Embarking on a Manaslu Circuit Trek is an exciting and unique adventure. You’ll not only get to experience the splendor of the Himalayas, but you’ll also get to taste delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. While trekking in Manaslu, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy, from home-style Nepali meals to freshly brewed teas. Hence in this blog we are going to give you a detailed guide Food and drinks on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
It is crucial to remember that the variety and accessibility of food alternatives may change based on the season and the precise location along the route. Preparing for potential food shortages and packing non-perishable snacks for emergencies is a good idea.
You may also like:
Table of Content
The Best Places to Eat in Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit is a beautiful journey through some of Nepal’s most breathtaking landscapes. The route passes through various villages and towns, so there are plenty of alternatives for food and drink along the way.
Numerous local restaurants serve traditional Nepali cuisine in significant towns, including Jagat, Chyamche, Samagaon, and Deng. You can try foods like Momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), Dhido (a dish similar to porridge), Aloo Tikki (potato patties), and Sel Roti (a sweet bread). The Nepalese national meal, Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), is typically served alongside these dishes.
Along the trek, there are tea houses that sell traditional Nepali snacks like Pakora (a savory patty) and Bhajiya, in addition to spicy potato fritters. These are excellent for munching on while out for a hike. You can discover food stands serving simple snacks like boiled eggs or potatoes in some of the more rural areas.
The teahouses usually serve a set menu of Nepali food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that includes a variety of curries, soups, and dal bhat. You can also enjoy traditional treats like Gulab Jamun and Jalebi (deep-fried doughnuts in syrup) (milk-based balls in syrup).
You’ll always have delicious food alternatives on your trip around the Manaslu Circuit.
Traditional Nepali Foods You’ll Love
Having the opportunity to try the native cuisine is one of the best aspects of trekking.
You’ll get to eat some of the best locally prepared traditional Nepali cuisine while on your Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Dal Bhat is a typical food you’ll encounter on your trek. Steamed rice, lentil soup (dal), and veggies make up this well-liked lunch. You can customize your dal bhat to your taste by adding spices and condiments like chili sauce and pickles.
Momos are yet another tasty food you can enjoy on the Manaslu trek. These are vegetable, chicken, or pork-filled dumplings that can be steamed or fried. Often, they come with a flavorful dipping sauce. When you’re trekking, non-veg momos are an excellent source of protein to keep you going.
Try Tibetan bread for breakfast (tsampa) as it pairs well with tea or coffee. It is made from roasted barley flour and butter. Try jalebi (jerry) if you’re craving something sweet. This tasty deep-fried snack is prepared from flour and sugar syrup.
No matter what type of food you prefer, there’s something for everyone during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. So be sure to sample as many dishes as possible to get an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
Western foods available during the Manaslu trek
For trekkers of all skill levels and dietary preferences, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fantastic experience. While many tourists enjoy the distinctive local food, some might prefer something more familiar. Luckily, some of the settlements in the Manaslu region have begun to provide a variety of western foods.
Delicious pizzas, pasta, and other Italian favorites are available. Other towns like Bimthang, Samagaon, and Dharamsala serve omelets, French fries, momos, sandwiches, and plenty of others. These are usually run by local families that want to offer their guests something fresh.
You can also enjoy a classic Nepali meal experience in these settlements if you’re searching for one. On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can still eat some of your favorite western foods, so don’t worry if you’re feeling homesick.
What to Drink on Your Trek
When trekking the Manaslu Circuit, you’ll want to stay hydrated to have the best experience possible. The best way to do this is to ensure you drink enough fluids throughout the day. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty drinks to enjoy while on the trek.
Tea is one of the most consumed drinks in Nepal, offered everywhere, including fancy restaurants and roadside tea shops. Milk tea is the most frequently encountered tea, brewed with milk and spices like ginger, cardamom, and cloves. It does have sugar added for sweetness and can be consumed hot or cold.
You can also find a variety of Nepalese wine(Raksi) during the trek. Raksi in Nepal is brewed with natural spring water and has a light, crisp taste, which is a great way to relax after long trekking.
