Manaslu Trek Accommodation

Types of Accommodation on Manaslu Trek

Before diving into each stop, it’s important to understand the main types of accommodation available on the Manaslu Circuit:

Teahouses (Local Lodges)

The most common option, Manaslu Circuit teahouses, are small, family-run lodges offering basic facilities. Expect a simple room with a bed, blanket, and sometimes a shared or attached bathroom. They’re clean but very basic, so don’t expect luxury.

• Family-run guesthouses are found in every major village.
• Basic twin rooms with wooden beds, thin mattresses, and shared bathrooms.
• Dining hall with a warm stove (often the only heated place).

Guesthouses

Slightly more upgraded than teahouses, guesthouses may offer private rooms, thicker mattresses, and better food options. They’re found in larger villages like Samagaon or Jagat.

• Slightly more comfortable with attached bathrooms, better food variety, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
• Found in villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, and Samagaun.

Camping

Rarely used unless you're on a fully organized trek with a support team. While it gives more flexibility, it requires carrying tents, cooking gear, and supplies, not ideal for independent trekkers due to the altitude and remoteness.

• Possible but not common since teahouses are available along the trail.
• Requires extra porters, kitchen staff, and logistics.

What Facilities Can You Expect on the Manaslu Trek?

While the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through remote Himalayan landscapes, trekkers are often pleasantly surprised at the availability of basic yet functional facilities along the route. Here’s what you can realistically expect:

Rooms: Simple but Functional

Most teahouses provide twin-sharing rooms with:

• Wooden beds and thin mattresses
• A pillow and wool blanket
• Basic furnishings, like a small table or hooks for clothes

Tips: Bring a four-season sleeping bag since blankets alone may not be enough at higher altitudes, especially above 3,000 meters.

Bathrooms: Shared and Basic

• At lower altitudes (Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat), you may find a few attached bathrooms, but they are rare.
• At higher altitudes (Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Dharamsala), bathrooms are shared, usually in a separate block.
• Squat toilets are more common than Western toilets.
• Toilet paper is not provided—always carry your own.

Tips: A pack of wet wipes and hand sanitizer will be a lifesaver.

Hot Showers: A Luxury in the Mountains

• Available in some villages, usually heated by solar panels or gas geysers.
• Cost ranges from USD 2–5 per shower.
• At higher altitudes, hot water becomes scarce, and many trekkers opt for a “bucket wash” or skip showers altogether.

Tips: Carry biodegradable wet wipes for quick clean-ups when hot showers aren’t available.

Electricity & Charging Facilities

• Electricity comes from micro-hydropower or solar panels.
• Charging costs USD 1–3 per device.
• Charging points are usually in the dining hall, not in individual rooms.
• Power cuts are common—carry a power bank (10,000mAh or more).

Tips: A solar charger can be handy in remote areas.

Wi-Fi & Mobile Connectivity

• Some teahouses provide Wi-Fi for a fee (USD 2–5 per session).
• The service is slow and unreliable, especially above Samagaun.
• Mobile networks (NTC/Ncell) work only in certain lower-altitude areas, and coverage is patchy.

Tips: Inform family and friends beforehand that you’ll be largely offline during the trek.

Meals & Dining Experience

The dining hall is the heart of every teahouse, often the warmest spot where trekkers gather. Meals are cooked fresh, with most ingredients sourced locally.

Common options include:

• Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, pickle – unlimited refills)
• Tibetan bread & pancakes for breakfast
• Momos (dumplings)
• Noodle soups & thukpa
• Pasta, fried rice, and basic curries
• Tea, coffee, and hot lemon

Tips: Stick to vegetarian meals at higher altitudes, as meat is carried from lower regions and may not be fresh.

Drinking Water Options

• Bottled water is available but expensive (USD 1–3 depending on altitude).
• Most trekkers choose boiled water from teahouses (safe but costs extra).
• Carry a water purification method (chlorine drops, tablets, or a filter bottle).

Tips: A reusable water bottle with filter (e.g., LifeStraw) is eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Heating: The Dining Hall Stove

• Guest rooms are not heated, even in winter.
• The only source of warmth is the wood or yak dung stove in the dining area.
• It’s lit in the evening, making the dining hall a cozy place to relax and socialize.

