Local transportation for Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best way to access the route. In recent years, the Manaslu Trek route has been gaining popularity among trekkers. But it is still less commercialized than other trekking routes.
The trekking route lies in the Gorkha district, northwest of Kathmandu. Considered one of the most challenging trekking routes, Manaslu Trek offers a unique experience to trekkers.
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The Manaslu Trek begins in the village of Soti Khola (710 meters) or Macha Khola (900 meters). You have to travel by road to reach Macha Khola. Therefore, you will need local transportation for Manaslu Trek. During the journey, you will pass by stunning landscapes, luscious green forests, rivers, and remote villages.
Similarly, you can view the stunning Manaslu mountain range up close. The Manaslu Trek will take you into the remote Himalayan wilderness. Trekkers get the chance to travel through the serene and untouched landscape of Manaslu. You will trek through the part of Annapurna Conservation Area where you can witness diverse flora and fauna.
The Manaslu region is home to ethnic groups like Gurung and Tamang. You will get a chance to immerse yourself in their culture, tradition, and local hospitality. You will have to ascend and descend in rough terrains and rocky paths.
The highest altitude you will reach during the trek is at Larkya La Pass. It lies at 5,160 meters (16,923 feet) altitude. Because of the high altitude, there is a risk of altitude sickness. It takes quite a physical toll for trekkers to complete the Manaslu Trek. But the enriching experience makes it worth your effort.
Traveling through local transportation for Manaslu Trek lets you experience the local way of traveling in Nepal. Similarly, you can mingle with the locals, try local cuisines, and be a part of the local culture, traditions, and customs.
Local Transportation During Manaslu Circuit Trek
The easiest and stress-free way of taking the Manaslu Circuit Trek is through the travel agency. You have to take a bus or jeep to reach the trekking start point at Machha Khola. You can also take a micro-bus or a car. Here at Adventure Walkway, we provide different packages for Manaslu Circuit. You can also customize the trekking itinerary to match your preferences and comfort. Our packages also cover the local transportation for Manaslu Trek. Whether you want local transportation or private, we can arrange it for you.
To give you a complete idea of local transportation for Manaslu Trek, we have highlighted the journey in the following way:
Drive From Kathmandu to Maccha Khola by Bus
You will begin your journey from Kathmandu via bus. You can get the local bus at the Gongabu Bus Park, Kathmandu. The bus usually departs at 7 AM. It takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach its destination. You will travel from Kathmandu via the Prithvi highway. Similarly, you will travel about 158 kilometers from Kathmandu to reach Maccha Khola. The road connecting Kathmandu to Arughat is good. But after Arughat, the road becomes bumpy and rough.
Up until 2021, the road was only connected from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. But post-COVID-19, the road has extended up to Maccha Khola. Thanks to this, one day has been reduced for trekkers. But if you want, you can ask to be dropped off at Soti Khola. You can start your trek from Soti Kholi but starting from Maccha Khola will give you a one-day head start.
Our Adventure Walkway itinerary has a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. We will stay there overnight and begin our trek from Soti Khola. It takes 5 hours to reach Maccha Khola.
Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar by Jeep
You will come to Dharapani (1,860 meters) at the end of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. The roads at Dharapani are dusty and busy. Therefore, it is best that you take a jeep to drive from Dharapani to Besisahar (807 meters). The road connecting the two destinations is bumpy and not in great condition.
There are two ways you can drive from Dharapnai to Besisahar by jeep. You can either opt for a public shared jeep or you can get a private jeep. The shared jeep is great for individual trekkers, small groups, or budget-conscious trekkers. On the other hand, the private jeep is a good choice for a large group (5-7 people). It is also convenient for you as you can take detours, stop by places, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Another route of traveling to Besisahar is from Tilije. You will arrive in Tilije a day before Dharapani at the end of Manaslu Circuit Trek. You can take a jeep from the village of Tilije to Besi Sahar. Our Manaslu Trek package itinerary here at Adventure Walkway includes a drive from Dharapani to Besisahar.
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu By Bus or Jeep
We will spend the night at Besisahar before heading back to Kathmandu. From Besisahar, you can get a local bus or jeep to return to Kathmandu. The local buses can fit 35-40 people while the small micro-buses can fit 14-16 people. The jeep can accommodate 5-7 people. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Kathmandu via bus. Meanwhile, the jeep and micro-bus are a little bit faster than the bus.
The road is in good condition unless you are traveling in monsoon season. During monsoon season, the heavy rainfall and landslides can create road blockage. Just before you reach Kathmandu, you will face a traffic jam.
Transportation Option For Manaslu Circuit Trek
The local transportation for Manaslu Trek is the best option for budget-conscious trekkers. However, if you are looking for comfort and convenience, booking a private jeep is more suitable. So which one should you go for? Let us provide you with information to help you decide.
There are two transportation options. They are:
Local Transportation
As we mentioned before, the local transportation for Manaslu Trek is cheaper. There are buses and micro-buses available. Similarly, you can also opt for a public-sharing jeep. The buses can fit 35-40 people and the micro-buses can fit 14-16 people. Most backpackers and solo travelers choose local transportation for the journey. It can be slightly inconvenient and takes longer to reach the destination. Sometimes it can also get quite overcrowded.
Despite this, traveling in local transportation is best for getting local experience. The buses stop at their specific pick and drop points. Similarly, they stop for refreshments at local restaurants where you can taste the local delicacies.
You can mingle with the locals and experience the local culture and customs. Additionally, you can witness the various changes in landscapes along the way.
Private Transportation
Private transportation is expensive in comparison to public transportation. But in exchange, it is a more convenient and luxurious way of traveling. You can stop at places as you please and take time to enjoy the scenery. The private jeep has spacious seating. If you are traveling in a group of 5-7 people, taking the private jeep is a good option.
The roads after Arughat are quite rough and bumpy. Travelling by jeep is best for encountering such off-road conditions. Another option for private transportation is the car. It can accommodate 3-4 people at a time.
However, the ride can get quite bumpy on a rough road. If you are thinking of traveling in a private jeep, you should book it beforehand. We highly recommend you do so during the peak season time. We at Adventure Walkway can arrange one for you. You can contact us for booking or any inquiries.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
- Day 2: Trek preparation day and Kathmandu sightseeing
- Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola (710m)
- Day 4: Trek to Machha Khola (900m)
- Day 5: Trek to Jagat (1410m)
- Day 6: Trek to Deng (1804m)
- Day 7: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 8: Trek to Lho (3180m)
- Day 9: Trek to Samagaon (3530m)
- Day 10: Rest day in Samagaon
- Day 11: Trek to Samdo (3860m)
- Day 12: Trek to Dharamsala (4460m)
- Day 13: Trek to Larkya La Pass (5135m) and Bimthang (3590m)
- Day 14: Bimthang to Dharapani
- Day 15: Drive to Besisahar from Dharapani
- Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu
- Day 17: Final Departure
Frequently Asked Questions?
Is Manaslu Trek better than Annapurna?
Whether Manaslu Trek is better than Annapurna Circuit Trek depends entirely on individual preferences. Both treks offer unique experiences to the trekkers. The highlight of the Manaslu Trek is its remote but stunning landscapes and wilderness. Similarly, compared to Annapurna, it is less crowded. Trekkers looking for a serene and quiet trekking experience, Manaslu Trek is ideal.
How can I book transportation for the Manaslu Trek?
You can book a private vehicle or arrange local transportation for the Manaslu Trek. However, the most reliable way to book transportation is through a Travel Agent. We here at Adventure Walkway will prepare everything you need for the trek including transportation.
What are the requirements for Manaslu Trek?
Carry proper clothing, equipment, and gear. The other important requirements include the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), and travel insurance.
Conclusion
The local transportation for Manaslu Trek is easily manageable. If you want to get the local experience of traveling in Nepal, we highly suggest you take the local transportation. It is also a cheaper option. But if you want to travel comfortably and conveniently, private transportation is the best option.
For the first part of the journey from Kathmandu to Arughat, the road condition is good. But from Arughat onward, the road gets quite rocky and bumpy. So be prepared to journey through the off-road country road. Adventure Walkway can help you arrange the Manaslu Trek package and transportation. For any information and queries, you can contact us through email or phone number.
