When considering a guided Manaslu Circuit trek, many trekkers want to know what it’s like to hike from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola.
Although this portion of the hike precedes the official trek, it sets the stage for the rest of your trek.
Generally speaking, trekkers will start in the morning in Soti Khola, follow the river path and arrive in Maccha Khola in the late afternoon, at which point they can spend their first night and start their full trek the following morning.
This initial stage of the trip offers a small taste of the Gorkha district trekking routes and the foothills of the Nepal Himalayas.
In this section of the trail, many locals can be seen, including individuals walking with bags, farmers and children.
The trail travels through forests, past small waterfalls, up rocky stepped areas and along narrow paths cut into the side of a cliff directly above the Budhi Gandaki River.
Trekkers passing through will encounter several villages and have the opportunity to take short breaks to observe daily life within the Manaslu Conservation Area.
This article includes the distance and time taken to complete the hike; types of terrain you will walk over; locations where you may stop for breaks; hiking safety; beautiful scenery; food accommodations; as well as what the trekker will encounter upon arriving in Maccha Khola.
If you are trekking with Nepal Base Camp Treks, the official trek begins from here, fully prepared for Day 1 of their Manaslu trek.
Summary – Distance, Duration & Difficulty
Quick Facts
Soti Khola to Maccha Khola Distance: 12-14 km
Trek time: 5-7 hours walking
Elevation: From Soti Khola (~700 m) to Maccha Khola (~900 m)
Difficulty Level: Moderate Terrain
Trail Type: Combination of forest trails, rock steps, cliffside paths and riverside walking
Best For: Beginners and those preparing for the Circuit Trek of Manaslu
Walking from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola will serve as an excellent warm-up before the Real Trek.
While the distance is relatively short (around 14 kilometers) and the elevation gain is gradual (around 200 meters), the route comprises various terrain types, including dense forests, narrow pathways carved into cliffs and rocky riverbanks.
Most trekkers will complete this trail in approximately 5 to 6 hours while enjoying the flowing waters of the Budhi Gandaki River and taking in the stunning scenery of the lower Nepalese Himalayas as they walk along its banks.
Although the hike can be considered moderately difficult, the trail is very manageable for beginners, making it a perfect opportunity to introduce them to the Manaslu trek route before arriving at Maccha Khola for the night.
Note: Our Manaslu trek first day will conclude at Machha Khola. If you want a hiking experience from Soti Khola, you can stay one night there and then head for the Maccha Khola. Our travel itineraries are fully customizable to your desires.
Location of the Route: Where are Soti Khola and Maccha Khola?
Soti Khola and Maccha Khola are located in the lower section of the Gorkha District and the lower region of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
They’ve also been identified as beautiful entrances to the main area of the Manaslu Conservation Area and lie along the Budi Gandaki River.
The landscape surrounding both villages on Manaslu trek is hilly and wooded, showcasing the foothills of the Himalayan region of Nepal.
Soti Khola is located at an altitude of approximately 700m and provides access to the surrounding area by roads and vehicular transport (you can reach it from Kathmandu via jeep or bus).
It also marks the end of the paved road and the point at which you begin trekking on the Manaslu trail.
Maccha Khola, which sits at about 900m above sea level and offers places to sleep for those hiking into the Manaslu region.
On any given day, most trekkers will spend their first night in Maccha Khola and will continue on the following morning into the next part of the Manaslu Circuit.
The two locations, Soti Khola and Maccha Khola, represent the “natural transition” from road travel to adventure trekking.
In doing so, they allow you to experience the different types of landscapes, people and cultures along the Manaslu route in a more gradual manner than would be possible if you had been using only road travel.
How to Reach Soti Khola from Kathmandu (Your Starting Point)
You will begin your journey from Kathmandu to Soti Khola early at 6 or 7 AM.
You will find road access into the lower Gorkha district, with the option to choose between public transport bus, shared jeep and private jeep, depending on your preference and budget.
Public transport buses will be the least expensive option, costing around $8 to $12; however, they typically take longer to reach the trailhead location because they stop frequently.
You will have to go to Gongabu Bus Park to catch your bus.
It can also become crowded and uncomfortable due to the rough nature of some of the roads.
Private or shared jeeps offer a more comfortable, 1-2 hour quicker travel experience and are typically the preferred mode of travel for most trekkers.
While a shared jeep will cost you around $40, hiring a jeep will cost around $180 – $200.
The bus ride or jeep ride generally takes about 7-9 hours from Kathmandu, passing through towns like Dhading, Arughat and finally arriving at Soti Khola, which lies along the riverbank on the narrow and rugged road.
