015, making the trek so much easier. Before that, everyone carried tents. You'll get a small room with a basic bed and a warm blanket. And the coolest thing? You do not have to make your own meals! Hearty meals warm the soul, especially when you feel cold and starving.
Dining area of Manaslu Circuit Tea house
Most tea shops have a large common room with a fire on which everyone is seated together. Here you'll get to meet other hikers from around the globe and share stories about your day; in an instant, you have made some very good friends! Bathrooms are generally shared, and that's absolutely fine as it is part of the adventure in the remote land. Tea houses in Manaslu Circuit are friendly, cozy, and a great way to meet other trekkers and learn closely about local life.
Lodges
Think of lodges as high-end tea houses. They're countryside hotels in all ways, bigger and offering comparatively comfortable accommodation. You'll find these mainly in big villages that have a lot of tourist traffic. And good news is that you don't have to share your bathroom because most offer private bathrooms. Some lodges provide hot water on demand and some provide constant hot water if you want to take a quick shower after a long day of walking. The beds practically supply comfort with thick mattresses and fluffy blankets.
The rooms in every stopping point that you stop by during the Manaslu Trek usually have electricity and Wi-Fi, good enough to put your phone on charge and even a surprise video call home. They also offer private rooms and some extra services, like oxygen support for higher altitudes. The food menu certainly has more selections with local and international dishes to pick from. Of course, all these extras do come with a little price hike than teahouses. But after all that trekking during a cold mountain day, a hot shower and a soft bed somehow become priceless!
Camping
Camping means sleeping in your tent under the stars. That's the very old manner of doing the Manaslu Region trek, and these are still pretty amazing if one is up for it! You need to bring your tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, or hire a trekking company to arrange all the stuff for you. The beauty of camping is that you can just find a place that is safe and flat from any location you fancy for that night. Sometimes you're all set to camp right beside an enchanting lake or in a meadow full of flowers. You get to see the most breathtaking night sky with stars shining so brightly in the mountains! It'll also save some money because there is no charge for a room.
On the other hand, it's a whole lot more work. The nights can get cold, especially up in the height. You have to pitch your tent or set it up every day, cook your meals, and get the whole system packed back again in the morning. If it begins to rain or snow in the mountains, you will be drenched to the skin and extremely uncomfortable. No showers, no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and your bathroom is nature. Tea houses most probably win today for ease and warmth, but if you are into that sort of thing, bonfire camping during the Manaslu Trek can be a cool adventure!
Accommodation Options and Popular Stops Along the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Soti Khola: The Old Starting Place
Where all commence the Manaslu expedition used to commence, Soti Khola, but a bit of change has crept in now. The concern is a village sitting beside a rushing river, whose waters can be heard all through the night! It's very relaxing. The place is still paradise with green hills all around.
Although the majority no longer start at Soti Khola, some trekkers still decide to do so since it affords them a bit more time to get used to walking with heavy backpacks. The tea houses are basic yet comfortable, and local families are incredibly warm in their welcome. They are not used to massive tourists, so their excitement grows whenever hikers show up! Food is simply basic, and rice, dal, and vegetables, probably grown right in their gardens. Starting here means getting to see some parts of the lower Manaslu region and forest areas before the high mountains. It's actually like catching a glimpse of what's next awaiting you on your big adventure!
Maccha Khola: First Starting Point
Maccha Khola is mostly the first point of start for the Manaslu trek, and you can surely tell why! The village is just beside the Budhi Gandaki River, and the roar of rushing water fills the air. The tea houses are well equipped for trekkers since many pass here each season. You will find clean lodging, pretty good food, and friendly owners with some knowledge of English. The village is not too big, but it has everything you need to get on your journey. Last-minute urgent supplies can be bought here: snack bars, batteries, or even trekking poles in case you failed to pick one up. The altitude here is rather in the lower ranges, so mountain sickness will not bother you yet. It's a nice little cabin to share your first mountain dinner with your fellow hikers who are also commencing the same journey. The village is listed in all our Manaslu trek packages, from a short Manaslu Circuit Trek all the way up to the extendedManaslu Tsum Valley Trek, giving you a perfect base for before the trek starts.
