Practical information
Within the autumn / fall of 2011, more information will come online about local guides, accommodation and other attractions along the manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley. Since 2011, the Manaslu Circuit no longer requires camping except in the busiest of weeks when beds may be full. As always in Nepal, October is busiest.
Manaslu trek tea-house / lodge accommodation
Tea-house map
Since a lodge was built in 2010 at Larkya Phedi (Dharamsala), just under the Larkya La, the Manaslu Circuit has become a tea-house-able trek. This was the place where groups always had to camp which meant all of the camping gear had to be carried for days and days mainly for this night’s camp.
In the summer of 2011, the Dharamsala lodge was rebuilt. It is still basic, but clean, and with a good cook. With a few Chinese Army tents (very warm!) holding four beds, 64 people can comfortably sleep before crossing the pass. There is a newly built toilet block and place for porters to sleep too.
These changes reflect the changes right down to Arughat – that is improvements in capacity and standards. An approximate list of lodges and subjective rating (basic, reasonable, good) which refers to food quality as well as looks, can be found on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Website. It’s still possible to camp, and some groups may prefer to control sleeping and eating arrangements with sleeping and dining tents. Some trekking agents actually bring a cook to work in the lodge’s kitchen. In this way the lodge owner and staff also improve their skills.
When to trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek
A website run by lodge owners from the Nubri Valley states that the months of May and February are least favourable due to hot and cold respectively. May in Arughat at just 600m height is sweltering! February is cold, and normally a few winter storms pass in January and February leaving snow, and the pass anyhow will be icy at this time so proper preparation with crampons and ice-axes is necessary. Otherwise, you can trek all year round! See manaslucircuittrek.com for when to go information.
