Short Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Teahouses and Lodges
3 Jul 2024 Chandra Gurung
The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 10-day trek full of adventure with a less-crowded destination worth the natural beauty. Each stop of the day gives you the tranquility of seeing the snow-capped mountain, Manaslu, and new energy to keep going.
In the Manaslu trekking region, find these top-reviewed small teahouses and lodges where you can rest at night during your 10 days of trekking. Let’s learn more about the basic amenities, hospitality, and lodge facilities in the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Basic amenities and accommodations to expect in Short Manaslu Trek
The houses and tea lodges have fewer facilities and amenities due to their remote location. You can still expect to have the most basic facilities, including traditional Tibetan organic food. This also includes basic international continental dining with beautiful scenery and a peaceful environment.
As you are starting the short Manaslu circuit trek, the tea houses in the lower belts have small two-bed sharing rooms. In contrast, lodges have private rooms that are a little more costly than tea houses. It’s a choice whether a cozy basic or a relatively luxurious place to tick off your nighttime.
However, if you are at a higher altitude, you may be required to share a room with your group. The tea houses and lodges are thatched and made of stone, wood, and tin roofs. WiFi services are available in most of the areas, as the tourism sector is actively developing in Nepal.
Lower Manaslu stays vs. stays at Higher Altitude
The stays at the lower elevations in Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, and Namarung have a variety of food menus from Nepal, India, and Tibet, as well as some continental breakfasts. You can get to eat like
- Nepali dishes: rice, beaten kidney beans soup, seasoned vegetables, tomato pickles, gundruk
- Tibetan dishes: thenduk, thedo, Tibetan bread, dumplings, tea mo:mo, salt butter tea, keema noddles,
- Indian dishes: a variety of roti, rice, and curries
- Continental breakfast: brown bread, spaghetti, tea and coffee, pancakes, hot chocolate, french fries
As you steep upward in higher elevation in Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala and Bhimtang, the varieties of food descend into limited typical Nepali and Tibetan food like
- Rice
- Thenduk
- Thedo
- Tonga (millet-hot alcohol)
- Salt butter, and tea
Nights are relatively cold in Upper Manaslu and the stargazing opportunity here is so easy. You may feel uneasy sleeping at a higher altitude, so gradually adjust since your stay with cozy rooms provided by hotel operators in the Manaslu region.
Top Homestays, Lodges, and Teahouses in the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
Here are the tea houses and lodges on your day stay that warmly welcome you to the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek:
1. Machha Khola
It would take 5–6 hours from Kathmandu to reach Machha Khola passing through village of SotiKhola. You would be passing through different small villages and heavy-flowing waterfalls. After reaching Machha Khola, a Gurung village, you can choose to stay at
- Larkye Guest House
- Hilltop Guest House
- Everest Guest House
- Hotel Chum Valley Restaurant and Lodge
They provide comfortable rooms with a good variety of optional food, but facilities like wifi, hot water, and telephone services would require extra payment. The rooms are shared with two people with a bed, pillows, and blankets.
2. Jagat
You will leave Machha Khola, move to Khorla Bensi, take the lead to Dovan, and lastly, reach Jagat. It would take around 7 hours to reach from Machha Khola to Jagat. You have the option of staying in:
- Manaslu Shanti Hotel and Lodge
- Dobhan Hotel
- Gaurav Guest House
- Himalayan Tourist Guest House
Here, you receive similar services as the Machha Khola. Again, it is subjective to what kind of stay you prefer—teahouses or lodges. As you climb uphill, options become limited, and you get what you get.
3. Deng
After leaving Jagat in the morning, trekkers leave for Pewa, explore for a while, and make their last stop at Deng for a day. You would reach Deng after a walk of 6-7 hours. From here, the different checkpoints in the Manaslu region’s restricted areas start. For leaving for next, you can stay at any of
- Windy Valley Guest House
- Hotel Shangri-La
- Hotel Bihi Phedi
- Manaslu Hotel and Lodge
Since this place’s base starts at a higher elevation, WiFi services and a hot shower may not be available. The tea houses and lodges here are traditional, with limited rooms and shared bathrooms.
4. Namrung
The day after staying in Deng, you leave for Bihi Phedi village, all the way through Rana village, Serang Gompa, and stop for rest at Namrung village. This could take you 5–6 hours to reach Namrung. You would be walking beside Budi Gandaki and along the Pine forest. To take a rest with your choice at :
- Nubri Four Season Resort
- Namrung: Thakali Hotel
Even if you are likely to be at a higher elevation, the accommodations and food facilities are luxurious and costly. Wifi may be available, but the accommodation facilities are worth the price, along with the mountain scene.
5. Samagaun
Samagaun, the longest village you encounter on your way across Lihi village, is your next place to stay for the 5th night in Manaslu. Enjoy the journey during the day encountering the Himalayan bird “Daphe,” the Himalayan Tahr, and snow leopards, and stargaze at clear nights for true pleasure from the balcony of the cozy teahouses. You can get lost in these biodiversities for 6-7 hours. To take a beautiful nap with a beautiful memory of the trail, you can sleep at:
- Larke Phedi
- Mount Manaslu Guest House
- Peace Heaven Guest House
- Norling Guest House
- Nubri Valley Guest House
The most amazing new thing you can get is a horse ride. The room may need to be shared, but you can access wifi in some guest houses. The dinner is held in an open space where you can get a chance to interact with other travelers.
6. Samdo
To reach Samdo village on your Short Manaslu Circuit trek, you would walk for 3-4 hours from Samrung. You would be elevating higher with challenges and could notice the signboard of Lajyang La Pass (5098 m) on the adjacent ridge. This place is near the Tibetan border. Samdo is a place with amazing tea houses and lodges for:
- Chez Karsang Lodge
- Yak Hotel
- Samdo: Tibetan Twin Hotel
- Zambala Hotel
There is a chance of a gas heater in the main hall during the winter season. The rooms are two beds or compartments with groups. It depends on the choice of lodges. WiFi services are rare to find.
7. Dharamshala
You would be moving to Larkye Bazaar, walking down the Budi Gandaki River, following the Mani walls, and reaching Dharmashala. This would take approximately 3-4 hours of walking. You can prepare for Larka La Pass at any of:
- Hotel Zambala Dharamsala
- Larke Phedi
The facility here is basic, with these two limited guest houses. So it is more crowded than in other places. The guest rooms are typically designed in Tibetan style. Here you can see the vibrant Sherpa culture, set against the backdrop of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountains.
8. Bimthang
Finally, you will be climbing the Larkya La Pass (5160 m). One of the highest points of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Then you would descend to the nearest village, Bimthang. It can take about 7–8 hours to steep down to Bimtang. Take a rest overnight in:
- Ponkar Mountain Hotel
- Bintang Hotel and Lodge
- Apple Garden Hotel
- Hotel Ganga Manaslu and Restaurant
Activity at Manaslu Bhimthang Trek includes Ponkar Lake, Pyankane Cave (30 minutes away from Tiliche Village), and a nearby Tamrang Gompa, a few km away from the North East of Thonche town. These can leave your mind peaceful; as the river passes cool breeze air and you take a tour of the terraced village with beautiful vegetation.
Take a moment of meditation for your body in Tamrang Gompa. Here you can find the best tea houses and lodges for you to relax after a long day on the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Conclusion
The short Manaslu Circuit trek is an activity you can choose when you are tight on budget. A Manaslu guide arrange a 10-day trek, with the best accommodation facilities and the opportunity to see the wholesome views of the Manaslu region. In case of a query, you can directly contact us.