Are you dreaming of an epic trip to the majestic Manaslu region? Once you get planning, the most important thing to consider is your accommodation on the Manaslu circuit trek. The Manaslu Circuit trek is a restricted area trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area, providing you with a combination of cultural experience and wilderness face-to-face with the mountains, and understanding the options for accommodation, or lodging, is a key component to having a successful trip.
The Manaslu Trek will take you through remote villages where teahouse accommodations will offer the most authentic mountain hospitality. There is the option to camp or stay in mountain lodges, but teahouses will offer the best solution for affordability, comfort, and culture.
The general accommodation structure along the Manaslu Circuit trek has improved a lot in recent years and continues to offer different accommodations, from basic teahouses to more comfortable mountain lodges. No matter if you are looking for a budget stay or a more luxurious mountain stay, the Manaslu trek accommodation sector can cater to a variety of trekking lodgers at all ends of the spectrum.
Stone teahouse buildings in high-altitude Manaslu village at dusk.
Accommodation Options for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Teahouse Accommodation
Teahouse accommodation on the Manaslu trek provides the basis for the type of lodging around the whole circuit. These family-run facilities provide satisfactory cultural experiences in addition to a basic level of comfort for tired trekkers. Almost all teahouses have simple dormitory rooms for multiple guests (with similar limited bedding). They have a common dining area and share bathroom facilities with the other guests.
Teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit are dresser, like two or three-story structures made of local stone or timber. In my experience, the kitchen and dining area are usually downstairs, with the guest rooms upstairs. All of the teahouses serve as social places for trekkers on the trail to interact with both locals and fellow trekkers.
Lodge Accommodation
Higher quality lodges contain slightly more comfort with a private room, private bathroom, and possibly better heating. You'll see these lodges in bigger villages like Samagaon and Samdo, where infrastructure development allows for such services.
Camping Options
Trekkers camping with orange tents in Manaslu region.
For the ultimate wilderness experience in Nepal, camping remains an option, although it is more limited, particularly in high elevation areas of the country where accommodations become few and far between during the Manaslu circuit trek. Nevertheless, camping requires special permits and the expertise of experienced guides who know where to camp.
Elevation-wise Accommodation During the Trek to Manaslu
In terms of lodging, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has vastly different options with altitude, and the changing pace of the group regarding altitude. The standard of accommodation at lower elevations will be much more comfortable, as well as offer more amenities( western toilets, hot showers, etc) as the group acclimatizes to higher altitudes continuously on the journey. As trekkers attain greater altitude, they will experience lodgings that provide basic shelter and warmth from increasingly adverse climbing weather conditions.
Soti Khola to Jagat (1,400m - 2,130m)
Soti Khola (700m / 2,297 feet) Soti Khola is the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, with the most comfortable lodgings on the entire trek. The teahouses provide basic, comfortable lodgings with shared bathrooms, so expect to share a bathroom with 3-4 other trekkers. The dining area is communal (which I appreciate), and a few teahouses offer private rooms with better facilities, including the option of hot showers. There are a few mid-range lodges with more comfortable bedding (e.g., spring mattresses) and sometimes with attached bathrooms. The village is relaxed, situated along the Budhi Gandaki River, and after our first day of trekking, I can think of no better place to rest my head for the first night.
Machha Khola (930m / 3,051 feet), meaning "Fish River," Machha Khola offers a mix of teahouses and basic lodges, which allows trekkers a variety of options for comfortable resting places for the first day's journey. Basic lodging does offer a shared conjoining bathroom and a shared conjoining dining area where you gather with other trekkers to have meals and socialize with each other's adventures. Some teahouses offer rooms with better bedding, offer hot shower facilities, and sometimes you find a great place on the riverside with great views of the rushing Budhi Gandaki River and terraced hillsides.
Jagat (1,340m / 4,396ft) Jagat is an important checkpoint village with different accommodation options from basic teahouses to somewhat nicer lodges.
