If you have trekked in Nepal before, you already know the rhythm: walk for hours, arrive in a small mountain village, warm up by the stove, eat something filling, and sleep early. The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows that familiar trekking routine, but it also feels more raw and peaceful than the busier routes.
One day you are passing terraced fields and waterfalls in the lower Budhi Gandaki valley. A few days later, you are eating dinner in a stone village that looks and feels Tibetan, with prayer flags snapping in the wind. Your comfort on this trek depends heavily on three simple things: what you eat, what you drink, and where you sleep.
This guide breaks all of that down, so you know what to expect and how to stay comfortable from Machha Khola all the way to Larkya La Pass.
What food is like on the Manaslu Circuit?
Food on the Manaslu Circuit is mostly teahouse food. That means simple, hearty meals cooked in family-run lodges. The menu gets more limited as you gain altitude, but you can still eat well every day if you choose smartly.
The core meal: Dal Bhat (and why it is still the best)
Dal Bhat is the classic trekking meal in Nepal: rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, and sometimes pickles or chutney. Many teahouses offer refills (often called “unlimited” or “free refill”), which is a big reason trekkers love it.
On Manaslu, Dal Bhat is usually the safest choice because:
- It is freshly cooked and served hot
- It is high in carbs and calories for long trekking days
- It is easy to digest compared to heavier fried items
If you want one reliable rule for this trek, it is this: eat Dal Bhat more often as you go higher.
Breakfast options you will see often
Most teahouses serve similar breakfasts, especially from Jagat onward. Common options include:
- Tibetan bread (fried or baked), often with jam or honey
- Chapati or plain roti
- Porridge (oats, rice, or millet depending on the lodge)
- Eggs: boiled, omelet, or scrambled
- Pancakes (plain, apple, banana)
- Muesli or cornflakes (availability varies)
A simple and effective trekking breakfast is porridge plus an egg, with hot tea. It is steady energy and usually sits well at altitude.
Lunch on the trail
Lunch is normally eaten at a village you reach mid-day, depending on your itinerary. The safest and most practical lunch choices are:
- Dal Bhat
- Noodle soup (thukpa-style)
- Fried rice or veg rice
- Garlic soup (popular at altitude for hydration and appetite)
If you eat a big lunch, you can keep dinner lighter, which some people find helps sleep better at higher elevations.
Dinner in the teahouse
Dinner is usually the biggest social moment of the day: everyone gathers around the stove, charging devices if there is power, drying socks, and swapping pass information.
Typical dinner items include:
- Dal Bhat
- Thukpa (noodle soup)
- Momos (dumplings), more common in villages with Tibetan influence
- Pasta or macaroni (simple, sometimes with tomato sauce)
- Pizza (often “trekking pizza,” meaning bread with toppings)
- Potatoes in different forms: boiled, fried, mashed
At higher villages like Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), and Bhimthang, expect prices to rise and menus to shrink.
Snacks and extras
You will find basic snacks along the route, but do not rely on them like you might on Everest or Annapurna. Common items:
- Biscuits, noodles, chocolate bars
- Popcorn (sometimes)
- Tibetan butter tea in some places
- Local apple products in select areas, depending on season
If you have favorite energy bars, electrolyte mixes, or protein snacks, bring them from Kathmandu.
Drinks on the Manaslu Circuit (what to drink and what to avoid?)
Hydration is not optional on Manaslu. The walking days are long, the air gets dry, and altitude increases fluid loss even when you do not feel sweaty.
Water: how to get safe drinking water?
You have three main options:
- Boiled water from teahouses (common and convenient)
- Treated tap/spring water using purification tablets or drops
- Filter bottle or pump filter
Buying plastic bottled water is less common in remote sections and creates waste. Most trekkers either buy boiled water or treat local water.
Practical tip: ask for boiled water after dinner and again at breakfast. Keeping two bottles makes the day easier.
Tea and hot drinks
Tea is everywhere, and it is a big part of staying warm and comfortable. You will commonly see:
- Black tea
- Milk tea
- Lemon tea
- Ginger tea
- Masala tea (less common, but available in some lodges)
Hot lemon and ginger tea can feel great when you are cold, tired, or mildly nauseous at altitude.
Coffee
Instant coffee is available in many teahouses, but do not expect café quality. Also, too much caffeine can dehydrate you and affect sleep at altitude. If you love coffee, keep it moderate and earlier in the day.
Alcohol: best avoided (especially before the pass)
Some teahouses sell beer, rum, or local alcohol, but alcohol and altitude do not mix well. It can worsen dehydration, disrupt sleep, and make altitude symptoms harder to spot. If you want a celebratory drink, the safer time is after you cross Larkya La and descend, not the night before.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit (teahouses, rooms, and what it really feels like)
The Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek. You sleep in small lodges run by local families, and your comfort level changes as you go higher.
What a typical teahouse room includes?
