Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Reliable private 4WD (4×4) service from Nepal Himalayas Trekking, under the ownership of Mr. Prakash Lamsal. Please provide your group size, date, pickup location, luggage volume, and whether you prefer private or shared transportation. We’ll confirm the best price instantly and can bundle permits, guide, and accommodation on request.
Nepal Himalayas Trekking — Your reliable transfer partner for Manaslu Circuit Trek & Annapurna Circuit Trek, including alternative trailheads in the Annapurna Region.
Kathmandu to Machha Khola by jeep is the most comfortable and time‑efficient way to begin the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The journey follows the Prithvi & Mid‑Hill Highways before turning north through Dhading toward Arughat – Soti Khola – Machha Khola on a mixed blacktop and gravel road. A 4WD (4×4) is strongly recommended for monsoon months and for carrying expedition loads.
We arrange door‑to‑door hotel pick‑ups, vetted drivers, and modern 4WD (4×4) jeeps (Bolero/Scorpio/Hilux) with forward‑facing seats. Start times are usually 6:30–7:30 AM from Kathmandu, so you arrive before dusk in Machha Khola—perfect for an early trek start the next day.
Total road distance: ~170 km (route‑dependent; ±10–15 km)
Typical drive time (dry season): 8–10 hours including lunch & tea stops
Monsoon/shoulder season: 10–12+ hours depending on landslides & road works
Elevation gain: Kathmandu (~1,400 m) to Machha Khola (~930 m) – net drop with rolling climbs
Note: Traffic at Naubise, Galchi, and rough sections after Soti Khola can significantly affect timing.
Kathmandu → Thankot/Naubise → Galchi/Junction → Dhading Besi → Arughat → Soti Khola → Machha Khola
Blacktop: Kathmandu to Dhading Besi/Arughat (mostly)
Gravel/Jeep track: Arughat/Soti Khola to Machha Khola (seasonally bumpy)
Popular meal/tea stops: Malekhu, Dhading Besi, Arughat Bazaar, Soti Khola
Kathmandu–Dhading Besi: Mostly paved highway; busy traffic; occasional maintenance slow‑downs.
Dhading Besi–Arughat–Soti Khola: Mix of blacktop and patchy sections; frequent local traffic.
Soti Khola–Machha Khola: Narrow, winding gravel/earth road with cliff sections—4×4 only recommended in wet conditions. Expect dust in dry season and mud/ruts during monsoon.
Seasonal risks: landslides, rockfall, river overflows (Jun–Sep). Our team monitors conditions daily and advises optimal departure times.
Private 4×4 Jeep (up to 4/5 pax + gear)
Kathmandu → Machha Khola: USD 250–320 per jeep (vehicle only)
Kathmandu → Soti Khola: USD 210–290 per jeep (vehicle only)
Shared Jeep (per seat, when available)
Kathmandu → Soti/Machha Khola: USD 30–50 per person (seat‑in‑coach style; limited departures)
Included: fuel, driver, standard pickup in Kathmandu, tolls, taxes.
Extra (if needed): out‑of‑valley pickup, overnight/standby, airport meet & assist, multi‑stop detours, peak‑season surcharges.
Best Value Tip: Split a private jeep among your group for comfort, luggage space, and flexible stops—often cheaper per person than last‑minute seat bookings.
Private 4×4 Jeep – Fastest, safest, and most flexible; ideal for groups/gear.
Shared 4×4 Jeep – Budget‑friendly; fixed times/routes; luggage limits.
Local Bus/HiAce + Transfer – Kathmandu → Arughat/Soti Khola by bus/HiAce, then hire a local jeep onward to Machha Khola (longer and less predictable).
Custom Combo – Split the journey with an overnight in Arughat or Soti Khola to break the drive.
Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) + MCAP + ACAP (if exiting via Annapurna Side). We can pre‑arrange permits & TIMS where required.
Monsoon Window (Jun–Sep): Depart earlier; allow buffer days; expect diversions.
