Manaslu Trek is a moderate grade two weeks hike on the remote trails in Manaslu Circuit with the prospect of the mountains of Mansri Range. It sits in west-central Nepal, in Gorkha district, nearly 110 km from Kathmandu City.
In the past, trekkers on Manaslu Circuit Trek started the trek from Arughat, which then used to be the end of the roadway. However, in recent years, the construction of roads further in the region has made it easier for trekkers to start Manaslu Circuit Trek from Soti Khola.
This trek ends at Dharapani, from where you'll take a road trip to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
In this Manaslu Circuit Trek Transport article, we'll try to elaborate on all the road transport you have to use in Manaslu Trek.
Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat
Roadtrip is the only ground transport in Manaslu Trek, and as of this, trekkers don't have to worry about the risks of domestic flights or possible flight delays.
First, you'll take a public bus or private jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat for 7 hours. The distance from Kathmandu to Arughat is roughly 136km.
The road to Dhading Besi is relatively smooth with a decent pitch. But after Dhading Besi, the condition of the roadway falls. The route is off-road, and on rainy days, only four-wheelers can get through in the extreme.
Trekkers would have a nightmare taking shortcut hikes during the rainy season as the road section, possibly 30km from Arughat, gets affected by the landslides. And it'll take another 7 hours, which is why Manaslu Trek in Summer is not recommended.
Kathmandu-Arughat-Soti Khola by Public Bus
The 35-seater public buses leave Kathmandu in the morning, stopping at one or two places for lunch and short breaks. The most recommended route is Kathmandu-Dhading Besi-Arughat.
The syndicate transport system at Arughat doesn't let buses go beyond here. Thus, it would help if you took mini jeeps and four-wheelers to Soti Khola.
Kathmandu-Arughat-Soti Khola by Private Jeep
Private jeeps are the best ground transport in Manaslu Trek as they offer hassle-free, comfortable, and quick rides to Soti Khola. If your private jeep has a green number plate, you won't have to stop at Arughat, and even during strikes and protests, your vehicle won't get affected.
However, taking red-plated private jeeps can't go past Arughat. So, you'll end up taking another jeep ride to Soti Khola.
Drive from Dharapani to Besi Sahar
The roadway connecting Besi Sahar to Chame can get dusty and challenging to hike. Hence, a road trip will only be an option to avoid the traffic and dust on the roads.
Dharapani to Besi Sahar by Local/private Jeeps
Local drivers from Dharapani operate the local jeep service from Dharapani to BesiSahar. The road can be scary at some points, but the safe hands of local drivers assure your safety on the road. However, this road in the rain can be challenging and fatal too. Hence, taking jeep rides during rainfall will be a safety concern.
Besi Sahar- Pokhara-Kathmandu
Most trekkers often take a local bus or private jeep transport to Pokhara from Besi Sahar. The four-hour drive from Besi Sahar to Pokhara is the best way to escape the long drive to Kathmandu.
You can also request Pokhara's jeep/car service provider to pick you up from Besi Sahar. However, you must be in a group of not less than three to benefit from this service.
Also, travelling to Pokhara can be a way to celebrate the end of the successful Manaslu Trek. Pokhara can be the destination for sightseeing and some adventure sports. You can also enjoy some luxury time at Pokhara before flying/road trip to Kathmandu.
Besi Sahar to Kathmandu
A ride from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu can be your final ground transport in Manaslu Circuit Trek if you don't travel Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu.
You'll get various ground transport options to reach Kathmandu, either private jeeps or local buses. The road trip takes around 7 hours to reach Kathmandu. The road trip becomes enjoyable as you'll ride along the shore of Marshyangdi and Trishuli.
The roadway gets a massive number of vehicles, and you may get stuck in a traffic jam for hours. Other than that, the road trip will be comfortable.