You can also try lassi or chia seed drinks if you’re searching for something stimulating and rejuvenating. These are typically made with yogurt, fruit, and honey and can provide the energy you need while hiking.
In some locations along the route, you’ll also be able to purchase bottled water. However, sticking to boiled or filtered water wherever feasible is recommended. Avoid consuming water from rivers or taps since they could be contaminated with bacteria or parasites, as that could make you sick.
No matter what type of drink you choose, staying hydrated on your Manaslu Circuit Trek will ensure you have the best time possible. So, remember to bring a refillable water bottle and enjoy all the delicious drinks available during your journey.
Drinking Water in Manaslu Circuit Trek
When planning for a Manaslu Circuit trek, one of the most important considerations should be water. Having clean and safe drinking water during your trek is essential to staying healthy and hydrated.
Bottled or boiled water is the safest source of drinking water on the Manaslu Circuit trek. You should avoid tap water as it is unreliable and can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Bottled water is widely available in towns and villages along the trek. However, it can be pretty expensive. If you prefer to bring your bottle, you can boil tap water to ensure it is safe to drink.
You should also avoid drinking from streams and rivers, as these can contain high contaminants and parasites. While melting snow can also be a water source, it is not recommended for drinking due to its low mineral content.
It is recommended to always carry at least two liters of water with you while trekking the Manaslu Circuit. It will help keep you hydrated and reduce the need to buy plastic bottles while trekking.
Finally, suppose you plan to camp while trekking the Manaslu Circuit. In that case, you should bring your camping water filter to ensure that the water you drink is safe and clean.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of the Manaslu Circuit while staying safe and hydrated on your trek.
List of Food and its cost in Manaslu Circuit
Foods
Foods | Cost (NPR) |
Chapati(a type of Bread/roti) | 150-350 |
Dal Bhat (Veg/Non-Veg) | 300-500 |
Pasta/Spaghetti | 350-600 |
Porridge | 250-400 |
Musli (Plain or with fruit) | 240-400 |
Curry | 250-400 |
French Fries | 200-400 |
Egg (Boiled or omelet) | 100-300 |
Toast | 150-350 |
Pancake | 150-350 |
Tibetan Bread | 150-350 |
Paratha | 250-400 |
Papad | 100-250 |
Salad | 250-500 |
Sizzler(Veg/Chicken/Yak) | 600-100 |
Mashed Potatoes | 400-700 |
Soup (Veg/Non-Veg) | 250-600 |
Momo (Veg/Non-Veg) | 300-600 |
Pizza | 400-700 |
Spring roll | 350-500 |
Noodles | 350-600 |
Macaroni | 300-500 |
Thukpa | 300-500 |
Dinner Set (Veg/Non-Veg) | 700-100 |
Breakfast set | 500-1000 |
Dhido | 200-350 |
Aloo Tikki (potato patties) | 300-500 |
Pakora (a savory patty) | 50-150 |
Bhajiya | 300-500 |
sandwich | 300-500 |
Fried Rice (Veg/Non-Veg) | 200-350 |
Desert
Deserts | Cost (NPR) |
Pudding | 250-400 |
Sel Roti (a sweet bread) | 50-150 |
Pie | 300-500 |
Chocolate Bars | 100-300 |
Custard | 300-500 |
Chocolate | 100-300 |
Jalabi(Jerry) | 80-200 |
List of Drinks and its cost in Manaslu Circuit
Drinks | Cost (NPR) |
Black Tea | 50-100 |
Milk Tea | 50-150 |
Green Tea | 150-300 |
Hot Chocolate | 100-200 |
Black Coffee | 50-150 |
Milk Coffee | 150-300 |
Beer | 500-1000 |
Can Beer | 300-700 |
Fruit Juice | 150-300 |
Can Juice | 100-300 |
Water (Per Litre) | 50-100 |
Boiled Water (Per Litre) | 70-150 |
Soft Drinks (Coke, Fanta, Dew etc.) | 100-300 |
Wine | 500-1000 |
Raksi (Local Wine) | 100-300 |
Drinks and food prices while trekking the Manaslu circuit
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an excellent adventure for trekkers of all ages. Food and drinks are an essential part of the experience and are readily available along the way. Manaslu’s food and drink prices vary depending on the season, the altitude, and your bargaining skills.
