Kathmandu to Machhakhola Bus

Kathmandu to Machhakhola by Bus 

Kathmandu to Machhakhola bus service is one of the main transportation modes available for trekkers in the Manaslu region who are doing Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. It offers both local and reserved buses.

The bus for Machhakhola from Kathmandu starts from Gongabu Bus Park/Machhapokhari, Kathmandu. The total distance to cover from Kathmandu to Machhakhola length is about 160 km and takes around 8-10 hours depending upon the road conditions.

You can also get other comprehensive ideas on Manaslu Circuit Trek Transportation and Kathmandu to Machhakhola by bus and jeep by visiting our blog post Manaslu Circuit Trek Transportation Services Details.

Day buses for Machhakhola from Kathmandu  usually leave at 6:30 AM, whereas night bus drives for Machhakhola start after 7:00 PM onwards, so one can choose according to their time and preference.

Direct bus tickets for Machhakhola from Kathmandu  are available at Gongabu Bus Park and can be contacted through any local travel agencies in Thamel, Kathmandu.

The buses for Machhakhola from Kathmandu are usually locals with small and basic seating facility and very less amenities or private cars for a good tour. Some buses are rally nice and they even have air-condition as well. If you are lucky , you will have that facility as well. Otherwise, you have to go with very basic bus ride from Kathmandu to Machhakhola for 8-9 hours for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Scenic places while driving from Kathmandu to Machhakhola this road covers includes Dhading Besi, Arughat, and Sotikhola, which offer lush Nepalese hills and rivers along the route.

Machhakhola, at an altitude of about 869 meters, is a small village with basic lodges, and Sotikhola, at 730 meters, is another important stop from where most  of the Manaslu Treks begins. 

Ticket prices for Machhakhola bus from Kathmandu vary from NPR 800 to NPR 1,500, depending on the type of bus and service.

The road conditions from Kathmandu to Machhakhola can be rough, especially after Arughat, so travelers should prepare for a bumpy ride for at least 2-3 hours while apporoaching Machhakhola.

Accordingly, bus service from Kathmandu to Machhakhola is a cheap and more realistic mode of access to the gateway of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Kathmandu to Machhakhola Jeep

Kathmandu to Machhakhola: Private and Shared Jeep

A private jeep cost from Kathmandu to Machhapokhari costs $150–$200 (NPR 2,0000–26000) for a full private jeep, accommodating 6 to 7 people comfortably.

A shared jeep cost for Machhakhola from Kathmandu costs $20–$30 (NPR 2,600–3,900) per head for the transfer and can accommodate 7-8 passengers.

The jeeps from Kathmandu to Machhakhola are usually 4WD, in good condition, and suitable for rough terrains.

The distance between Kathmandu and Machhakhola is approximately 160 km.

The jeep drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola usually takes around 8 to 10 hours of drive depending upon road conditions and number of stops.

The jeep drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola passes through the districts of Gorkha and Dhading, with major towns like Arughat and Soti Khola.

Private jeeps for Machhakhola can be hired through a local travel agency or an online reservation portal.

Shared jeeps for Machhakhola are booked in advance at Machhapokhari Bus Park, Balaju, Kathmandu.

A person can make this jeep reservation from Kathmandu to Machhakhola in person, over the phone, or via a trekking company.

Jeep Bookings form Kathmandu to Machhakhola must be made 1–2 days in advance, especially during peak seasons for trekking.

Preparations for Kathmandu to Machhakhola Bus and Jeep Ride

Kathmandu to Machhakhola is a long drive by bus or jeep. Though it's a bit tiring, the adventure is worth the trip. The following are eight important tips that help you get ready for this long journey.

Clothing: Put on comfortable clothes suitable for long travel, and do not forget to carry a lightweight jacket or fleece as the weather changes anytime, especially in hilly areas like in Dhading and Gorkah or along the Prithvi Highway.

