Kathmandu to Machha Khola by Bus, Jeep, Hiace

Eco Nepal Trekkers

Kathmandu to Machha Khola: Overview

Quick Facts about Maccha Khola

Maccha Khola is located in the northern part of Gorkha District. It is a small village situated on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The primary entry point for trekkers heading to the breathtaking Manaslu region for hikes such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Ganesh Himal Trek, etc. is Machha Khola. This small village is best palce to sit relax and prepare before undertaking the famous trek of Nepal.

From the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu, the journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is filled with awesome scenery, colorful cultures, and welcoming Gurung and Magar people.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the details you need for traveling from Kathmandu to Machha Khola.

Road conditions and road distance from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola:

The road distance between Machha Khola and Kathmandu is between 140 and 160 kilometers. Though certain parts of the road are still muddy and dusty, others have improved, the overall state of the road is progressively improving.

Wearing light, comfortable clothing that blocks dust particles is advised to protect yourself from the mud and dust, and a mask is a must for dust protection.

Transportation Options for Machha Khola

Traveling by Local Bus

One of the easiest and most affordable options to reach Machha Khola is by taking a local from Gongabu Bus Station. The journey covers about 140-160 kilometers (99 miles) and takes 9 to 10 hours. You can buy a ticket online or go directly to Gongabu Bus Park, where bus mainly depart in the morning between 6:30 and 7:30. Local bus tickets cost around NPR 800-1500 per person.

The bus have around 25-30 seats. Traveling by local bus allows you to take a break and refresh yourself. The bus makes stops at local hotels or restaurants, giving trekkers a chance to have lunch. However, the journey can be quite long and time-consuming.

Traveling by Private Jeep

Compared to local bus, traveling by jeep is faster. A private jeep is a more comfortable option than a local bus and usually takes 7-8 hours to reach Machha Khola. Hiring a private jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola will cost you around $250.

For a single person, joining a group and sharing a private jeep can make the trip more affordable, as the cost is divided among the travelers. This option is budget-friendly and offers great value for the scenic beauty and cultural encounters along the way.

The Road to Machha Khola

Road from Kathmandu to Machha Khola starts from Gangabu bus park via Prithvi Highway and then you will pass through diverse terrains. From the busy mode of the city to the calm countryside. There are zigzag roads that run along the Trishuli River and the area is blessed with beautiful terrains with the fields, villages and the Mountain ranges.

Key Stops Along the Way

Dhading Besi:

A famous town on the road, Dhading Besi is a great place to stop and relax. It is a convenient spot to take a rest because it provides a variety of amenities. There’s also a nice place for you to enjoy yourself. It’s a great place to take a break and find a pleasant place to dine before getting back in your vehicle.

Arughat:

Arughat is an important destination for hikers because it’s one of the last towns before Machha Khola. The town is full of life and provides chances to hire guides or porters if necessary. It also offers required goods and amenities to help visitors on their journey.

Arriving in Machha Khola

Machha Khola is situated at the alitude of approxiametly 870 meters (2,854 feet) above sea level. After you arrive in Machha Khola, you will find a small village surrounded by lush hills, located along the banks of the Machha Khola.

This amazing location is one of the best places to relax and spend the night in a teahouse before heading on the trek in the Manaslu region.

Accommodation

There are a good number of lodges and teahouses in Machha Khola. Although some of the accommodations can be recognized comfortable, overall the quality is fairly basic. While some have introduced Nepali meals paired with some other foods to give the customers a flavor of what they may expect to find in Nepal, the majority of them serve Nepali food.

Exploring Machha Khola and Surrounding

Machha Khola is more than simply a place to relax; it is also home to a variety of activities that allow visitors to interact with nature. There are numerous exciting suspension bridges to traverse this tiny river.

Natural Hot Springs:

Tatopani, another eight km down the Machha Khola, has natural hot springs and is an excellent place to take a break after the trek. Many trekkers come to visit this natural hot spring to relax and enjoy in the natural hot water. It is believed that if you take bath in this natural water it helps you to prevent from the skin disease. You can find the locker in this area but for the changing there is no private room. You can also find the shower and washroom facilites in this area.

Cultural Experience:

Machha Khola is the best place to experience the local way of life by getting to know the locals. You can learn and taste their local cuisine, thier culture and traditons. Also the warm hospitality of local people while staying in this palce will amaze you. This place has more faciltes of lodging and fooding compared to other high alitude village.

Scenic Views:

Offering breathtaking views of the neighboring valleys and mountains, this area is a photographer’s dream come true. Watching the rushing Budhi Gandaki River is truly amazing. Crossing the suspension bridge while walking will provide you with a thrilling and unforgettable experience. In spring, you can see forests covered with rhododendrons, while the pine and bamboo forests are equally stunning. The local people cultivate a variety of crops, adding to the beauty of the landscape. Additionally, waterfalls in various places enhance the atmosphere of this region.

Wildlife and Flora:

Near the Machha Khola in about 46.8 km you can enjoy the various wildlife and flora inside the Manaslu Conservation area. This area is protected area so you must obtain permit to enter this area and while trekking inside the park or conservation you must have liscnsed trekking guide with you.

Within the conservation area, you can encounter Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, musk deer, langur monkeys, and a diverse array of bird species. This place is best for the nautral lover.

Safety Tips While Travelling from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Some Frequently Asked Questions( Kathmandu to Machha Khola)

What is the cost of the bus ticket from Kathmandu to Machha Khola?

From Kathmandu to Machha Khola, a public transportation ticket cost approximately $10 to $20 per person.

How can I go from Kathmandu to Machha Khola for Manaslu Circuit?

The most popular route to the Manaslu Circuit’s starting point is to take a local bus to Maccha Khola, which is 900 meters/2952 feet away.

What is Machha Khola altitude?

How many seats are available on Nepali tourist bus?

How can I purchase a bus ticket for Kathmandu to Machha Khola?

The Bus Sewa App allows you to order bus tickets online. Alternatively, you can walk to the station, which is situated in Gongabu Bus Park, on your own. We Eco Nepal Trekkers help with ticket booking as well.

How can the Jeep be rented for Kathmandu to Machha Khola trip?

Jeeps may be hired simply in Nepal, as there are numerous rental centers where hikers can make reservations.

How far is Machha Khola from Kathmandu?

How is the state of the roads leading from Kathmandu to Machha Khola?

Up until Dhading Besi, the road is in excellent shape. The road is in poor condition, with dust and dirt from Dhading Besi.

The greatest season to trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek is from May to November (autumn and spring), when the days are longer and warmer with stable weather conditions.

Final Say

The drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is an incredible adventure. Trekkers can experience the friendly hospitality of the villagers throughout this journey. The town is surrounded by the Himalayan Foothills’ breathtaking scenery. Traveling to Maccha Khola will leave you with no regrets. When compared to other journeys, this one is worthwhile and reasonably priced.