Transportation for Manaslu trek plays a crucial role in the expedition to the eighth highest mountain in the world. The journey involves rugged terrain and rough tracks. Understanding the travel options helps you determine the logistics and costs and plan the trip efficiently. The 15-day-long journey in the Himalayas takes you through the scenic Manaslu, Everest, Annapurna, etc. Categorized as a moderately difficult trek, the maximum elevation during the trek is 5160m.
Various travel options are available for the trekkers for the journey. Local buses are mostly used by locals and tourists alike. A large group of tourists prefer hiring a jeep for themselves. Further, microbus and jeep rides are also available to share in places like Dharapani, Sotikhola, etc. The costs, timing, and services vary depending on the service providers.
The journey to scenic Manaslu begins at the capital, Kathmandu. You must ensure you are prepared for the 2-week-long trek before leaving Kathmandu. Once the trekkers are fully prepared for the journey, their first destination is Macchakhola or Sotikhola. The distance between Kathmandu and Macchakhola is approximately 160 km/99 miles.
Sotikhola, a small village ~130km west of Kathmandu, lies en route to Macchakhola. Instead of dropping in Macchakhola, some trekkers prefer to begin their trek in Sotikhola. This, however, increases the trek duration by one day. The trail passes through the heart of the villages, ultimately reaching Larkya La Pass, the trek’s highest point. Tamang and Thakali are the major ethnic groups in the region, and most of the locals practice Hinduism and Buddhism.
Local buses are the most common transportation option to reach Macchakhola. The distance between Kathmandu and Macchakhola is approximately 160 km/99 miles. Local buses take approximately 8/9 hours to complete the journey. The bus route passes through Aarughat, Ankhu Khola, and Soti Khola and ultimately reaches Macchakhola. Macchakhola is the conventional starting point of the Manaslu trek.
Some of the trekkers prefer to begin their journey in Sotikhola. The local bus leaves early in the morning from Kathmandu. It will make stops only for lunch and toilet breaks and will take 7/8 hours to reach Sotikhola. Hence, we advise you to have breakfast before you depart. You can also bring packed snacks with you. The road condition throughout the route varies, and the track from Ankhu Khola gets bumpier.
Starting from Ankhu Khola, the road gets bumpier. Hence, it might be uncomfortable to travel on a local bus. Trekkers can hire a private jeep for the cozy experience. While local buses stop at Macchakhola, private jeeps can reach as far as Jagat. Hiring a private jeep is costlier than the public bus fare. The travel duration is reduced by 1/3rd. Jeeps take approximately five to 5/6 hours to reach Macchakhola.
The travel duration is further reduced if you plan to start the trek in Soti Khola. Private jeeps normally take four to 4/5 hours to reach Soti Khola. Unlike local buses, you can take a break for meals or refreshments at different locations. Hiring a jeep is a better option if traveling in a group. It offers private space, comfortable traveling, flexibility, and custom stops. Private jeeps are equipped with better seating and comfort.
You can share the jeep with other travelers instead of hiring alone. Trekkers can find sharing jeeps in Maccha Khola that reachesto Jagat. Most of the travelers prefer to trek to Jagat. Yet, you can cover the 22 km journey by a shared jeep.Doing so allows trekkers an extra rest day. Further, sharing the jeep offers a unique opportunity to understand the local culture up close. Some jeeps use the Tourist number plate (Green), while others use red. We advise you to prefer to choose tourist-plated jeeps.
After a grueling 15-day trek, you will reach Dharapani village. Dharapani happens to be en route to your return journey. Trekkers travel to Besisahar from Dharapani. The road is dusty and difficult to walk by. Hence, we suggest you explore other options to reach Besisahar. The route falls under the jurisdiction of the Nepal Army. Major reformations happen at places as they fall under a larger road project. Almost all the routes are carved on the mountainside. Traveling through the alpine terrain can become physically and mentally exhausting. However, despite the rocky terrain, no accidents have been recorded on the route.
Local jeeps are the most common mode of transport on the route. The road distance is nearly ~35 km. Jeeps take approximately 5-6 hours to reach Besisahar. Since the route is extremely busy, finding a jeep should not be much hassle. Locals primarily use Jeeps for daily purposes. Traveling in a local jeep allows you to interact with the natives and understand their culture. Further, sharing a jeep is cheaper than hiring a private jeep.
If you want a cozy experience, you can hire a private jeep. Local travel operators can help you reserve a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar. Private jeeps take four to 4/5 hours to reach Besisahar. Covering the ~35 km distance feels seamless while in a private jeep. Hiring a jeep can be quite expensive. Hence, we suggest you rent the jeep if you are in a large group. Depending on the service provider’s policy, you might need to pay an advance fee to reserve the jeep.
The final phase of the return journey is from Besisahar to Kathmandu. The distance from Besisahar to Kathmandu is 175 km. The returning tourists from Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Narphu flock to Besisahar. Various travel options are available for travelers. Local buses and private jeeps operate regularly on the Besisahar-Kathmandu route. Instead of heading to Kathmandu, some trekkers choose to spend a few days in a famous tourist destination, Pokhara.
Local buses take approximately 6/7 hours to reach Kathmandu. Occasional hindrances, such as landslides, might cause disturbances throughout. En route to Kathmandu, Mugling faces mudslides and landslides frequently during the rainy season. Deluxe tourist buses operate on the route, offering more sophisticated services than local buses.
You can choose to hire a private jeep for your journey. The journey takes approximately 5/6 hours in a jeep. Local travel agencies can assist you in managing the private jeep. The reservation cost for the jeep varies depending upon the service. Agencies charge in the range of ~Nrs 26000 to ~Nrs 28000 for a trip.
It’s an option for those who want to explore Pokhara city.
Instead of heading to Kathmandu, you can choose to explore the beautiful city of Pokhara. The distance between Besisahar and Pokhara is 80.4km via road. Pokhara is famous for its stunning natural beauty and adventure opportunities. If the schedule allows, Pokhara will be a must-visit destination for tourists.
Local buses frequently operate on the Besisahar-Pokhara route. It takes approximately 4/5 hours to reach Pokhara via Pushpalal highway. The bigger buses fit in 30-40 people at a time. You can also find microbuses, having a capacity of 10-15 people. The Pushpala Highway is being improved in several areas, so the road conditions may change along the way. The busy route might also extend the travel duration.
Private jeeps offer a more efficient option for traveling from Pokhara to Besisahar. Jeeps can navigate through the difficult terrain with relative ease. Traveling in a private jeep saves you at least an hour. Further, you can enjoy a more personalized travel experience. In addition to comfort and convenience, jeeps are safer options than local buses. If you are traveling in a group, private jeeps are a more convenient mode of transport.
| Route | Mode of Transport | Cost (USD) | Cost (Npr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Machha Khola | Local Bus | 20 per person | ~2700 |
| Kathmandu to Machha Khola | Private Jeep | 250 | ~3500 |
| Dharapani to Besishahar | Sharing Jeep | 25 per person | ~3500 |
| Dharapani to Besishahar | Private Jeep | 200 | ~2800 |
| Tilije to Besishahar | Sharing Jeep | 30 per person | ~4000 |
| Tilije to Besishahar | Private Jeep | 250 | ~3500 |
| Besishahar to Kathmandu | Sharing Jeep | 160 per person | ~22000 |
| Besishahar to Kathmandu | Private Jeep | 200 per person | ~28000 |
| Besishahar to Kathmandu | Local Bus | 15 per person | ~2000 |
Manaslu Trek is one of the unique outdoor expeditions in the Himalayas. Manaslu is a hidden gem in the middle of the Himalayas, with beautiful mountains, unique Tamang and Thakali culture, and a variety of landscapes. Transportation facilities are crucial in the trek’s duration, route, and timing. Travelers have several options to choose from. Making a wise transport decision helps in seamless and efficient planning for the Manaslu trek.
Local buses and jeeps are available for the trek commute. Most choose to travel by local buses to Macchakhola or Soti Khola, while some prefer hiring a private jeep. Further, during the return journey, people spend time in Pokhara and travel on a local bus. Some visitors prefer to commute locally, bringing them closer to Nepal’s diversity. For group travelers, renting a private jeep is both a time and cost-efficient option. Ikhola is via a public bus. The bus fare is relatively cheaper compared to other options. It costs ~$20 – $25 per person to reach Macchakhola or Sotikhola via a local bus service.
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