Snacks and water: Pack enough nuts, energy bars, or dried fruits, along with at least 2 liters of water to stay hydrated. Food stops are not made frequently during the journey. You are given some stops for snacks and lunch and also for toilets on the drive to Machhakhola from Kathmandu. 

Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast. If there is a forecast of rain, carry a raincoat or poncho and waterproof your bag.

Keep your luggage safely: You may be going for Manaslu Circuit trek and you have all required trekking gears in your backpack or rucksack. While keeping your luggage in the bus, please be careful about your belongings all the way to Machhakhola. 

Money (Nepali Rupees): Keep small changes in Nepali Rupees for snacks, local purchases, and transportation costs en route. There are very few ATMs outside of Kathmandu. 

Travel Comforts: Neck pillow, earplugs, or headsets will make for a pleasant journey. 

First Aid Kit: Motion sickness tablets, painkillers, band-aids, etc. Power Bank: Keep your phone and power bank full because sometimes charging points might not be available.

Travel Documents: Carry your trekking permits (TIMS and MCAP) ACAP and Restricted Area Permit and ID ( passport), as you’ll need them for your trek starting at Machhakhola.

How much is bus from Kathmandu to Machhakhola

Kathmandu to Machhakhola bus costs around USD 10–12, using local buses, which is NPR 1,200 to NPR 1,500. Tourist buses  might be a little more expensive. It takes 8–10 hours of drive depending on the road condition and traffic. Buses for Machhakhola leave early morning from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu. It's a good idea to book one day in advance, at least during peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn). Always check the latest fares and departure times locally for up-to-date information.

How far is Machha Khola from Kathmandu by road?

Machha Khola is a village in the Gorkha district of Nepal, about 160 km northwest from Kathmandu. It usually takes about 7 to 8 hours by private jeep and 8 to 9 hours on local buses, depending on road conditions.

It starts from Prithvi Highway, which is in good condition up to Dhading Besi; from there onwards, the road is rugged and challenging, even more so during the monsoon seasons, where the roads are muddy with a possibility of landslides.

Despite these, travelers are rewarded with scenic views of lush hills, terraced farms, and the Budhi Gandaki River along the way.

How much is Kathmandu to Chame by jeep? 

The private jeep travel from Kathmandu to Chame, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, costs anywhere between $340 and $500, depending on the service provider and the type of vehicle. For instance, a 12-seater jeep is quoted at $340 by Alpine Ramble Treks, while Nepal Highland Treks offers a Toyota Land Cruiser for $370.

Alternatively, it's possible to share a jeep, which will be around $125 USD per person if there are three of you.

The alternative option of going by local bus to Besisahar and then by local jeep to Chame is cheaper but takes longer and is less comfortable.

How much is jeep from Kathmandu to Machhakhola?

Kathmandu to Machha Khola private jeep covers the distance of about 160 kilometers, which takes approximately 8 to 9 hours depending upon the road conditions. It costs about $250 to hire a private jeep and can accommodate up to 7 passengers.

Another option is public buses, with shuttle costs ranging from 800-1,500 NPR per person. It may be less comfortable, again taking longer.

Final Words

Bus and jeep travel the distance from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, but all offer quite a variation in traveling conditions. If it goes by bus, it generally takes around 8 to 10 hours to make around 150-170 kilometers depending upon the condition of the road, whereas in jeeps, the same length gets covered in around 6-8 hours with possibly more comfortable riding for the spenders.

Generally, the bus fare ranges from NPR 700 to NPR 1,000. A jeep ride costs around NPR 3,000 to 5,000 per person depending upon the season and reservation agency.

It is highly recommended to book either of them in advance during the seasons. You can make reservations through a local travel agency or online.

Be prepared for a bumpy ride; pack light and have some essentials in the bus, like snacks, water, and a jacket, as it gets pretty cold in the evenings.

Note that night bus for Machhakhola from Kathmandu is also available from Machhapokhari Kathmandu. The night bus for Machhkhola from Kathmandu leaves at 7 pm or 7 am onwards from Machhapokhari bus park for Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley.