Soti Khola Travel Guide

Soti Khola is a peaceful riverside village located in the district of Gorkha and also the entry start point to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The village is located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and surrounded by terraced agricultural fields, forests, and the mountainous range of the Himalayas. Trekkers can readjust to the formulation of the journey ahead without failure; thus, it is the best moment to embrace the natural beauty and the flair of local culture.

Comfort should be obtained before the trek sets off into altitude, as Soti Khola has basic teahouses and facilities in it even though it is small. The village is quiet and attractive with the gentle river, simple farmer life, and friendly country people. The starting point of the Manaslu Circuit, Soti Khola is where trekkers will get the flow of life in the Himalaya and the beauty of nature that surrounds the lower valleys and the excitement of what to expect further.

The mornings are filled with the soft sounds of the river, the occasional crowing of roosters, and the scent of fresh Nepali food. It is a site one can get to acclimatize to the trail, admire the beautiful scenery, and be able to prepare physically and psychologically for the adventurous yet pleasant journey to the heartlands of a region in Nepal that is made up of spectacular beauty.

Best season For Soti Khola

Spring (March–May)

Most travelers prefer to hike Manaslu in the spring season, especially from Soti Khola. Cool and sunny days normally prevail, and the valleys of the lower climate zones and forests are reborn with flowering rhododendrons and other various flowers. The pathways along which to walk are quite easy at this time, as the rivers are calm and the skies are clear in the early hours, a perfect time for photography and enjoying the beginning of the trip. 

Summer/Monsoon (June–August)

During the monsoon season, it causes heavy rain, which makes the paths get slick. The river water goes up. The sights are less visible because meadows and valleys get covered with green and fog. Very few trekkers go to that area at that time. Therefore, while the solitude lovers may like the silence and seclusion, the trek cannot be called easy

Autumn (September–November)

The autumn season is generally seen as the most enjoyable period for starting a hike at Soti Khola. The rains of the monsoon have removed the dust and the haze, and thus the air is clear and the mountains are magnificent to view. The paths are dry, solid and quite comfortable to walk through, and the weather is nice. The days are typically sunny and thus trekking, taking pictures, and visiting the villages can all be done effectively.

Winter (December–February)
Winter gives a calm trek with fewer folks. The air is fresh & clear. The valley feels calm & still. You can walk the low parts of the path. But the high spots may be cold & icy. So, the right gear is key. Besides the cold, in winter you can get amazing views and a soothing beginning to the manaslu circuit trek.

How to reach?

Soti Khola lies in North of Kathmandu, at about 145km, and will take you 8-10 hours by either personal jeep or a local bus. The road is beautiful with lush greenery and curves slowly out of the hectic Kathmandu into the green Gorkha district.

Route

The primary one follows Prithvi Highway to Dharapani and later to Arughat and Machha Khola to Soti Khola. During the trek, you get a glimpse of rural Nepal, which includes terraced agricultural land, rivers, and small settlements.

Transportation Options

• Jeep: It is faster and more comfortable over the portions of the road that are rough.
• Local Bus: less expensive and slower, also very uncomfortable on unpaved roads.

Road Conditions

The roads are in a partial construction stage—part of them are paved and part are graveled—sometimes they are bumpy, and sometimes they are areas affected by landslides. One should leave in advance so as to take full advantage of the daylight.

Trail Start

The actual trek begins at Soti Khola, and the trail leads down the Budhi Gandaki River to Machha Khola and further into the Manaslu Circuit. This is the place where you truly enter the Manaslu region and have a wonderful experience of the Himalayas.

Accommodation and Food

Hikers are able to access a convenient but modest lodging variety at Soti Khola. On the mountain, the teahouses in the village are cozy and family-run and offer beds, blankets, and a warm place to rest as their only amenities after the first day of trekking. Along with that, camp tag-hat (rice and lentils), soups, noodles, and seasonal vegetables, which have been allowed for consumption at the meal, have become the staple foods of the house. The trekkers have been able to regain their lost energy during the long trek from these fresh meals prepared in front of them. A great number of teahouses make use of wood or kerosene stoves to bring warmth to the rooms, and this is especially true during the winter, in the morning and at night when they are heated.