Baggage: Keep duffels under 15–18 kg; waterproof cover recommended.
Health & Safety: Motion sickness tablets, dust masks, a head‑torch for late arrivals, and personal travel insurance are essential.
Payments: We accept bank transfer, cards, and NPR cash; request an invoice in advance.
Sustainability: We encourage joint transfers and responsible waste management at stops.
Confirm your trek start (guide, permits, insurance) with us.
Choose your vehicle (private or shared) & departure time.
Pick‑up from the hotel/airport in Kathmandu.
Drive to Naubise → Dhading Besi (breakfast/tea).
Lunch around Arughat/Malekhu, depending on pace.
Continue through Soti Khola to Machha Khola; check‑in at your teahouse.
Evening briefing with your guide for the next day’s trek to Jagat.
We operate daily departures in peak seasons with dynamic dispatch to keep prices low while maintaining safety and comfort.
Same‑day confirmations in season (subject to availability)
Group discounts and gear‑haul options
Professional drivers with mountain‑road experience
Contact Nepal Himalayas Trekking (Owner: Mr. Prakash Lamsal) for today’s best price and availability.
Road works and periodic bridge maintenance continue to improve the Dhading–Arughat sector. Short‑term delays are possible—our ops team reroutes when needed.
Festival peaks (Dashain/Tihar: Oct–Nov) and spring holidays (Mar–Apr) sell out early—book 1–2 weeks ahead for private jeeps.
Weather planning: Winter mornings are crisp/dry (faster drives); monsoon demands extra buffer time and a 4×4.
Ideal for Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, and Nar Phu Valley treks.
Kathmandu → Dharapani: ~230 km, 9–11 hrs (via Besisahar; last stretch is jeep track).
Dharapani → Chame → Pisang → Manang: rugged high‑alpine road; 4×4 only; acclimatization advised.
Private jeep: USD 290–490 (route & season dependent); multi‑day staging available.
Many Manaslu trekkers exit via Dharapani after crossing Larke Pass.
Option A (Fastest): Direct private 4×4 to Kathmandu (10–12 hrs).
Option B (Economy): 4×4 to Besisahar, then tourist bus/HiAce to Kathmandu (11–13 hrs total).
We can sync pickup times with your trek schedule at the Dharapani checkpoint.
Perfect if you finish in Muktinath or Jomsom and want to avoid flight uncertainties.
Distance: ~155–170 km depending on start point
Drive time: 8–10 hrs (faster in dry season)
Private jeep: USD 260–360 per vehicle; shared seats on request.
Bonus: Scenic Kali Gandaki gorge with optional lunch stop in Tatopani or Ghasa.
How far is Machha Khola from Kathmandu?
By road, approximately 170 km (route‑dependent). Expect 8–10 hrs in dry months; longer in monsoon.
How much does a jeep cost from Kathmandu to Salleri?
For Salleri (Everest access road), a private 4×4 typically costs USD 250–350 per jeep depending on season, vehicle, and pickup. Shared seats can run USD 25–45 when available.
How many km is it from Machha Khola to Jagat?
Trail distance is approximately 20–24 km (route variations via Tatopani, Dobhan). Trekking time is usually 6–7 hrs for most groups.
How to reach Manaslu from Kathmandu?
Secure RAP + MCAP permits and a licensed guide (mandatory for Manaslu Restricted Area).
Drive Kathmandu → Machha Khola by private/shared jeep.
Start the trek Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Lho → Sama Gaun → Samdo → Dharamshala → Larkya La → Bimtang → Dharapani.
Exit via Dharapani and drive back to Kathmandu (or continue into Annapurna if combining permits).
Locally owned & managed by Mr. Prakash Lamsal
Trusted drivers and 4×4 fleet with proper insurance
Permit handling, guides, and lodge reservations
24/7 field updates on road & weather conditions
Transparent pricing with no hidden add‑ons
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