Tips: Bring thermal layers and a down jacket for the cold nights.

Laundry Facilities

• Some teahouses at lower altitudes offer laundry services for a fee.
• At higher altitudes, you’ll need to wash by hand and dry clothes in the sun.
• Drying takes longer due to cold temperatures.

Tips: Carry a few quick-dry outfits and don’t rely on frequent washing.

First Aid & Safety

• Teahouses don’t usually have medical facilities.
• Villages like Samagaun and Samdo may have small health posts.
• Always carry a basic first aid kit, altitude medication (Diamox), and personal medicines.

Social & Cultural Experience

Staying in teahouses isn’t just about lodging—it’s also about connecting with local Gurung, Tibetan, and Tamang families. Expect:

• Warm hospitality and stories by the fire.
• Opportunities to taste homemade butter tea or millet wine.
• A genuine cultural immersion beyond just trekking.

Practical Tips for Staying in Manaslu Teahouses

Packing List for Teahouse Comfort

While teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit Trek provide the basics, carrying a few extra items can make your stay much more comfortable:

• Sleeping bag – essential for warmth at higher altitudes.
• Headlamp or flashlight – electricity isn’t always reliable.
• Flip-flops/sandals – useful for shared bathrooms.
• Quick-dry towel – for showers or washing.
• Power bank or solar charger – for charging when outlets are unavailable.
• Reusable water bottle with filter – eco-friendly and cost-effective.
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolates) – handy between meals.

Packing smart ensures you’re comfortable even when facilities are basic.

Hygiene Tips for Remote Treks

Hygiene standards in mountain teahouses are simple. Follow these tips to stay clean and healthy:

• Always carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Use wet wipes on days when hot showers aren’t available.
• Wash your hands frequently before meals to avoid stomach issues.
• Store used clothes in a separate dry bag to prevent smell and dampness.
• Use biodegradable soap/shampoo to protect the environment.

Cultural & Social Side of Manaslu Accommodation

Meeting Local Families and Sharing Stories

Most teahouses are family-run, giving you a unique chance to interact with locals. You’ll likely eat alongside your hosts, exchange stories by the stove, and gain insights into daily mountain life. This connection makes the Manaslu trek feel more authentic compared to commercial treks.

Tibetan Influence on Teahouse Hospitality

Since the Manaslu region borders Tibet, many villages are influenced by Tibetan culture. This is reflected in:

• Traditional Tibetan dishes such as thukpa (noodle soup), tsampa (barley flour), and butter tea.
• Tibetan-style architecture and prayer flags adorning teahouses.
• The warm, communal approach to hospitality is rooted in Buddhist values.

Festivals and Traditions You Might Encounter

If you trek during local festivals, teahouses become lively hubs. Some notable events include:

• Losar (Tibetan New Year) – celebrated with dance, feasts, and prayers.
• Mani Rimdu – a Buddhist festival with masked dances and rituals.
• Harvest festivals – marking the end of the farming season with community feasts.

Staying in teahouses during these times offers a rare glimpse into Himalayan traditions.

Accommodation by Manaslu Trek Sections

Manaslu Trek is divided into villages and stops, and accommodations change as you climb higher. Here’s a village-by-village guide, have a look:

Soti Khola to Machha Khola Accommodation

This is where most trekkers start. Soti Khola has small tea houses, nothing fancy, but enough to rest after a long drive or short trek from Arughat. Rooms are simple, usually twin-sharing with a mattress and blanket. Toilets are sometimes outside or shared.

Machha Khola is the first major stop. Tea houses are slightly better here. You’ll find small kitchens, hot water if you ask nicely, and locals are very friendly. Prices are low, usually around $5-7 for a room. Food is simple with dal bhat (rice and lentils) as the staple. And you can get noodles or omelets too.

Tip: Always carry some toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small towel. Facilities are basic and sometimes not very clean.

Machha Khola to Jagat Accommodation

Jagat is a bigger village and a common overnight stop. Here are many options for Manaslu Trek Accommodation. Lodges here are more comfortable than the first two stops. You might find rooms with attached bathrooms, though they are limited. Most tea houses offer hot showers for around $2–3, which is a treat after a long day of walking.