While the road may be bumpy in some areas, mainly due to rain during the monsoon season, it is generally passable year-round.
To ensure a smooth start to this trek, we at Nepal Base Camp Treks will help you depart directly from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola by Jeep.
Route Details for the Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (How it Looks)
The most likely time that most trekkers will depart from Soti Khola is about 7 AM after breakfast, so that they can begin their trek while it is still early in the coolness of the morning and the trail is calm.
As you leave, you will start to feel the rhythm of the Manaslu trek.
The trek will take you along the Budhi Gandaki River, through small towns and forests and along narrow cliffside paths.
You will have changing views throughout the day; this warm-up, the first part of the trek, is both peaceful and exhilarating.
Morning Section (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) – Forest Trails, Waterfalls, and Suspension Bridges
At 7 AM, the trek starts with a forest trail that leads you through a cool, shaded forest path.
As you walk, you will hear the constant rushing sound of the river, which will accompany you on your trek.
In the first hour of the trek, you will pass by small waterfalls running down from the cliffs and cross your first suspension bridge.
This will be an easy introduction to what it’s like to trek in the Himalayas.
The terrain in this area is mainly flat or slightly hilly, with very little uphill or downhill climbing.
This section is quite relaxing and will help to keep a steady pace for the remainder of the day.
Mid-Route (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Villages, Culture and Rest Stops
Continuing along the route, the landscape opens up to reveal small villages such as Khursane and Lububesi, where hikers can stop briefly to replenish their water supplies and enjoy tea at one of the local tea shops.
These small-scale communities provide an introduction to the day-to-day rural lifestyles of the Gorkha district.
Along this part of Soti Khola to Maccha Khola, hikers will have wide views of stone homes, tiny farms, children walking to schools and locals working in the fields, carrying baskets.
This is a mellow portion of the trail, offering opportunities to appreciate both the natural landscapes and cultural environment.
Final Stretch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) – Single-Track Cliffside Trails and Riversides Leading to Maccha Khola
As hikers approach the end of this section, they will feel a surge of excitement.
The trail changes from a two-track width, as seen earlier, to single-file sections that have been chiselled out of the cliff face above the river.
Hikers will follow this narrow path through several short cliff sections before the trail resumes its wider width (for the final time) along the river’s bank.
As hikers draw nearer to Maccha Khola, the river’s sound grows louder until finally, the final bridge takes them into the village, where they will remain until the official Manaslu Trek commences the following day.
Hence, the overall soti khola to maccha khola trek time takes about 5 – 7 hours, depending on your pace.
Terrain, Safety and Fitness
The trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola is rated as moderate terrain, making this hike a good introduction for people with no experience of adventure trekking in Nepal.
The rise in elevation is slight, a 200-metre increase spread out over the length of the day.
The trail features a combination of stone steps, uneven rock, forest floor and narrow cliff trails.
All of these different types of terrain will help to prepare you for the natural rhythms of the Manaslu trek route before your official trekking days.
Safety while trekking through the area is important, especially in the mid to final sections of the trail, where you need to walk single-file.
If you are planning a Manaslu adventure during the rainy season or after it rains, parts of the trail may be slippery, which could trigger landslides within the river valleys of Gorkha District.
The most important part of trekking during these periods is to take things steadily and wear proper shoes with a good grip, which makes a tremendous difference on the trail.
Using trekking poles on rocky sections of the trail is also a great way to assist you.
In terms of fitness level, you do not need to be an athlete to complete this section of the journey.
If an individual has experience walking for multiple hours, they should be able to complete it comfortably.
Nature and Wildlife – What You’ll See Along the Trail
Hiking from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola allows trekkers to enjoy the wonderful natural scenery of the Manaslu region before starting the actual trek.
The trail passes through scenic hillside forests, beautiful river gorges and green valley mountains, defining the lower Gorkha District of Nepal.
This portion of the trek has a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere.
Trekkers can have a calming experience in nature, thus preparing them for the steeper and more rugged terrain later in the trek.
You can see many wild animals on this short Manaslu trek, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Below is a list of the most common wildlife sightings:
Langur Monkey
Langur monkeys can frequently be seen on cliff tops, jumping from branch to branch or sitting quietly, observing trekkers from a distance.
Himalayan birds
Several species of Himalayan birds, such as drongos, bulbuls, hill warblers and flycatchers, are frequently observed along the forested trails.
Mountain goat (Himalayan Goral)
Mountain goats are often hard to find as they tend to be shy animals.
However, they can be seen on some rocky ledges and in tall grass while hiking mountain trails.