Teahouses offer basic accommodations, including shared bathrooms and communal dining areas. Some places offer private rooms with slightly improved facilities to include hot water. Electric lighting from micro-hydro power systems is available, and it is a good location to experience aspects of Gurung local culture and traditional mountain hospitality.
Deng to Lho (2,500m - 3,180m)
Deng (1,804m / 5,919 feet) marks the beginning of the transition into the top half of the Budhi Gandaki valley, and accommodation is starting to reflect the altitude.
Deng teahouses will have the most basic but warm accommodation, shared bathroom facilities, and communal areas warmed by wood-burning stoves. Deng is a good place to appreciate the culturally authentic, traditional stone houses and meet people in their communities. Basic meals can be purchased nearby, but options are limited due to the remoteness of the area.
Namrung (2,630m / 8,628 feet) Namrung has some of the best accommodation experiences compared to other teahouses in the Manaslu circuit trek at this mid-altitude range, and any experiences there are often stormy. The sleep experience includes traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture and cultural immersion.
The teahouses in Namrung will have generally improved insulation made for colder temperatures, and will have solar-powered lighting systems if it is available. The Tibetan-style architecture often provides unique cultural experiences, and many lodges in the area provide amazing views of the Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal ranges. Hot shower facilities may also be available for an extra charge, and communal dining areas where guests can meet will lead to cultural exchange.
Lho (3,180m / 10,433 ft) Lho has an old monastery and traditional Tibetan culture all around it, with accommodation that is nice and comfortable for the high-altitude experience.
In terms of accommodation, the village does offer basic teahouse (foods and drinks at lodging), with shared facilities, once again basic, with a focus on warmth and essentials. Some lodges carry slightly better amenities like sporadic hot water, or a bit better bedding and pillows. The landscape is dramatic and is home to incredible views of the Manaslu North Face, while the ancient Ribung Gompa monastery also adds a cultural depth to the accommodation experience.
Samagaon to Dharamsala (3,530m - 4,460m)
Mountain village with teahouses and lodges against Himalayan backdrop.
Samagaon (3,530m / 11,581 feet) Samagaon is an important acclimatization stop, and has provided the most range of options for accommodation at altitude, ranging from the very basic teahouses, all the way through to relatively comfortable mountain lodges.
The basic teahouse accommodation features shared facilities, but with a general focus on providing some warmth with yak dung or wood-burning stoves. Some of the mid-range lodges offer better comfort, with improved insulation and sometimes, private bathroom facilities. The village offers stunning close-up views of the Manaslu massif. The lodges usually offer opportunities to explore the ancient monastery and learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Samdo (3875m / 12,713 feet) Samdo provides very basic accommodation, even more so than Samagaon, indicative of a high-altitude challenge, and of its position as essentially a traditional Tibetan trading village.
Teahouses and a few basic lodges providing simple rooms with shared facilities are generally what visitors can expect, principally for shelter and warmth, and survival, in those extremely remote mountain conditions. Facilities are minimal due to the altitude. Basic meals are available, and heating is from yak dung stoves. The views from the accommodation are spectacular, looking out onto the Tibetan plateau, and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional high-altitude lifestyle.
Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m / 14,633 feet) Dharamsala is the last sleeping point on the way to cross the steep and challenging Larkya La Pass, offering very basic accommodation due to the altitude and exposure.
Accommodation in Dharamsala is very basic, with just basic stone structures and teahouses providing the minimum warmth and protection from the elements. Accommodation is often a shared dormitory-style, with everything being shared and limited due to space and extreme conditions. Just like living at this altitude means you will receive basic meals, very basic comfort "amenities," heating from yak dung fires, and very few options, you will be looking for accommodation and probably escaping from the elements before battling the major obstacle of the pass.
Accommodation at altitude and in extremis is concerned with meeting the basic needs for survival, to focus on preparing trekkers for the challenging crossing ahead, by taking in the amazing vista of the surrounding peaks and the glaciers.