Most rooms are simple:
- Two single beds (or one shared bed in a few places)
- A thin mattress
- A pillow and blanket (sometimes)
- Wooden walls, often with gaps that let cold air through at altitude
Do not expect heated rooms. The warmest place is usually the dining room, where the stove is.
Bathrooms and toilets
Bathroom conditions vary widely:
- Lower villages may have attached bathrooms in some lodges
- Higher villages often have shared bathrooms
- Toilets are often squat-style, sometimes Western-style in bigger villages
- Hot showers may exist, but are not reliable higher up
Many trekkers start skipping showers after Samagaun or Samdo. It is normal. Wet hair and cold air can make you miserable.
Health Tips for Altitude Trekking
When trekking at high altitudes like those found on the Manaslu Circuit, it's crucial to understand how to maintain your health. For instance, excessive caffeine intake can lead to dehydration which could potentially exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms. It's advisable to limit coffee consumption and avoid drinking it late in the day.
Moreover, alcohol should be consumed sparingly as it can worsen dehydration and disrupt sleep patterns. If you're considering enjoying a drink to celebrate reaching a milestone on your trek, it's better to wait until after you've crossed challenging passes like Larkya La.
For further insights into maintaining optimal health while trekking at high altitudes, including dietary recommendations and hydration strategies, refer to this comprehensive health guide.
Power, charging, and Wi-Fi
Expect the basics, not guarantees:
- Charging is often available for a fee, especially above Jagat
- Power may be solar and limited
- Wi-Fi is inconsistent and often slow when available
Bring a power bank. On a trek like Manaslu, it is one of the most useful items you can carry.
Sleeping warm: your sleeping bag matters
Even if the lodge provides blankets, a good sleeping bag makes a big difference, especially around Dharamsala and Bhimthang when nights are cold. It's advisable to invest in quality gear that suits extreme conditions, similar to what one would consider for a Denali expedition where specific gear and apparel are crucial.
A safe target for most trekkers is a bag rated around -10°C comfort (or similar), depending on season and personal tolerance.
How comfort changes by region?
A simple way to picture it:
- Lower section (Machha Khola to Jagat): warmer, basic lodges, more variety
- Mid section (Deng to Namrung to Lho): improving lodge quality, great cultural atmosphere
- High section (Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala): colder, simpler, more expensive, limited options
- After the pass (Bhimthang onward): comfort improves again as you descend
Costs: why prices rise as you go higher?
On Manaslu, almost everything is carried in by porters, mules, or trucks that only reach certain points. As you go higher, transport becomes harder. That is why:
- Meals cost more at altitude
- Hot showers and charging are usually paid extras
- “Luxury” items like chocolate and beer get expensive fast
A good strategy is to budget more for the high section, even if you are a light spender down low.
Why a good operator makes this easier?
Because Manaslu is a restricted area, you need permits and a licensed guide. Beyond permits, logistics matter more here than on crowded routes: teahouses can fill up, weather can shift quickly near Larkya La, and small planning mistakes can become uncomfortable.
A trusted local operator like Amazing Nepal Trek helps by arranging the route properly, managing accommodation bookings in peak season, and guiding you to the best choices for meals, pacing, and acclimatization. On a quieter trail like Manaslu, that local knowledge can be the difference between “survived it” and “loved it.”
FAQ: Food, Drinks, and Accommodation on Manaslu
Do teahouses provide vegetarian food?
Yes. Vegetarian meals are common, and many trekkers stick to vegetarian options at higher altitude for easier digestion.
Can I get vegan food on the Manaslu Circuit?
Sometimes, but it requires flexibility. Dal Bhat can often be made vegan (ask for no ghee, no egg). Carrying a few backup snacks helps.
Is drinking water easily available?
Yes, but it must be treated or boiled. Most teahouses sell boiled water, and you can also refill from taps or springs if you purify it.
Are hot showers available throughout the trek?
Hot showers are common in lower villages and less reliable at higher altitude. Even when available, they may cost extra and depend on solar power.
Do I need a sleeping bag if teahouses provide blankets?
Strongly recommended, especially for the colder sections near Samdo and Dharamsala. Blankets vary and are not always enough.
Is Wi-Fi available in teahouses?
Sometimes, but it is inconsistent and often slow. Plan as if you will be offline for long stretches.
How expensive are food and rooms on Manaslu compared to other treks?
Generally similar to other remote treks, but prices increase noticeably in higher villages. Manaslu can feel more expensive than lower Annapurna sections because it is less developed and harder to supply.
Can I charge my phone and camera batteries in teahouses?
Usually yes, but charging often costs extra above the lower villages. A power bank is highly recommended.
Are there private rooms or is it dorm-style?
Mostly private twin rooms. In very busy periods or in limited-stop villages, you may share more space, but dorm-style is not the norm.
What is the best single meal to rely on at altitude?
Dal Bhat remains the most reliable choice: hot, filling, and usually freshly cooked.
