Accommodation at the Manaslu Trek: Teahouses & Lodges

The most important part while planning to trek in Nepal is to know about the accommodation. If you plan to trek to the Manaslu Circuit, you have to know about the accommodation and the facilities they provide. Do not worry while it is not five star hotels, you will find the teahouses to be basic and quite comfortable. Each teahouse is run by a family and usually, they provide a warm bed, simple meals, and a cozy room to settle in after a long day of walking. A good number of the teahouses provide twin room accommodation, shared bathrooms, and meals such as dal bhat and noodles, and some places even provide hot showers and charging for a small fee. There are no hotels in this part of the world, however in this case, what you get is amazing hospitality and a breathtaking view of the mountains with plenty of tranquility. This is the part of trekking there which is incredibly simple, humble and unforgettable.

What Kind of Accommodation is Available on the Manaslu Trek?

There will be no hotels or resorts while trekking the Manaslu Circuit, but you will find a good various cozy teahouses and small lodges throughout the trek. These teahouses basically runned by the local families that provide basic facilities in warm surroundings to trekkers after long days of trekking. The facilities are basic, but they are more than enough to provide comfort.

Teahouses: Like in the previous trekking regions, the accommodation provided during the trek are simple, small, and modestly priced teahouses and run by local families. Most teahouses have rooms with twin bedded accommodation, all having flimsy walls and shared toilet and Bath facilities. There is little in the way of comfort as you will get a warm bed, hot meals, and friendly service.

A Few Bigger Lodges: In larger villages like Samagaun or Namrung, you’ll find slightly better lodges. Some may offer hot showers, attached toilets, or a wider food menu. These are still simple but feel a bit more comfortable after a tough day on the trail.

What to Expect in a Teahouse?

Teahouses are the main type of accommodation on the Manaslu Trek. They’re not fancy, but they’re welcoming, warm, and built to give trekkers a good place to rest. Each teahouse is unique but most offer the following basics, a bed, food and a common area. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Rooms

Most teahouses are cozy but the rooms can be basic. Most come with two individual beds, a light blanket, mat, and simple pillow. Walls are often wooden and not very thick. Because of this, the altitude may cause the rooms to become very cold. For this reason, warmer and comfortable items are encouraged.

2. Dinning area

Every teahouse offers a central dining area and, along with the rooms, is often the warmest in the building. A stove or fire is typically in the center of the room to warm the area. Meals are also served in this area along with complimentary tea, and during mealtimes, trekkers socialize. At the end of the day, everyone is exhausted but has stories to tell and it is a great time to relax.

3. The toilets

The toilets are often shared and are either in the main building or just outside it. In the teahouse, you may find either a sit-down or a squat toilet. The level of hygiene is not uniform, but the majority of the places try to maintain a basic standard of cleanliness.

4. Showers

Usually, you can get hot baths though it is in the mountains it can be just below chilly which makes the first a welcoming reward. Hot water is often heated using solar power or gas, so it’s not always available all day. It is best to ask when you arrive.

Food and Drink in Teahouses

Teahouses along the Manaslu Trek serve trekkers warm and filling meals that are perfect after a long day on the trail. The most common dish is Dal Bhat which is a traditional Nepali meal made of rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetables. Most satisfying meal is definitely the rice and lentil soup are bottomless, which is extremely exciting when starving.

There is a sizable selection of simple Western food available at numerous teahouses, which include fried rice, pasta, pancakes, eggs, noodles, and soup. It isn’t a particularly extensive list, though the food is freshly prepared and thoughtfully presented. Though nobody would claim that the offerings are gourmet, there is always a warm and satisfying meal at the end of a day of hiking.

Keeping hydrated is important during the walk but often clean water is not free. Most teahouses sell bottled water, but it gets more expensive as you go higher. To save money and reduce plastic waste, many trekkers bring a water filter or purification tablets. You can refill your bottle from taps or streams and clean it yourself. You can also get boiled water at some teahouses which can cost you little. We recommend you to carry a reusable bottle and water purifier which is both the safe and most eco-friendly option.

Cost of Accommodation

Rooms on the Manaslu Trek are usually very cheap, and in some places, the room might even be free if you eat your meals there. The rooms in lower altitude teahouses will cost your around $5–$10 per night, whereas in higher altitude teahouses, it can cost around $10–20 er nigh. Most teahouses earn most of their income from food and not from rooms. However, by charging additional services like hot showers, WiFi, or phone charging, they may quit usually small income. It is best to have small denominations of Nepali rupees. It is a good idea to carry small Nepali rupee notes, as most places don’t have change or accept cards.

Best Places to Stay on the Trek

Some of the villages along the Manaslu Circuit have better tea houses that gives you more scenic view and overall a more comfortable stay. Here are a few of the more popular and recommended ones:

1. Namrung:

With stunning views of the mountains, Namrung is a charming village. On the trek, you will find some of the more pleasant tea houses here with comfortable accommodations, tasty meals, and some places have even provided a hot shower. It is the final destination for many travelers setting out from high Namrung, allowing for a final chance to rest and take in the sleepy surrounding hills before making the climb to altitude.

2. Samagaun

Samagaun is a key rest point of the Manaslu Trek. Travelers will find a larger settlement with a big concentration of tea houses, making it easier to find a pleasant and spacious resting place. Many trekkers especially acclimate here before going for Larke Le pass. The tourists will have the chance to explore the village and even trek to Manaslu Base Camp.

3. Lho and Sho:

Lho and Sho are tranquil yet scenic small villages where you will find undisturbed rest. Lho is popular amongst trekkers for a stunning view of the Manaslu Range along a picturesque monastery. Both spots are equipped with basic, yet clean, tea houses to spend the night in. You can enjoy the night at peaceful surrounding after long trekking days.

Tips for a Comfortable Stay

Staying in teahouses during the Manaslu Trek has its own glitch. These are run by local families who try their best to make epitome of hospitality. Here are some tips for your trek to Manaslu that will make your stay more enjoyable:

• A sleeping bag is highly recommended for every hiker, as blankets provided in the teahouses can be very thin and will leave you cold at the higher altitudes.
• For trekkers planning to hike in April and October, ensure you book your lodgings in advance as these two months are particularly busy and rooms are snatched up very quickly.
• Do not forget to show appreciation to the teahouse owners as not only are these family businesses, but a warm smile along with basic words of appreciation can truly make a difference.
• Bring along small notes of the Nepali rupee, as most teahouses do not offer change which can facilitate paying for your accommodation and food.

FAQs

What kind of rooms do teahouses have?
Most teahouses offer very basic rooms with simple beds and a shared bathroom with other rooms. While clean, these rooms are basic and meant for resting after a long day.

Do I need to book rooms in advance?
Originally, during October and April, it is recommended to book as far in advance as possible or to show up early in order to secure a good room because teahouses can fill up very quickly.

Is hot water for showers ?

Yes, you can get hot showers but it can cost you extra, while cold showers are free of charge in most situations.

Can I find food easily at teahouses?

Yes, teahouses serve local meals like Dal Bhat and also simple Western dishes like noodles and pancakes.

Is Wi-Fi available on the trek?
Wi-Fi is limited and usually available only in bigger villages for a small fee. Don’t expect strong or fast connections in remote areas.