Transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
The travel route from Kathmandu to Machha Khola has recently become very popular for trekkers in the Manaslu region. Machha Khola serves as the gateway to treks in the Manaslu region. The small village of Machha Khola lies in the Gorkha district of Nepal. The total distance to reach this small place from the capital of Nepal is around 160 kilometers. It takes you about 6-8 hours to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu if you’re in a private vehicle. If you’re traveling to Machha Khola in a public vehicle, it takes you around 8-10 hours. Machha Khola sits at an elevation of around 870 meters (2,854 feet) from sea level.
All the popular Manaslu region treks start from Machha Khola. The route way to Machha Khola is a mixture of pitch and off-roads. Previously, Arughat was the starting point for the Manaslu Trek or Tsum Valley Trek. However, the recent roadway construction made it possible to travel to Machha Khola. The roadway is challenging, but you can enjoy the ride to Machha Khola in a local bus or local jeep. The chances of landslides and flooding may arise if you travel to this region during the monsoon season. We recommend you know the weather conditions before traveling to Machha Khola.
Travel Route and Distance to Kathmandu
The total traveling distance from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is around 160 kilometers. The travel route to Machha Khola passes via Soti Khola. Your 8-10 hour journey to Machha Khola via Soti Khola begins from Kathmandu bus park. You will take a scenic ride through places such as Dhading Besi, Aarughat, etc., to reach Soti Khola. You will enjoy a comfortable scenic ride on a highway road to Aarughat. Now, the journey from Soti Khola to Aarughat is completely off-road, which might be a challenging adventure. There will be multiple short stops during this ride where you can grab some snacks or take a much-needed break.
Transportation Options to Machha Khola from Kathmandu
Public Bus
Public buses are the most common transportation option to travel to Machha Khola from Kathmandu. It is the cheapest mode of transportation to Machha Khola from Kathmandu, Nepal. The bus fare for a bus ticket to Machha Khola from Kathmandu will cost you around $15-20. You can pick up the bus to Machha Khola from Kathmandu bus Park. The bus generally leaves around 6-7 am in the morning and takes around 8-10 hours to reach Machha Khola. The road conditions from Kathmandu to Machha Khola are a mixture of pitch road and off-road.
Local Jeep
Traveling to Maccha Khola via a local jeep can be another convenient option. Transporting Kathmandu to Machha Khola takes around 7-8 hours in a jeep. It costs you around 20-25$ to travel to the town of Machha Khola. A four-wheeler jeep ensures a comfortable journey to Machha Khola as it is best suited for off-road traveling. You can get the local jeep tickets to Machha Khola from the new bus park in Kathmandu. The Jeep service from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via the Soti Khola is comparatively faster than the local bus.
Private Jeep
Hiring a private Jeep to Machha Khola is the best transportation option for traveling from Kathmandu. The cost of traveling to Soti Khola from Kathmandu in a private jeep will be slightly higher than other transportation options. The drive to Machha Khola in a private Jeep will give you the luxury of having a comfortable ride with your close group.
The journey will be faster compared to other options, as you can take the ride directly to Machha Khola. You can also make multiple stops along the way, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Hiring a Jeep can be the best option for you if you’re in a group of 5-7 people. It will cost you around $40-50.
Trek from Soti Khola
One of the alternatives to travel to Machha Khola is by trekking from Soti Khola. The road distance from Kathmandu to Sotikhola is around 140 kilometers. It takes you around 6-7 hours to reach Soti Khola from Kathmandu. You can take a jeep or bus ride to reach Soti Khola. You can trek to Machha Khola from Soti Khola. The trek route to Macha Khola via the Soti Khola passes through lush forests and charming villages where you can encounter different animals along the way. The total trekking distance from Soti Khola to Machha Khola is around 14 kilometers.
Machha Khola: The Starting Point to Manaslu Circuit Trek
The small village of Machha Khola is known as the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Machha Khola Village is around 8-10 hours of drive from Kathmandu. You need to take a public bus or hire a private jeep to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu. Your journey to Machha Khola begins with a scenic ride from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The rural village is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It attracts numerous visitors every year.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular treks in Nepal. It allows you to trek on one of the most off-the-beaten paths in Nepal. Opting for Manaslu Trek will allow you to witness the serene beauty of Tsum Valley. You can experience the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture inherited by the local Sherpa people during this trek. Moreover, The Manaslu Circuit Trek or the TSUM Valley Trek is a moderate-level trek where anyone with decent fitness can successfully complete this challenging adventure.
Conclusion
The 160-kilometer journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola allows you to experience the scenic beauty of Nepali hills. Alongside the scenic adventure, it gives you a clear overview of Nepali roadways. Your journey to Machha Khola is a perfect blend of highway and off-road traveling, where both comfort and adventure align perfectly. The small village hosts thousands of Trekkers annually since Machha Khola serves as the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek. Trekking in the Manaslu region offers more than just breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It’s a journey into the unique culture of the Sherpa people and a chance to encounter endangered species like red pandas and snow leopards in their natural habitat.
