The Manaslu region is situated in central-western Nepal, northwest of Kathmandu. It is part of the Gorkha District, with Arughat serving as the district headquarters. Previously, Arughat was the beginning point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, but road expansion in recent years has allowed trekkers to get a head start at Soti Khola. The trek ends in Dharapani hamlet, which is a shared stopover with the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Soti Khola or Machha Khola, the beginning points for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, about 7 – 8 hour’s drive from Kathmandu. While the journey from Kathmandu is only 80 miles (126 km), the bumpy roads make this a perfect start to a great adventure.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Getting There and Away
Kathmandu to Soti Khola by Private Transfer
While it is possible to take a public bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola, it is not recommended. Taking a private vehicle will make you much safer, more comfortable, and get you to your destination much faster. A Jeep is recommended because parts of the road, especially after Arughat can be pretty rugged.
The first part of the drive follows the Prithvi Highway, which connects Kathmandu and Pokhara. Although traffic might be an issue when leaving Kathmandu, the road quality is as good as it gets in Nepal. After turning off to Dhading, the landscape gets even more remote and rural, and the road quality gradually deteriorates, but the views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal should make for the discomfort.
Kathmandu to Soti Khola by local bus
There are a few alternative routes for morning buses from Kathmandu to Arughat. The most recommended route is via Dhading Beshi, which will take approximately 6 – 7 hours including a short lunch break.
Once in Arughat, there is a transportation syndicate system with small jeeps or mini-buses that frequent the Arughat-Soti Khola route.
Dharapani to Beshisahar by local jeep
The section between Dharapani and Beshi Sahar is part of a wider road project built by the Nepali Army that extends all the way to Manang Chame.
Please keep in mind that these mountain-blasted roads might be very daunting at some points. Local jeeps take about 5 hours to get between two ends and depart mostly every hour or whenever packed.
Beshisahar to Kathmandu
Similarly, getting to Kathmandu from Beshisahar can be just as easy and with as many possibilities. Local buses and private jeeps will take about 5 – 6 hours.
The only major road hazard in this section is a landslide until you reach Muglin, where the road connects with the main East-West Highway. Besides from that, the road is in good condition. However, it is good to remember that a traffic jam can cause a few hour delay sometimes.
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