Barking deer (Occasionally seen)
Although it is rare to see a barking deer on the first day of trekking, they may sometimes be found early in the morning while hiking along quieter forest paths.
Butterflies and insects
With vibrant colors, these are an added attraction to the warm, humid valley areas at the base of the Manaslu region.
Staying in Maccha Khola – Rooms, Dining & Amenities
The majority of trekkers visiting Maccha Khola after noon on the second day of their trek will be settling into their first day of relaxation before their official trek begins.
The village has plenty of basic tea houses for you to stay at, allowing you to have your own genuine teahouse experience in Manaslu region.
The rooms are basic yet clean, with twin beds, a blanket and wooden walls that create a warm atmosphere after you’ve been walking the entire day along the trekking route.
The majority of the tea houses offer hot showers, mostly gas or solar, which can be a great relief after walking through the humid rainforest.
The tea houses will also provide power for your electronics (phones/cameras) for a small fee.
While Maccha Khola is somewhat remote, the hospitality of this village is warm and dependable, making it an excellent place to rest and recuperate before your Day 1 trek.
The food menus are similar to those of the general population of Nepal, which includes dal bhat (traditional rice-and-lentil dish), assorted vegetables, soup, noodles, fried rice, Tibetan bread and tea or coffee.
Trekkers who enjoy cultural interaction will find this a good place to do so, as Maccha Khola also offers homestay experiences, allowing you a closer look at how people live in the Gorkha district of Nepal.
Best Trekking Tips From Soti Khola To Maccha Khola
Know your local weather forecast before leaving, so you will not be caught in risky trail conditions
Rain can change the trail conditions from rock to slippery on the Manaslu route as the cliff area near this location increases.
Therefore, check the weather forecast before leaving your starting point.
Start your trekking trip in the best season for safety and clarity
Choosing spring or autumn for the Manaslu trek will give you the best pathways, greatly improve visibility and allow for a more enjoyable trek along the Budhi Gandaki River.
Be aware of the trail’s length to maintain an adequate pace during trekking
Knowing the distance between Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (8-10km), you can plan your breaks and maintain a steady pace without rushing yourself on your first day.
Take some snacks and water to keep energized while trekking the riverside trail
Since this is a complete riverside trekking trail, you will want to bring some snacks and plenty of water to stay comfortable as you pass through the quiet forested and cliffy areas.
Practice walking at home before your trekking trip to prepare for the roughness of the terrain
Doing a little practice walking up/down stairs and hills will help your legs build up their strength and prepare you for some of the natural high and low areas of walking on this trek.
Making a Manaslu trek packing list will help you get prepared for later days on the trail
When you create this list, you will be able to take only what is required, reducing the weight in your backpack and making your hike through the changing elevations of this trail.
What’s Next After Maccha Khola: Trek to Jagat
After a solid night of sleep in Maccha Khola, your next destination is the walk to Jagat, a critical point in the trek for permit checks.
The trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat will take approximately 6-7 hours along a beautiful route through the Budhi Gandaki valley.
The route from Maccha Khola to Jagat includes Tatopani’s natural hot springs and many suspension bridges, with a mixture of gradual uphill trekking and riverside walking.
The scenery gets prettier and more dramatic as you continue to climb into the narrower valley. Here, the transition into the heart of the Manaslu trekking region from the warmer, lowland areas will take place.
The entrance to Jagat provides the sense that you’ve entered the “real” Manaslu region, marking the beginning of an exciting segment of your travel planning for your future trekking adventures.
Reasons to Trek the Manaslu Circuit with Nepal Base Camp Treks
As soon as you begin your trek with us at Nepal Base Camp Treks, you will be assured that your journey will be smooth, secure and stress-free from Day 1.
Our experienced local guides are knowledgeable about every single twist and turn of the Manaslu trekking route.
They will also be aware of trail changes from season to season and will select the best trail to follow based on conditions for that particular day.
From preparing for your Manaslu Trek to securing permits and utilising various modes of transportation, all you have to do is simply focus on walking, enjoying the incredible scenery and soaking in the adventure!
With years of experience trekking in Gorkha District and throughout the greater Himalayas, you can be confident that you will have a team member or guide to ensure that you receive the support and information you need at every stage of your trek.
Our team will be with you to help you select a good teahouse, ensure that your pace is comfortable and answer all of your questions about local culture.
Therefore, for trekkers who would like a well-structured and secure experience as they begin a trek on the Manaslu Circuit, Nepal Base Camp Treks provides the ideal combination of professionalism, comfort and expert guidance through the majestic Himalayan mountain region!
