Soti Khola Gateway to Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Soti Khola, a small, beautiful village in the Gorkha district of Nepal, serves as an official gateway to the iconic Manaslu Circuit Trekking. The mixture of culture settlement is not just a trailhead of the trek but also offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and unique wildlife, enriches culture and traditions, and provides short hints of adventure for further trek journey. For traveler’s enthusiasts, embarking on a journey towards the Manaslu Trekking in 2025 is the perfect intro to the Himalayas of Nepal. This small village is the start of exchanging culture between two different groups of people where trekkers can kindly experience the lower altitude trekking experience by interacting with local kids and viewing the sacred Budi Gandaki River valley.
Location and Altitude of Soti Khola
Approx. 140 km northern of Kathmandu Valley, Soti Khola Village is a unique settlement with an elevation of 700m (2297ft) above sea level. Settled along the bank of Budi Gandaki River, the village is surrounded by dense green hills, cascading waterfalls, and a terrace field that offers ideal escaping from the crowd and remind of the peaceful Manaslu trek journey.
How to Get Soti Khola from Kathmandu
Driving distance and transportation options from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
The scenic journey from Kathmandu Valley to Soti Khola is around 8-9 hours of drive through Nepal’s first highway and bumpy roads in upper areas. You can travel to Soti Khola by choosing various mood of transportation. Here are a few ways of transportation that you can obtain for the trek.
- Private Vehicle: Hiring a jeep is a comfortable way to reach Soti Khola. The cost of private transportation can be up to USD 150 to 200 for one-way transport.
- Public Bus: The local budget operates daily from Kathmandu from Bus Park around 20 min from Thamel. The cost of a public bus is estimated at USD 10 on average.
- Sharing Transportation: If you want to make a trip with shared transportation, you can stay updated with related travel companies, the cost can be less than hiring a jeep individual. They typically depart from Thamel or the new Bus Park.
Major highlight and attraction of Soti Khola, Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Stunning natural scenery
Soti Khola Village is based in the lap of green hills that hold breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounding giant hills are covered with greenery, waterfalls, and terrace farmland of villagers. The pristine Budi Gandaki River also flows along through the Soti Khola which adds charm to the area.
Starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Renowned as the trek beginning point of Manaslu Circuit, Soti Khola where trekkers can get the test of trails stunning landscapes, and a unique rural lifestyle. Soti Khola, a subtropical land leads the trail towards the alpine meadows andLarky Pass(5106m)
Local village and lifestyle
The village of Soti Khola creates a warm atmosphere to interact with local people and explore their lifestyle. Friendly local traditions, mud and stone houses, and small tea shops offer a great experience of the Nepalese Himalayas to experience and beginner or Solo trekkers.
Wildlife encounters and Bird-watching
The lush forests around are the home of diverse species of wildlife. Where can colorful birds, butterflies, and animals like monkeys, deer, and occasionally leopards be encountered.
Cultural encounters
Sotikhola has a unique cultural community. The people from there belong to different cultural groups like Tamang, Gurung, and Brahmans. Where trekkers can engage with local traditions, festivals, and rituals that offer a deep understanding of Nepalese culture.
Cultural Significance of Soti Khola- Manaslu Circuit Trail
Soti Khola Village Trek is not just a geographic location but also a cultural treasure of Manaslu Trek. This small village reflects the harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions of people. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Losar (known as Tibetan New Year) are celebrated by locals. Traditional music, cultural dance, and other ritual processes during the festival time provide an immersive experience to the trekkers.Even though, the hospitality of the local people is another key attraction for tourists. Trekkers are often welcomed with warm and heartfelt smiles.
Basic Itinerary of Soti Khola Manaslu Trek
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1345m) to Soti Khola (700)
Day 2: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)
Day 3: Trek to Deng (1804m)
Day 4: Trek to Namrng (2630m)
Day 5: Trek to Sama Gaon (3530m)
Day 6: Acclimatization day at Sama Gaon
Day 7: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3875m)
Day 8: Trek to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi) (4660m)
Day 9: Crossing Larkya Pass (5106m) and Trek to Bhimtang (3720m)
Day 10: Trek to Dharapani (1860m) via Tilje (2300m)
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani via Besisahar (760m)
For google live map of Soti Khola click the link. Soti Khola - Gateway to manaslu trek with map
Additional information for trekkers
Best time to travel
The best time to travel to Soti Khola and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Manaslu Circuit trek is during autumn and spring. The month of September- to November and March to May is the best time for trekking when the weather becomes stable, mild, and clear and offers an excellent view surrounding landscape.
Accommodation Options on Soti Khola Manaslu Trekking
Manaslu Trek Soti Khola has a wide range of accommodation facilities from basic lodges to comfortable guest houses with clean rooms, attached bathrooms, with hygienic breakfast. It is better to book accommodation in advance in season time for Around Manaslu Trek.
Permits and Regulation
Trekkers beginning their Manaslu Circuit Trek journey must ensure necessary trekking permits.
- Manaslu Conservation Area(MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area( ACAP)- It is required at Dharapani where the trail section overlaps with the Annapurna region)
- Manaslu Restricted Area Trek Permit (MRAP)
Packing essentials
Proper packing is essential recomandation for the trek. Even Soti Khola required proper packing. here is essential checklist for the successful Manaslu trek.
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Lightweight clothes for a warm day
- Warm layers for cooler evenings and night
- Raincoat for protecting from rain.
- Trekking poles and backpack
- Personal medical kits and water purification tablets
Safety Tips for Trek
- Start your trek early mooring to avoid the heat during the day.
- Stay hydrated and take proper rest to avoid altitude sickness.
- Follow your guide and respect local culture for a memorable journey to the manaslu circuit trek.
- Carry necessary gear and equipment.
Why visit Soti Khola during the Manaslu Round Trek
Soti Khola is the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit trek but normally trekkers escape it and overnight at Machha Khola to merge their trek length. Soti Khola set the beautiful adventure ahead. Exploring Sotikhola allows trekkers to
- Experienced ancient Nepalese local culture and lifestyle.
- To Support sustainable tourism and the local community.
- Witness dramatic natural beauty and encounter diverse wildlife.
Conclusion- Why to explore Soti Khola
Soti Khola Trek is not just a trailhead of the Manaslu circuit, it is a destination where, culture, nature, and adventure converge that offer unforgettable Himalayas experiences to the trekkers. Soti Khola promises you to captivate with its warm and memorable Himalayan journey around the world's eighth-highest mountain. Plan your journey toward the most iconic remote trekking trails of the manaslu circuit and everything about the adventure path.