Generally, the most expensive meals are found at lodges located at higher elevations. For example, in Samagaun, you can get a dinner of dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables) for around 200 rupees. In Tilje, dinner will cost around 400 rupees.
Regarding drinks, beer and sodas are available in some villages. Usually, they carry a higher price tag than elsewhere in Nepal. A beer bottle will cost between 400-800 rupees, while a can of soda will cost around 200 rupees. Bottled water is also available and typically costs around 70 rupees per liter.
You can find food and drinks on Manaslu Circuit Trek relatively cheaply as long as you’re willing to bargain. Prices vary from place to place, so it’s always best to ask a few people before settling on a price.
Foods to avoid during the Manaslu circuit trek
When trekking in Manaslu, taking precautions regarding the food you consume is vital. As with any outdoor adventure, you should avoid some food items as they can potentially make you ill. To ensure a safe and healthy journey, here are a few foods to avoid while trekking in Manaslu:
Uncooked or undercooked foods
Make sure all meats, fish, and eggs are cooked thoroughly before eating. Raw foods may carry harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other illnesses.
Tap water
Unless you are sure of its quality, it’s best to avoid drinking tap water. Bring enough purified water for your trek and refill your bottles with boiled or bottled water from safe sources.
Salads
The last thing you want on a trek is to get an upset stomach from eating a salad. The vegetables used to make salads may not have been properly washed and prepared, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Underripe fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables picked too early may contain harmful bacteria that can cause digestive issues. Be sure only to eat fully ripe fruits and vegetables.
Buffet-style meals
Buffets are famous in many restaurants in Manaslu, but there may be better options. Buffets can make food vulnerable to cross-contamination, so it’s best to stick with freshly cooked meals instead.
These are just a few items to avoid while trekking in Manaslu. Always be cautious when choosing what to eat and drink during your trek, as your health is the highest priority.
Also Read:
- Tsum Valley Trek: The Hidden Valley of Nepal
- Tsum Valley Cost: A Detailed Breakdown
- Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter
Should you bring any food for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Having your own bag of food is advisable when hiking the Manaslu Circuit. However, there are many places to buy food and beverages. Stocking up on supplies and snacks is a good idea to ensure you have enough to eat throughout the walk. Moreover, the Manaslu Circuit journey might last up to two weeks, so it’s crucial to pack extra food.
Energy bars or snacks like trail mix, almonds, dried fruit, chocolate, or chocolate bars are essential items to pack for the hike. These will offer you energy anytime you need it and assist you in surviving the long days of trekking. Bringing meals high in protein, like peanut butter or tuna packs, is also brilliant. These are excellent for a quick meal and will give you the protein that is much needed to stay energized.
Noodles and quick soups are excellent alternatives. These are simple to prepare and only require the addition of boiling water to create a hot, tasty meal that you can consume at any time of day. For a hot beverage in the morning or evening, you should pack some tea bags and coffee packets if you have space.
Finally, you must pack two water bottles for your journey. Also, get a water filter before your trip.
You can then cleanse the water before putting it in your bottles and fill them with water from any source. If you don’t have a water filter, you can purchase bottled water from stores along the way. However, it might be expensive.
By adequately preparing your meals and snacks, you can vastly increase the overall quality of your Manaslu Circuit trip. Make sure you have all the energy you need to complete the walk by packing some high-nutrition snacks.
Conclusion
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding and challenging treks. And is a perfect destination for experienced trekkers and those looking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. You can enjoy delicious Nepali dishes, Western food, and refreshing drinks on your trek.
Drinking water should be taken very seriously, as staying hydrated during your trek is crucial. Avoid certain items that may not suit your taste or health if you carry food during your trek. Select light, non-perishable items that provide energy and nutrition.
You can have a fantastic time on the Manaslu Circuit Trek by adequately planning and following the tips discussed in this article.