Machha Khola Guide
Machha Khola: A Riverside Village on the Manaslu Trail Guide
Machha Khola, situated along the Budhi Gandaki River in Nepal, is a small village that serves as another popular starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The name "Machha Khola" translates to "Fish River," reflecting the river's importance to the local community. This village offers a basic but comfortable introduction to the trekking experience, with teahouses providing accommodation and meals for trekkers. Like Soti Khola, Machha Khola's history is closely linked to the development of the Manaslu trekking route. The village has long been a trading post and a place where locals from different regions come together. The increase in tourism has brought economic opportunities to Machha Khola, but the traditional way of life, centered around agriculture and animal husbandry, remains prevalent. The area is inhabited by a mix of ethnic groups, including Gurung and Tamang. For tourists, Machha Khola offers a chance to experience rural Nepali life and prepare for the challenging trek ahead. You can explore the village, interact with the locals, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and surrounding hills. The primary activity is preparing for the Manaslu trek, which involves securing permits, hiring porters or guides, and purchasing any necessary supplies. While Machha Khola doesn't have a unique culinary tradition, you can enjoy traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat and noodle dishes at the local teahouses.
Transportation
Reaching Machha Khola typically involves a jeep ride from Kathmandu or Arughat. From Kathmandu, you can take a local bus or hire a private jeep to Arughat. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours. From Arughat, you'll need to take another jeep to Machha Khola, which takes around 4-5 hours. The road can be rough and bumpy, especially during the monsoon season. Alternatively, some trekkers choose to hike from Soti Khola to Machha Khola, which takes around 5-6 hours.