Jagat: First Lodging Stop Within Restricted Area
Now, isn't this an interesting one? Jagat is situated inside the Manaslu restricted area, making it the very first stop in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, so here is the place where your special permits will be shown. Don't worry, your guide will walk you through the entire paperwork process. Entering this special zone feels very official and important. This quaint little town has stone houses and narrow lanes for roads. The tea houses are wonderful because they know tired walkers need a good rest here after their first day of serious mountain walking! The food is great; they make incredible soups that are just perfect after the chill of walking all day. The village lies across the hillside, letting you soak in your first true mountain views. The locals around here are well-experienced folks, typically seen checking permits and helping confused trekkers with the next steps to take. Consider it an official welcome to the true Manaslu expedition!
Deng: Warm Hospitality Of Gurung With Sringi Himal View
Deng is where you'll find some of the warmest and friendliest people throughout the trek! The Gurung people who live here are known to be extremely welcoming to tourists as they smile and wave at you as if you've been friends for years, and they just met you. From Deng, you can get the first grand view of the Sringi Himal mountain (7,161m). This huge white snowy peak looks like it has been painted against the blue sky. The tea houses in this area feel more like staying with a family than a hotel.
The owners will sit and chat with you, maybe even teach you a few words in their language, and make sure your hunger never gets the better of you. They really do cherish their mountains and love sharing stories about life up here. A tiny village offers a small, peaceful ambiance with prayer flags fluttering in the winds. I can just guarantee you that you will sleep quite well here with the fresh but not-so-thin air, and the people will make you feel very safe and welcome.
Namrung: Popular Accommodation Stop With The Best Facilities
Namrung is considered the most luxurious accommodation stop en route to Manaslu! This village has the utmost facilities one could have on the entire route. After days of pretty basic tea houses, Namrung feels like real luxury. Many trekkers plan to stay here an extra night just to indulge in its pleasures. There are tea houses with private bathrooms and hot showers that actually work, and some even have Wi-Fi! The beds themselves are thickly laid with two-inch mattresses and warm blankets.
Food is more varied than in other places as you may even find a pizza or burger with your usual rice and noodles! The village itself is bigger than most stops, so you can take a nice walk and go exploring. There are some shops for souvenirs, or if you need some extra gear.
Lho Village: Nearby Monastery
Lho Village is a remote settlement in the Nubri Valley with a wonderful monastery situated quite near! You hear monks chanting, and see prayer flags in all directions. The ambience is so calm, spiritual, and surreal! The most famous monastery would be the Rachen Gompa that sits on a hilltop about a 30-minute walk from the village center. And the village is set just perfectly there with incomparable views of the mountain all around. The tea-houses are quite simple and clean, and their owners are very calm and patient, perhaps because of their proximity to the monastery! One can visit the monastery and walk away after watching the monks perform their daily prayers in red robes, chanting through the deep tones that bounce off the walls of the structure. Lho Village showcases some vibrant festivals and thus offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Nubri people living in this faraway Himalayan paradise in simple contentment.
Samdo And Samagaun: Famous Acclimatization Stops
These villages of Sama Gaon and Samdo are a crucial stop on your trek to Manaslu! Your body will be given some extra time to begin adjusting to the thin air at this altitude, so the general stay is for two or three days. The entire Samagaun is fascinating because it's located at the very foot of Mount Manaslu. Can you imagine getting up in the morning and seeing a colossal mountain through your window? There are various exciting day trips one could take from here; for instance, hiking to Manaslu Base Camp so that you can stand face with the giant mountain, or to Birendra Lake, which is a beautiful blue lake, smooth as glass.
Then Pungen Gompa is another spot bit older, that makes for calm and peaceful viewing. Samdo offers brilliant views as well as you can climb up Samdo Ri hill or head toward the Tibet border or Rui La Pass! These small hikes help strengthen your body for the big one coming up to Larke La Pass. The villages are rather small but quite friendly, and they all certainly know you're gearing up for the hardest part of your adventure!