A few guesthouses here provide slightly better bedding. It’s a good place to rest and adjust your pace. Try to reach early because rooms fill up fast during peak trekking season.

Jagat to Deng Accommodation

This section takes you through forests and small rivers. Lodges become very basic, but they exist in every village. Deng is small but has a few decent places. Rooms here are often cold at night, so having a warm sleeping bag is necessary. Food is available in all tea houses, mostly dal bhat, noodles, and some fried snacks.

Tip: Don’t expect Wi-Fi in Deng or small villages. It’s mostly non-existent or very slow, which can be a good way to disconnect.

Deng to Namrung Accommodation

Namrung is bigger than Deng and is known for its beautiful landscapes. Accommodation is better here. Several tea houses and lodges offer private rooms. Some even have solar-powered electricity and charging facilities.

Rooms can cost $7-12 per night. Meals are still cheap. You can ask for extra blankets because it gets chilly at night. This is also a good stop to adjust to the altitude before heading higher.

Namrung to Samagaon Accommodation

Samagaon is one of the most popular stops before Larkya La Pass. Lodging here is better than lower villages. Mid-range tea houses provide private rooms, attached bathrooms, and hot showers. There are a few guesthouses that can accommodate small groups.

Because Samagaon is at a higher altitude, arriving early is crucial. Rooms fill quickly. The food is slightly more expensive, around $5-7 per meal, but it’s usually very good. The views from the lodges are incredible, making this stop special.

Tip: Many trekkers rest for two nights in Samagaon to acclimatize. Make sure to book or ask the lodge to reserve a room in advance during peak season.

Samagaon to Larkya Phedi / Larkya La Pass Area Accommodation

This is where accommodations become very basic and limited. There are a few small tea houses in Larkya Phedi. Rooms are simple, sometimes just a mattress on the floor. Food options are limited. Hot water might not be available.

Tip: Carry your own snacks and extra water. Early arrival is important because high-altitude lodges often fill up quickly.

Lho / Samdo / Samagaon Area Accommodation

On the way down, you might stay in Lho or Samdo. Lodges here are similar to higher-altitude stops: basic rooms, cold at night, and limited facilities. Meals are available, but expect higher prices because everything is carried from the lower villages.

Tip: Cash is important. Some lodges don’t accept cards, and ATMs are nonexistent in most villages.

Logistics & Booking for Manaslu Trek Accommodation

Do You Need to Book Accommodation in Advance?

Unlike treks in the Everest region, the Manaslu trek is less crowded, so advance booking isn’t usually necessary. Your guide will arrange rooms upon arrival. However, in peak seasons (Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr), some teahouses in Samagaun and Dharamsala can fill up quickly.

How Guides Arrange Teahouse Stays

Licensed trekking guides have long-standing relationships with teahouse owners, ensuring their groups get priority for rooms. If you trek without a guide, you may need to arrive early in villages to secure a spot.

Cash vs. Card: Payment Options on the Trail

• Cash (Nepalese Rupees) is the only accepted method of payment.
• ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Arughat/Soti Khola, but not along the trek.
• Carry enough NPR for the entire trek (USD 25–35 per day recommended).

Manaslu Trek Accommodation Challenges & Limitations

Accommodation at High Altitude: What’s Different?

As you ascend, facilities become more limited:

• Fewer beds are available.
• Very basic meals.
• Shared squat toilets with no running water.
• No Wi-Fi or electricity in some remote villages.

Coping with Cold Nights in Basic Rooms

Rooms are unheated, and temperatures can drop below freezing above 3,000 meters. To cope:

• Use your sleeping bag inside the provided blankets.
• Wear thermal layers, wool socks, and a beanie to bed.
• Keep a hot water bottle (if available) in your sleeping bag.

Common Misconceptions About Teahouse Comfort

• Misconception: All teahouses have Wi-Fi.
• Reality: Wi-Fi is rare and unreliable.
   
• Misconception: Attached bathrooms are common.
• Reality: They are only found at lower altitudes.
   
• Misconception: Showers are always available.
• Reality: Hot water is limited, especially at higher altitudes.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation Cost and Budget Guide

Tip: Carry cash in small denominations because many places don’t have change or card facilities.

Queries for Manaslu Trek Accommodation

What types of accommodation are available on the Manaslu Trek?

