Food and Drinks in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Sujata PokhrelEvery trek through the Himalayas is a mesmerizing experience on its own, but the food and accommodation are what keep you going. The food and drinks in the Manaslu Circuit Trek are similar to those in most of the Himalayan region and are often influenced by the people who live there.
From breakfast to dinner, the meals on the trek to the Manaslu circuit are pretty different on the elevation that you are at. While on the lower elevation, you will find an influence of multiple cultures on food. However, the Tibetan lifestyle primarily influences it at higher elevations.
Let’s go through the blog to find out more about food and drinks in the Manaslu circuit trek.
A Brief Information on Manaslu Circuit Trek
A standard Manaslu circuit trek is a 16-day adventure that takes you through Nepal’s remote yet most stunning landscapes. It offers trekkers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure.
This trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. It follows the Budhi Gandaki River and passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into alpine meadows and high-altitude terrain, with breathtaking views of Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
You will also encounter the challenging Larkya La Pass, which offers one of the most rewarding views of Bimthang Valley. Check the following blog to find more information on Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Food and Drinks in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Like most trekking routes in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Manaslu region has a few teahouses where you can rest and eat your meal during the trek. In fact, this region has very few options for teahouses as it is not much of a popular trekking destination and has recently gained popularity. These teahouses provide food and lodging, allowing you to experience local life in the Himalayan region.
In many villages, you can even find homestays and shared communal houses to accommodate guests. The primary stops, such as Arughat, Soti Khola, Khorlabesi, Lapubesi, Samagaon, Namrung, and more, have the best teahouses and homestay services for food and lodging. In addition, these stays are a good chance to enjoy local delicacies.
Available Food Options
The Manaslu region has a variety of cuisines, and different races inhabit the area. The lower region is densely populated by Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people, and their staple diet includes pulses, rice, vegetables, soups, etc.
As you ascend to a higher altitude, you will find Tibetan and Sherpa people and their food on your plates, too. Higher regions are dominated by Sherpa cuisine, including potatoes, pulses, soups, noodles, etc.
While the services and amenities of these teahouses in lower elevation localities like Machha Khola, Namrung, Lho, etc., are better, other remote stops might not have the same.
Breakfast
Usually, the breakfast on the Manaslu circuit trek comprises eggs, some curry made with chickpeas, and potato with Tibetan bread. At some locations, you can also find oatmeal porridge, bread, toast, and pancakes for breakfast. Depending on availability, you will often be served hot drinks like tea or coffee.
Lunch
The most common lunch menu on a trek to the Himalayas of Nepal is Dal-Rice, the country’s national dish. However, rice is a luxurious commodity in higher elevations, so you might often get Tibetan soups and noodles for your lunch. And you will frequently find potatoes on your menu while in this area.
Dinner
Similar to lunch, your supper in the evening consists of typical Dal (lentil soup), some veggies, and rice. In some areas, you will also find a porridge dish (called “dhindo” in the local language) served with curries and pickles.
Depending on the availability in that region, other options for dinner are dumplings, noodle soup, vegetable soups, and more.
Different Types of Cuisine Found
Like most of Nepal, the cuisine of Manaslu is variable depending on the villages and settlements of the people in that specific area and, of course, the availability of resources. Some of the most common cuisines are Thakali, Tibetan, Nepali, and some Western.
Among these, the Tibetan cuisine is more dominant as Tibetan Sherpas densely populate the area. Primarily this dominance will be found in higher elevation above 4000 meters.
Factors Influencing Foods in the Manaslu Region
From the lifestyle of people living in the area to the territorial neighbors of the region, every resident of the area affects the cuisine. The Manaslu region has a variety of cuisines, and different races inhabit the area.
Here are the factors that influence the foods in the Manaslu region:
Cultural Influence
Given its proximity to Tibet, villages are most likely inhabited by people who follow Buddhism but have little influence on Tibetan culture. One can see that influence in the food that’s served throughout different teahouses while on the trek.
Territorial Influence
The neighboring valley of Tibet has a good influence on the food that you will primarily find in the Manaslu circuit trek. You will find pan-fried Tibetan bread like Kur and Tingmo for breakfast. Similarly for drinks you will mostly find Yak Butter tea, along with local tea and hot chocolate. And you will also find Thukpa and Momo for lunch and breakfast.
Visitor’s Influence
People who visit a certain area also have an influence on the food habits of that area. Initially, the Manaslu area was rural and rustic as it wasn’t as popular as Everest and Annapurna region. But gradually people got more attracted to the solitude and rustiness of the trail and visited it too often. Subsequently, the cuisine also got an western impact.
Experience Local Life at Teahouses
Like most trekking routes in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Manaslu region has a few teahouses where you can rest and eat your meal during the trek. These teahouses provide food and lodging, allowing you to experience local life in the Himalayan region.
In many villages, you can even find homestays and shared communal houses to accommodate guests. These residences will likely introduce you to unique local foods that you might have never experienced before.
Visit Manaslu for more exquisite experience for your taste buds!
FAQs
Expand AllWhat is the food like in Manaslu circuit trek?
The guesthouses and teahouses primarily serve Nepali, Tibetan, Thakali, and other ethnic cuisine, which primarily include Rice, Pulses, Bread, Noodles, Soup, Pasta, and Pastries. You will also have the option of drinks and continental cuisine.
Can I buy snacks and drinks in Manaslu circuit trek?
You are less likely to find a store to buy snacks and drinks on the trek as it is a remote area inhabited by fewer people. However, the tea houses along the trail do sell biscuits, candies, and other snacks.
We advise you to carry protein bars, dried nuts, and fruits to snack when you want. For drinking water, you can bring a refillable bottle with a filter to drink water from sprouts or springs along the way.
Is it safe to drink the water in Manaslu circuit trek?
Water from natural sources looks clean in the Manaslu Circuit, but drinking it might not be safe. You can purify the water using bottle filters, chlorinate it, or boil it to make it potable.
What should I pack for the Manaslu circuit trek?
You should pack warmer clothes, trekking gear, all your necessary medications, and your travel documents for the trek. Additionally, you should pack protein bars, dry nuts, and fruits for snacking on the trek, along with a refillable water bottle.
Even though the company will provide you with packaged water bottles along the journey, it is convenient to carry your own.
What kind of accommodation is available in Manaslu circuit trek?
While standard, three-star, and five-star accommodations are available in Kathmandu, the options might be restricted on the trekking route. Along the route, you will most likely find tea houses with clean rooms.
And yes, getting private rooms or rooms with attached bathrooms is possible, but you will have to pay an extra charge.
What is the Manaslu circuit trek route like?
The trekking route to the Manaslu Circuit consists of rough rocky terrain, steep hills, stairs, and narrow trails. You will encounter suspension bridges, a biodiversity conservation area, luscious green forests, and locally inhabited villagers along your path.
How long does the Manaslu Circuit trek take?
A standard Manaslu Circuit trek takes 16 days, starting from Machha Khola, and it also includes acclimatization days and stays at the area’s major attractions.
When is the best time to trek to Manaslu Circuit?
The best time to trek Manaslu Circuit is during the Autumn and Spring seasons, as the climate is favorable and the trekking route is rich in luscious greens. For a safe, memorable, and awesome experience, plan a trek between mid-September and November or March and June.
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