Dharmasala: Prominent View Of Mt. Manaslu With Limited Facilities
Dharmasala is the final stop before the big challenge, the crossing of the Larke Pass! This gives you the best view of Mount Manaslu you can get along the trek. The mountain is so huge and so close that you just want to stretch out your hands and reach. Facilities here are very basic given this place's height and remoteness. The tea houses are very simple; food choices are very limited, and everything feels a bit rough. There are no hot showers and fancy meals but then you shall not care very much about those as excitement with nervousness shall fill your mind about the big pass crossing tomorrow! At such an altitude, you are bound to feel your spirits tire or even get a headache. Most people will be off to bed early since a very early get-up time awaits them for the pass crossing, sometimes at three or four in the morning! Cold, the basic, challenging, and unforgettably exciting!
Dharapani: Last Stoping Point
You have made it to Dharapani, the last stop along the incredible Manaslu round trek! By the time you reach this point, you may well feel like a different person. Crossing the highest pass, witnessing great mountains, and trekking through some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Dharapani kind of feels like coming back to civilization after being in the mountains for days away from the world. The tea houses here are relatively more comfortable, and you may even find foods you hadn't seen for days, perhaps some fresh vegetables or fruit! Your body will feel so relieved being at a lower elevation and getting used to easy breathing again. This is where the majority of trekkers enjoy their success with a fat dinner accompanied by some local drinks if they can get them. The village is connected to the road system, so you may very well see cars and motorcycles. It is a perfect spot to celebrate the completion of the trek and indulge in some great, well-earned relaxation before heading home.
Consider your lodge and accommodation bookings sorted with Destination Himalaya Trek and Expedition! Our most knowledgeable team of best tea house and lodge owners will ensure you have a comfy place to sleep for every single night of your adventure.
Accommodation Before and After the Trek
The needed accommodations in the big cities cater to the mountain experience, both up and down the Manaslu trekking route. Let me take you through some of the best spots for chilling, planning your ascent, and celebrating the grandeur of the trek!
In Pokhara
Nearer to all the best treks that Nepal has to offer, there is no better way to end your Manaslu Trek than Pokhara. From gear shops to cozy hotels and down to fine-dining restaurants, this lakeside city has it all. Probably, you'll stay a couple of nights post-trek for celebrations. A ton of hotels cater to all budgets here. You could go all out for a hotel that has a swimming pool and spa or lighten that budget with a guesthouse, neat and simple. Most places have hot showers, Wi-Fi, and soft beds, things you will miss dearly when on the trail! The waterside area has eateries serving from local Nepali food to pizazz with pizza and burgers.. You can also buy any last-minute trekking gear you forgot to bring. It's the perfect place to relax, meet other trekkers.
In Kathmandu
The capital and a busy city of Nepal, where most flights land before one sets out on a trek. This mad, crazy, colorful town is dotted with temples, markets, and friendly folks. The city boasts hotels to suit every budget-from swank international five-star brands to affordable guesthouses favored by backpackers. Post your hard trek, and you want everything to be really luxurious, there are hotels with beautiful gardens, snazzy restaurants, and swimming pools. If you are on a budget, the clean, basic guesthouses in Thamel are just perfect for trekkers. Thamel is the tourist zone where you will get everything you need, trekking gear shops, restaurants serving international cuisine, and internet cafes to upload all those fabulous mountain pictures. It is the best area from which to wind down your awesome mountain adventure!
Facilities And Amenities In Manaslu Trekking Lodges
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Most of the lodges in the Manaslu region do offer wifi and charging points for your phone! Wifi is generally very good in the relatively bigger villages like Samagaun and Namrung. Charging stations are provided but electricity might be scarce in the higher altitudes and more remote areas; a power bank is a very good idea to carry to keep your devices charged, especially during the high season.
Hot Shower And Heating Availability
The lodges have hot showers during the high season when there are more trekkers. The water is heated using solar power or gas, and a small fee is charged; the thought of warm showers will be very welcome as you walk for weeks in the mountains!