Most accommodation options on the Manaslu Trek are teahouses and lodges, which are simple family-run guesthouses offering basic rooms, meals, and a cozy atmosphere.

Do all villages along the Manaslu Trek have teahouses?

Yes, the majority of villages on the Manaslu Circuit Trek have teahouses. However, in some remote stretches, options may be limited, so it’s best to plan overnight stops carefully.

What are the rooms like in Manaslu teahouses?

Rooms are usually simple with twin wooden beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Heating is not common, except in the dining hall with a stove.

Are private rooms available during the Manaslu Trek?

Yes, most teahouses offer private twin rooms. However, during the high trekking seasons (spring and autumn), you may need to share if rooms are full.

Do teahouses on the Manaslu Trek provide bedding?

Basic blankets and pillows are provided, but it’s highly recommended to bring a warm sleeping bag as nights can get very cold, especially at higher altitudes.

Are bathrooms attached to the rooms?

Most teahouses have shared bathrooms and toilets, usually outside the main building. Only a few lower-altitude lodges may offer attached bathrooms.

What kind of toilets are available on the trek?

You’ll find a mix of western-style and squat toilets, though squat toilets are more common, especially in higher-altitude villages.

Is hot water available for showers on the Manaslu Trek?

Yes, some teahouses offer solar or gas-heated showers for an extra fee (USD 2–5). At higher altitudes, hot showers may not be available or practical.

How much does accommodation cost on the Manaslu Trek?

Room prices typically range between USD 5–10 per night, though some teahouses may include accommodation in the cost of meals.

Do teahouses on the Manaslu Trek provide meals?

Yes, all teahouses have a menu with Nepali, Tibetan, and basic international dishes like dal bhat, noodles, pasta, momos, soups, and tea.

Is it possible to get vegetarian meals during the trek?

Absolutely. Vegetarian meals are widely available, with dal bhat (lentil soup with rice and vegetables) being the most popular and filling option.

Can trekkers find Wi-Fi in Manaslu teahouses?

Wi-Fi is available in some lower and mid-altitude villages for a small charge, but the connection is often slow and unreliable.

Is electricity available for charging devices?

Yes, but charging usually comes with an extra fee of USD 1–3 per device. In higher altitudes, electricity may be limited to solar power.

Do teahouses provide heating in rooms?

No, rooms are not heated. The only warm place is the dining area, heated with a wood or yak dung stove in the evenings.

Should I book accommodation in advance for the Manaslu Trek?

Advance booking is not usually necessary, as most trekkers arrange accommodation through their guide. However, during peak season, teahouses can fill up quickly.

What is the cleanest or most comfortable place to stay on the Manaslu Trek?

The lower-altitude villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, and Samagaun tend to have more comfortable teahouses with better facilities compared to high-altitude areas.

Can I camp instead of staying in teahouses on the Manaslu Trek?

Yes, camping is possible, but it requires more logistics, porters, and kitchen staff. Since teahouses are available along the route, most trekkers choose them for convenience.

Do teahouses provide drinking water?

Yes, teahouses sell bottled water, boiled water, or filtered water. It’s advisable to carry water purification tablets or a filter bottle for safety.

Are the teahouses in the Manaslu region family-friendly?

Yes, most teahouses are family-run and welcoming, making the experience more personal and cultural compared to commercial lodges.

What should I carry to be more comfortable in Manaslu teahouse stays?

Bring a warm sleeping bag, headlamp, toiletries, power bank, flip-flops, and wet wipes. These will make your stay in basic teahouses much more comfortable.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is about more than just majestic mountains and dramatic landscapes. It's about connecting with the local people, staying in humble tea houses, and experiencing remote Himalayan life.

Where you stay each night matters. It affects your comfort, energy levels, and overall experience. Whether it’s a cozy tea house in Samagaon or a basic room in Deng, the right accommodation can make your journey more enjoyable and meaningful.

Don’t expect luxury—this trek is about simplicity and raw beauty. Bring your sleeping bag, pack some trail snacks, keep an open mind, and embrace the experience.

So, plan ahead, walk slowly, sleep well, and make memories that last a lifetime. And if you’ve discovered a hidden gem or have a favorite lodge, share it; every trekker’s tip adds value to the trail.