When it comes to accommodation availability around the Manaslu Circuit trek, there are significant variations based on trekking seasons and group sizes. During peak trekking seasons (September-November and March-May), occupancy rates are higher, so booking in advance with trekking agencies is recommended.
Basic Facilities
Standard facilities across most accommodations include:
Twin beds with pillows and blankets.
Shared dining areas offer both local and international cuisine.
Charging facilities for electronic devices (solar or generator-powered).
Basic toilets (ranging from Western-style to traditional squat toilets).
Heating and Electricity
Commonly, teahouses have communal heating for dining rooms using wood-burning stoves or yak dung fires. Private rooms are typically not heated, so a good sleeping bag is often required. Electricity can be available through either a solar panel, micro-hydro, or a generator, with charging usually for a fee.
Food and Dining
Dining and food offerings include a mix of local Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, as well as global dishes. The menus often include items such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), momo (dumplings), noodle soup, and vegetarian options.
Cost of Accommodation During the Manaslu Circuit Hike
The price for accommodation on the Manaslu circuit varies quite a lot depending on the elevation, whether it has a facility like a bathroom or shower, and how many amenities it offers. Generally speaking, the cost goes up as the elevation rises because transporting the accommodations and the limited options for infrastructure contribute to the increased costs.
For budget accommodation, expect to pay between $5 and $15 per night for basic rooms with shared facilities. Mid-range accommodation that provides private rooms with some amenities falls into the range of $15 - $30 per night. High-end accommodation at places with more amenities falls into the range of $30 - $50+ per night. Costs can go up from there, especially at higher elevations, during peak trekking seasons, and during the spring and autumn.
Expect food costs to also increase with elevation. Food costs generally run $15-25 a day at lower elevations and $25-40 a day at higher altitudes. There are additional costs associated with services—such as hot showers ($3-5), charging devices ($1-3), using wi-fi ($2-5 per day), and extra blankets ($2-5)—at higher elevations, where it is more likely these resources are circumstantial.
Tips for Choosing the Best Accommodation during the Manaslu Trek
Research and plan for trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn).
Check Safety and cleanliness.
Check for additional Services and Facilities.
Consider Location and Accessibility.
Budget Considerations.
Environmental Considerations.
Trekking Guide Recommendations.
Before trekking to Manaslu, seek feedback and recommendations from previous travelers.
FAQs
Is booking necessary for Manaslu trek accommodation?
Yes, especially during peak trekking seasons. Booking through licensed trekking agencies ensures room availability and provides alternatives if primary accommodations are full.
What should I bring for a comfortable stay?
Essential items include:
Quality sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures
Personal pillow or inflatable pillow
Headlamp with extra batteries
Personal hygiene supplies
Water purification tablets or filters
Are there accommodation options for solo trekkers?
Accommodation during the Manaslu circuit trek welcomes solo travelers, though room sharing might be necessary during busy periods. Solo trekkers often find the communal atmosphere enriching for cultural exchange.
Traditional stone houses in Manaslu village with snow-capped peaks.
Bathroom standards vary significantly with altitude. Lower elevations offer better facilities, while higher altitudes may have basic pit toilets. Always carry personal toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Most teahouses accommodate vegetarian diets easily. Vegan, gluten-free, or other specific dietary requirements should be communicated in advance through your trekking agency.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fantastic adventure with breathtaking scenery, along with a personal experience of true mountain hospitality. Knowing Manaslu circuit trek accommodation options will help you have a more enjoyable experience.
With careful consideration of your Manaslu trek accommodation options, you can have a successful trekking experience. From teahouse accommodation on the Manaslu trek to mountain lodge accommodation, there are accommodation options for all types of budgets, depending on where you are trekking.
The memories you create and the local hospitality you are exposed to will be the treasured part of your Himalayan adventure.
Please feel free to contact us at Himalayan Recreation, if you have any questions or need further advice. We are here to assist you in any way throughout your journey!
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