Private And Shared Bathrooms
Depending on the lodge and the Manaslu Trek package you book, you might find either a room with a bathroom attached or a shared one. The rooms with attached bathrooms are a hit in the peak season, so better to do your booking early. In Dharmasala and other remote areas, you might be asked to share both the room and the bathroom.
Dining Area And Food Options
All tea houses have a dining area where the trekkers eat and relax. You can eat local foods like dal bhat, noodles, and soups. Some places on the Manaslu Circuit Trek have an option for Western foods. The meals are heavy enough to keep you going at altitude.
Bedding Options
Most lodges have a pair of beds with clean sheets and warm blankets. Because of high demand, a shared room might be an option during peak season. Carrying a good sleeping bag is always advised, for extra warmth in higher altitudes or if you have to find a place to stay somewhere far off.
Camping Vs Tea House Accommodation: What Sets Them Apart?
The choice of a tea house or camping comes with its own style and adventure after trekking in the Manaslu region. Let’s get into what sets the two apart.
Pros and Cons
Tea Houses are little lodges placed in villages such as Sama Gaun, Maccha Khola, and Soti Khola on the trekking route. They offer a warm bed, wi-fi and a hot shower (sometimes for a price), and a cozy dining room. The issue with tea houses is that very lightweight gear needs to be carried along, like clothes and a sleeping bag. There is some interaction with the locals and fellow trekkers as you enjoy local food. Peaks sometimes cause pressures, and you may either have to share rooms or find accommodations in crowded villages.
Camping is sleeping in tents, most preferably in some remote areas or at a higher altitude where no tea houses can be found. You get to enjoy nature with some privacy. Camping is for the adventurous and lets you visit those off-the-beaten-track sites. The downside is that you probably need a porting team to carry along the tents, food, and cooking equipment. Nights will be cold, and you will miss the luxury of drinking in a warm dining room or sleeping in a room with an attached bathroom.
Cost Difference
Affordable lodging for trekkers in the Manaslu region consists of tea houses. Staying in tea houses costs around USD 25-40 a day, including meals and a room. Along with the Manaslu Circuit Budget Trekpackage, the total cost for the entire trek is estimated at USD 900-1,200. Camping costs USD 50-80 per day plus the fees of an additional porter, guides, camping gear, and food. Camping is best suited to groups or anyone seeking an adventure rarely shared and is not so budget-friendly compared to tea houses.
Challenges
During the peak season, tea houses may be short of accommodations. So, sharing a room or sleeping in the common area might become necessary. In some tea houses, there might not be wi-fi or a hot shower available, especially those at higher altitudes or in remote villages. You may also face altitude sickness, so stopovers for acclimatization in places like Sama Gaun are essential.
When camping, challenges are different as you have to find a secure, flat spot to pitch your tent every night. The fast-changing mountain weather can become complex for camping high up or in bad weather. You will also require a warm sleeping bag and power banks to charge all your gadgets, as there are no charging points anywhere around. Supplement this with having to cook all your meals from the food you carry, and things can get a little tricky when it comes to long treks like the Manaslu Trek.
How Cost vary according To The Accommodation During the trek to Manaslu Circuit?
Price Range For Teahouses And Lodges
Basic teahouses on the Manaslu Region Trek charge between USD 5 and USD 10 for a room having shared bathroom facilities. Mid-range lodges with attached bathrooms may demand USD 10-15, and comfortable ones with hot showers between USD 15 and 25. These are all price considerations at lofty altitudes such as Samagaun or Dharmasala, where prices hike up on account of limited access and supplies.
Extra Charges For Amenities
Extra fees are usually charged for the facilities of a hot shower, wi-fi, and device charging in many tea houses. A hot shower would cost anywhere from USD 2 to USD 5 per use, wi-fi is charged by the hour and goes for USD 1-5, and charging your phone costs about USD 1-3. Of course, these factors vary according to where one goes and tend to be higher in any remote or high-altitude village.
