Manaslu is a remote region in Nepal near Tibet, surrounded by Mount Manaslu, which is the world’s eighth-highest peak. This region is wild, rugged, and deeply spiritual, with trails that go through deep valleys, alpine forests, and high mountain passes.
Unlike the famous trails of Nepal, like Annapurna and Everest, this region feels peaceful and less crowded. While in the Manaslu region, on treks like the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you pass by ancient monasteries, spinning prayer wheels, and villages where Tibetan culture and traditions still exist.
When in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Dharamsala is the last stop before ascending the highest point of this trek. It is more outpost than a village with few stone buildings under a wall of white mountains.
Simple Shelter, Deep Stillness
The teahouses in Dharamsala are very basic which are stone walls, wooden beds, and shared toilets but it’s warm inside. You will find fire burning in the center of the room, boots line beside doorstep, trekkers gather up close while sipping tea and resting tired feet.
There’s no rush here. No distractions. Just quiet. And in that quiet, your thoughts settle. You sleep early, knowing tomorrow will test everything.
A Gathering of Strangers with One Goal
That night, everyone in the room shares the same feeling, excitement, nerves, and hope. You hear soft conversations in many languages. People are comparing gear, talking about the weather, and checking the plan for the morning.
But there’s no fear here, only respect for the mountain and for the moment. Strangers become teammates, bonded by the same path ahead.
The Stars Before the Storm
Step outside before bed, and the sky might surprise you. On a clear night, the stars feel close enough to touch. The moon lights up the glacier. You can see your breath, hear your heartbeat, and feel the mountain breathe around you. It’s a moment that stays long after the trek is done.
The Calm Before the Climb
Sleeping in Dharamsala is different. The air is thin, your body is tired, but there’s a kind of peace in it. It’s not the comfort of home, but it’s the comfort of purpose. You have come this far, and tomorrow you’ll climb Larke Pass. Tonight, the mountain lets you rest. Just enough.
Food That Fills More Than Just the Stomach
Up in Dharamsala, the kitchen is basic. There’s no fancy menu, just warm, honest food cooked by people who understand what trekkers need. A plate of dal bhat, steaming noodles, or a thick garlic soup hits differently after a day’s climb.
It’s not gourmet, but it’s comfort. You sit cross-legged near the fire, holding a hot mug in both hands, feeling the warmth spread through cold fingers. Conversations are soft or silent, but there’s a quiet connection between everyone at the table.
In that moment, you realise it’s not just about calories. It’s about being nourished, in body and in spirit.
Sleep Comes Slow, But It Comes
You lie awake in your sleeping bag, layers on, listening to the wind tapping the tin roof. Your breath clouds in the air. Your heart’s beating fast, not from fear, just from the thinness of it all.
But slowly, the cold settles, your body softens, and sleep sneaks in. Not deep. Not long. But just enough. Just what the mountain gives.
Not Just a Night
Dharamsala isn’t fancy. It doesn’t try to be. But it’s one of those places that etches itself into your memory. You remember the cold floor, the quiet fire, the nervous smiles.
You remember how alive you felt. One last breath before the big push. One last night before you rise with the sun and step into the sky.
