Soti Khola is the official starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, one of the most adventurous and beautiful trekking routes in Nepal. This small riverside village lies in the Gorkha District, about 8–9 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. For many trekkers, Soti Khola is the very first step into the wild landscapes of Manaslu, where the Budhi Gandaki River flows through deep valleys and green hills. If you are planning to explore the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, your journey will almost always begin here.
Reaching Soti Khola is an adventure of its own. From Kathmandu, most trekkers travel by private jeep or local bus. The road is rough and bumpy, but it also gives you a taste of rural Nepal. Along the way, you pass through small towns like Arughat and Arkhet. From Arughat, the road becomes narrower and steeper, finally ending at Soti Khola. Though the road journey is long, it is also exciting because you get to see rivers, terraced fields, local villages, and views of distant hills.
For navigation purposes, Soti Khola is located in the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley. It is the entry point to the restricted area of Manaslu, and trekkers need special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to go beyond. Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition helps arrange all permits, guides, and transport to make the journey smooth.
Soti Khola is not just a stopover village – it is the starting line of your trekking adventure. From here, trekkers leave behind motor roads and begin walking on narrow trails along the Budhi Gandaki River. The first section of the trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola introduces you to suspension bridges, waterfalls, steep cliffs, and forests. This is where you first experience the raw natural beauty of the Manaslu region.
Commercially, Soti Khola is also important because it has basic teahouses, small shops, and lodges where trekkers spend their first night on the trail. Though the facilities are simple, they are warm and welcoming. You can find Nepali dal bhat, noodles, tea, and some basic supplies. It is the last point before the trek gets more remote, so trekkers often buy water bottles, snacks, or trekking gear here.
When you reach Soti Khola, you will feel the excitement of being at the edge of a great journey. The Budhi Gandaki River runs through the village, and you can hear the rushing water day and night. Surrounding hills are covered with forests, and local farmers work in the terraced fields. You may also meet fellow trekkers preparing for the trek, which makes the atmosphere lively.
From a trekking perspective, starting from Soti Khola allows you to gradually acclimatize. The trail begins at a lower altitude (around 700 meters), so your body gets used to the climb slowly as you head towards higher villages like Samagaon and eventually cross the high Larkya La Pass. For first-time trekkers, this slow start is very helpful in avoiding altitude sickness.
Soti Khola may look like a small village, but for trekkers it is the gateway to the Manaslu Circuit. It connects Kathmandu to the high Himalayan trails, offers the first teahouse stay, and gives you the thrill of starting your trek. From here, every step takes you deeper into the magical Manaslu region.
If you are dreaming about the Manaslu Circuit Trek, let Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition take care of your journey from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and all the way to the Larkya La Pass. With us, you will not only have a safe and well-organized trek, but also enjoy a real Nepali experience filled with nature, culture, and adventure.
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