Extra Charge For Beverages
Beverages like tea, coffee, or bottled water are usually charged outside the price of the room. The price varies between USD 1-3 per drink and goes up with altitude. Soft drinks and special drinks cost a bit extra, especially around popular stops like Samagaun or Namrung.
Budgeting Tips For Accommodation
Opt for tea houses rather than camping for money-saving accommodations, with tea house rooms priced at about USD 5–10 per night.
Make sure to eat at the very same tea house where you stay, as they may offer discounted room rates for diners.
Travel off-season to find inexpensive rooms, sometimes hitting the price as low as USD 5 at the lower elevation.
Share rooms with other trekkers to save money during busy times.
Bring your own sleeping bag to avoid being charged for extra blankets in high altitudes.
Avoid paying for wi-fi, hot showers, and charging stations by bringing power banks.
Extra Packing List For Comfort And Ease
A warm sleeping bag is required to remain comfortable during cold nights inside tea houses not fitted with heaters.
A power bank to keep your phone or camera powered when there's limited electricity.
Fast-dry clothes and several layers for adaptation to temperature changes.
Headlamp or flashlight since some rooms could be without electricity.
Basic toiletries, maybe wet wipes and hand sanitizer as not all tea houses have proper facilities.
Reusable water bottle with a filter for safe hydration which you can refill in the teahouses.
Good trekking boots and warm socks to make for comfortable days on rough trails.
Booking In Advance Vs On Spot: How Does It Matter?
The Manaslu trek accommodation must be booked well in advance during the peak season as lodges and teahouses fill very fast along the route. Early booking will result in getting a comfortable room with all the facilities like a hot shower and Wi-Fi, giving you more time to relax after a tiring day of trekking instead of looking for accommodation; many trekking agencies offer early bird discounts, and among those, you might get up to 15% before 6-12 months. Conversely, last-minute or on-the-spot bookings will be more of a gamble as you may or may not get rooms, prices are high, and few choices exist for you to consider. Most last-minute booking places will ask you to deposit full payment upfront and even then cannot guarantee availability.
Final Say: Conclusion
So now you have the detailed information on accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit! Depending on whether you prefer cozy little tea houses with hot showers and charming local people, or camping outdoors for the whole night under the glorious stars, every trekker can pick according to their liking. Do take into account that booking in advance avoids all kinds of stress and expenses, especially around peak season. So is that the green light for you to explore the magnificent Manaslu region? Destination Himalaya Treks is ready to assist in planning a perfect trip for you with amazing package deals. If you want any further info, feel free to WhatsApp or directly call at +977 9851016814 or just email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com, anytime, feel free to contact us!
There aren't any heaters or heating facilities in the bedrooms in the teahouses since it is a remote area. The dining halls have stoves or heating arrangements to keep the place warm. Bedding consists of mattresses, pillows, and blankets, but the blankets may not be sufficient to keep one warm through cold nights.
Can I get private rooms?
In many a teahouse, private rooms can be found, especially at lower altitudes and larger villages like Jagat, Namrung, and Samagaun. However, at higher altitudes, rooms might be dormitory-style or shared, for there are fewer facilities to indulge one with a private room.
Are electric sockets available in the rooms?
Electricity is available in most villages along the Manaslu trek. Some teahouses may have electric sockets in their rooms or common areas, but this is almost always limited at higher altitudes. Most places charge a small fee for the use of their sockets.
Is camping an option during the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Camping is possible but less common in the Manaslu Region. It needs you to bring your equipment, as well as hiring staff for cooking and carrying of equipment.
Should I make pre-bookings at the hotel in the Manaslu Region?
Booking depends on the season. It is better to book beforehand during peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn) so as to secure better availability and choice. In the off-season, accommodation can be found easily on the spot, but note that some teahouses might be closed in winter.
Do lodging and accommodation facilities remain the same for every Manaslu Region Trek?
The lower villages with a higher tourist influx offer higher facilities of private rooms and hot showers, while the upper and remote areas provide those basic tea houses with shared bathrooms that seem to have very few services. In comparison, the Tsum Valley Trek has somewhat more remote and simpler facilities than standard Manaslu Treks.