You can find tea, coffee & quick drinks, as well as sweets, snacks and boost bars. The places are plain but the kind locals make up for it. There is no strong power, no hot baths & no Wi-Fi. Walkers need cash for pay, as there are no ATMs, & must clean their drinking water. This trip lets you stay in a far place & see the day-to-day ways and interact with locals before you go up to the Manaslu Loop. 

Major Attractions

• Budhi Gandaki River and riverside views
• Machha Khola village as the first trekking stop
• Terraced farmlands and lush green valleys
• Traditional Gurung and Magar villages
• Local temples and small shrines
• Dense forests with Himalayan flora and fauna
• Birdwatching opportunities
• Scenic suspension bridges along the trail
• Views of lower Himalayan peaks
• Sunrise and sunset over the valley
• Peaceful riverside campsites
• Traditional village culture and local hospitality

Things to do in Soti khola

Begin the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The hike from Soti Khola marks the formal beginning of the Soti Khola trek. You are literally in the deep woods of The Budhi Gandaki river further up the mountain and you get the first impression of the vast Himalayan range that surrounds you around the lowest valley. After the first few kilometers, you will acclimatize to the surrounding area and appreciate the gorgeous views of the rice fields and rivers flowing down the valley

Explore Machha Khola Village

Just a few hours from Soti Khola, Machha Khola is the first big halt. Walkers can rest in small teahouses. They can eat fresh-cooked food. They can breathe in the feel of a true Himalayan town. It's a great spot to mix with folks and learn about how they live day by day.

Riverside Walks

If you walk near the Budhi Gandaki River, you will be able to see the river that flows calmly, which is very clear, and the trees and small hills that surround the river. Besides, the riverbanks are also good places for photography, meditating quietly, and refreshing yourself with a short break during your walk.

Visit Local Communities

The trek passes through villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, where you can observe their daily routines, meet friendly locals, and gain insights into traditional Himalayan culture and hospitality.

Observe Traditional Farming

The terraced farmlands around Soti Khola show centuries-old farming practices. Trekkers can see locals cultivating crops, managing irrigation channels, and using traditional techniques that have sustained these communities for generations.

Birdwatching and Nature

The forests and river valleys are home to a variety of Himalayan birds, butterflies, and small wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy spotting different species while taking in the lush greenery along the trail.

Photography Opportunities

From riverside landscapes and terraced fields to village life and glimpses of Himalayan peaks, Soti Khola offers endless chances to capture memorable photographs that tell the story of your trek.

Sunrise and Sunset Views

Early mornings and evenings bring beautiful light over the valley. Watching the sunrise or sunset illuminate the mountains and rivers is a peaceful experience that adds magic to the start of your Manaslu trek.

Available Packages

Trek to manaslu region is easier and more enjoyable with the help of Nepal Trek Adventures (NTA). With years of experience organizing treks across Nepal, NTA ensures safety, comfortable accommodations, and professional guidance throughout your journey. Their packages include permits, logistics, and local support, allowing trekkers to focus fully on the adventure and the breathtaking landscapes. Here are some packages:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 Days
• Manaslu Express Trekking - 10 Days
• Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking
• Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek
• Manaslu Base Camp Trekking

Final Words

Soti Khola may seem like a small and insignificant village on a map, but to trekkers venturing into the Manaslu region, it is actually the gateway to heaven. Here, the path gradually loses the hustle and bustle of the world and directs into distant valleys, mountain perspectives, and ancient villages. There is limited luxury, and  facilities are basic, but one of the warmest local welcomes and the beauty of the setting by the river make this stop not to be forgotten. Lastly, Soti Khola is not only the starting point of the Manaslu trek; it is the point where you enter into the heart of the Himalayas.