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Machha Khola

Machha Khola to Jagat

Trekking In Nepal

The second day of the Manaslu circuit trek is from Machha Khola to Jagat. This is the typical location from which we start the trek. The Kathmandu to Jagat journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Arughat and Soti Khola along the Budhi Gandaki River, which takes 9 to 10 hours. Let’s discuss the Day 2 Manaslu circuit trek itinerary from Machha Khola to Jagat, the route to the Upper Manaslu in Manaslu region.

We have reached Machha Khola by jeep and will now start our trek. It covers a 22- km trek distance that will take 5 to 6 hours. The journey from Kathmandu to Jagat takes you on an adventurous journey filled with natural beauty and immerses you in the local culture. The lower route consists of Indo-Aryans, including Chhetris, Brahmins, and Magar. Whereas the higher route of the trek after the Jagat consists of Tibetan Burman and Mongoloid such as Rai, Limbu, Tamang, and Sherpa.

Morning at Machha Khola

You start the day early in the small village in the Gorkha district of Nepal. Machha Khola (also written as Machha Khola), the starting point of the trek, is located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River at an altitude of 870m above sea level. It makes your day remarkable with the early morning ambiance of Birds chirping, fresh mountain air, and the aromatic sound of the Budhi Gandaki River. Terraced fields surround Machha Khola and offer you the opportunity to view the rural lifestyle of the local people.

After a warm breakfast at Machha Khola, you head towards Khorla Besi. Plan your day’s trek here and pack the essentials. The weather may change, so pack equipment like rain gear, waterproof shoes, and snacks. You have to stay hydrated throughout the trek, so it is recommended that you drink 3 to 4 liters of water per day.

Machha Khola to Khorla Besi

The Kathmandu to Jagat trek route takes you to the Khorla Besi at 970m above sea level, a Gurung village in the Gorkha District. It is the first rest stop of the day. You will go through the Sal and Rhododendron forest and see the beautiful waterfalls towards the Khorla Besi. The route takes you on an adventure by passing through the narrow trails and over the suspension bridge. The village offers delightful views of the rivers and terraced farms.

On the way to Khorla Besi, you will encounter the mule caravans carrying supplies. You will also meet the local villagers along the trail and experience the rural village’s lifestyle. You will walk through the uphill path, which will take about 45 minutes to reach here.

Hot Spring at Tatopani

After reaching Khorla Besi, the trail takes you to Tatopani, hiking Via Lisyapu. It will take 30 minutes to reach Tatopani, a natural hot spring at 990 meters. Due to its mineral richness, it serves as a natural remedy to cure skin-related diseases. It is a Hindu pilgrim site, and many Hindu people visit from September to April. You can witness a local Hindu Temple in the area.

You can bathe in the hot water and experience the natural hot spring. You may also enjoy a dip in the middle of the mountains and spend some time here; it will relax your muscles and prepare you for the next hike spot.

Tatopani to Dobhan

It takes one and a half hours of walking to reach Dobhan from the Tatopani. Dobhan is also known as Thulo Dhunga, 1070 meters above sea level. The walking distance is 3 km from Tatopani to Dobhan. It is one of the challenging trails of the Manaslu trek as the elevation will rise. You find it difficult to pass by the narrow valley and rocky trails. You reach Dobhan by passing the Labuchet and Hulchuk village in Dharche. After that, you must climb a ridge to cross the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. The scenic view of the waterfall and dense forest provides a thrilling experience you can never imagine.

The next stop on the trail is Dobhan, where you can have a lunch break. You must try the local food, such as Dal Bhat, Momos, and Tibetan Bread. Trekkers should reenergize for the next leg of the trek with nutritious food made with the local ingredients of Dobhan. You may experience warm hospitality from the local people at the tea houses.

Dhoban to Jagat

The trek route from Dhoban to Jagat is primarily uphill. You must cross several suspension bridges to reach Jagat from Yuru Khola and climb stone stairs to Thado Bharyang. It will take a total distance of 10 km and walking of 2.5 to 3 hours uphill from Dhoban to Jagat. You will gradually ascent uphill with a glimpse of the distant view ofMount Manaslu along the amazing scenery of lush forest, majestic cliffs, and the jingle of rivers. It is a challenging route from Kathmandu to Jagat for the Manaslu circuit trek.

Finally, you reach Jagat, a gateway to Manaslu Conservation Area. You will walk through the neat Gurung Village and encounter the Himalayan culture and traditions. 

Arrival at Jagat

Upon arrival at Jagat, the entry checkpoint for Manaslu Conservation Area, you can witness the rich traditional houses and ancient stone-paved streets. In the evening, after freshening up at the teahouses, enjoy the tea and share the experience of the Kathmandu to Jagat journey with fellow trekkers. The Jagat village offers to explore the mani walls and Buddhist monastery. 

The next day, you will set off for Deng from Jagat and stay at the Upper Jagat, 20 km away. The trek is 6 hours, during which you will pass through Ghatta Khola and explore the larger settlement of the Gurung Village.

Conclusion

The trek from Machha Khola to Jagat gives you a great experience of walking through untouched landscapes and the Himalayas. It is the starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. From walking through the suspension bridge to steep stone stairs and from dense forest to the rocky trail, it offers a blend of adventurous challenges. It lets you learn about Buddhist culture and witness their traditional Gurung houses. It allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities. 

Gorakh Bhatta
Mr. Bhatta is one of our licensed trekkers (issued by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal) and has years of experience with trekking in the Himalayan region. He belongs to the Gorkha region, and trekking with him is interesting, enriching and engaging. He has been working with CoreTreks since 2015. Guiding trekkers for 11 years now, he is fully knowledgeable of the areas in the Himalayan region. He guides trekkers through the trails of Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poon Hill and many more. Mr. Bhatta always keeps safety first which is why many trekkers enjoyed his company in their journey.