Food and Meals on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Meals on the Manaslu Circuit are prepared fresh by family-run teahouses using locally available ingredients. While menus become simpler as altitude increases, the food is nutritious, filling, and well-suited for high-altitude trekking.
Breakfast on the Manaslu Circuit
Breakfast fuels long trekking days and supports acclimatization. Typical breakfast options include:
- Tibetan bread, chapati, toast, pancakes
- Eggs (boiled, fried, omelet)
- Oatmeal porridge, muesli, cornflakes
- Soup, fried noodles, paratha, hash browns
These carbohydrate-rich meals provide sustained energy and are widely available throughout the trail.
Lunch and Dinner on the Manaslu Circuit
Lunch and dinner menus reflect a blend of Nepali, Tibetan, and basic Western dishes:
- Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables – unlimited refills)
- Dhindo with local curry
- Fried rice, chow mein, thukpa
- Momos (dumplings)
- Pasta, spaghetti, macaroni
- Soups, stews, potatoes, sandwiches
- Simple desserts such as rice pudding and apple pie
At higher elevations, food variety becomes limited due to transportation challenges. Eating freshly cooked local meals is highly recommended for both hygiene and digestion.
Drinks and Beverages on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Staying well-hydrated is essential at altitude, especially during long trekking days.
Tea Options
- Black tea, milk tea, masala tea
- Ginger tea, lemon tea, green tea
- Traditional Tibetan butter tea
Coffee and Other Hot Drinks
- Black or milk coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Ginger-lemon-honey (excellent for altitude and colds)
- Hot milk, Horlicks
Alcohol is available in some villages but is strongly discouraged, as it can worsen altitude sickness and delay acclimatization.
Drinking Water on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Available Water Sources
- Teahouse tap water (must be purified)
- Natural streams and rivers
- Boiled water provided by teahouses
- Limited bottled water (not eco-friendly)
Recommended Water Purification Methods
- Boiling
- Purification tablets or drops
- Portable water filters
- UV purification devices (e.g. SteriPen)
Using reusable bottles and purification methods is strongly encouraged to protect the fragile mountain environment.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Types of Accommodation
- Teahouses (Primary Option): Simple mountain lodges offering twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, blankets, and communal dining halls heated by a stove.
- Camping: Possible but logistically complex and expensive. Camping treks are recommended only for specialized or expedition-style itineraries.
Accommodation by Season
- Spring & Autumn: Best trekking conditions; teahouses can be busy, booking recommended
- Monsoon: Fewer trekkers, limited lodge availability, damp conditions
- Winter: Freezing temperatures; only a few teahouses operate, and high-quality sleeping bags are essential
Accommodation by Location in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Teahouses are available at all major stops, including:
Machhakhola • Jagat • Deng • Namrung • Lho • Samagaun • Samdo • Dharamshala (basic and limited) • Bimthang • Tilije
Facilities noticeably improve after crossing Larkya La Pass, particularly in Bimthang.
Why Choose A1 Excursion Adventure for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

As a government-registered trekking company with experienced local guides, A1 Excursion Adventure ensures:
- Carefully selected, hygienic teahouse accommodation
- Safe food and drinking water guidance
- Proper acclimatization planning
- Experienced, licensed Manaslu guides
- Fully organized Manaslu Circuit Trek packages, including permits and logistics
Explore our Manaslu Circuit Trek, Short Manaslu Trek, and Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek packages for a seamless Himalayan experience.
Final Thoughts
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more than a scenic mountain journey; it's an immersion into authentic Himalayan life. From nourishing local meals and warm teahouse hospitality to breathtaking landscapes and ancient villages, every aspect of this trek reflects the raw beauty of Nepal’s high Himalayas.
By understanding food options, drinking water safety, and accommodation standards in advance, trekkers can enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and more enriching experience.
With A1 Excursion Adventure handling the details, you can focus on what truly matters, like the adventure, the culture, and the mountains.
Contact us today to plan your Manaslu Circuit Trek with trusted local experts.
FAQs
1. What kind of food is available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Trekkers can enjoy traditional Nepali meals like Dal Bhat, Tibetan dishes such as thukpa and momos, and limited Western options including pasta, fried rice, and pancakes at local teahouses.
2. Is food hygienic on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, food is generally hygienic when eaten at established teahouses. It is recommended to choose freshly cooked meals and avoid raw salads or unpasteurized dairy products.
3. Do teahouses offer vegetarian food on the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes, vegetarian food is widely available, including vegetable curries, lentils, rice, noodles, soups, and egg-based dishes.
4. How much does food cost on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Food prices increase with altitude due to transportation challenges. Meals are affordable in lower villages but become more expensive in higher-altitude settlements.
5. Is safe drinking water available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, safe drinking water is available through boiled water at teahouses. Trekkers should always purify tap or stream water before drinking.
6. What is the best way to purify water during the Manaslu Trek?
Boiling water, purification tablets, portable water filters, and UV purification devices like SteriPen are all effective methods.
7. What type of accommodation is available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Accommodation mainly consists of teahouses offering basic twin rooms, shared bathrooms, blankets, and communal dining areas.
8. Are luxury hotels available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
No luxury hotels are available. However, some villages like Namrung and Samagaun offer comparatively better teahouses with attached bathrooms and hot showers.
9. Is camping required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Camping is not required for most trekkers. Teahouse trekking is the standard and most convenient option, while camping is only recommended for special expeditions.
10. Are food and accommodation available year-round on the Manaslu Circuit?
Food and accommodation are best during spring and autumn. In winter and monsoon seasons, fewer teahouses are open, especially at higher altitudes.