Manaslu Road Conditions: A Journey Update

Are you curious about the current state of road development in Manaslu, hoping to avoid dusty and muddy trails on your trek? Stay tuned as we provide you with the latest information on ongoing road construction in the region.

Just four to five years ago, trekkers had no choice but to embark on their journey from Aarughat on foot. However, things have evolved since then, making it possible to drive to Soti Khola and kickstart your Manaslu adventure. Today, the road has extended as far as Machha Khola, though direct access to Machha Khola by vehicle remains challenging. Instead, you can drive to Lububeshi, a midpoint nestled between Machha Khola and Soti Khola. From Soti Khola, a pleasant 3-4 hour walk will lead you to Machha Khola.

This means that you now have the option to make a day-long trip from Kathmandu to reach Machha Khola. It involves a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Lububeshi, followed by a 3-4 hour walk to your final destination, Machha Khola.

Current Trail Conditions on the Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu trek typically commences in Sotikhola, with trekkers often wrapping up the day’s journey near Macchikhola. Let’s delve into the current state of the trial:

Day 1 – Sotikhola to Macchikhola:

The first three hours of the trek from Sotikhola to Naulikhola feature a relatively smooth mountain road. However, once you reach Lapubesi, things take a different turn. The old hiking trail has been replaced by a path that runs along the Budhighandaki River. It’s important to note that in certain areas, this river-side trail may pose safety concerns due to falling rocks. Additionally, during the monsoon season when water levels rise, this trail can become impassable. However, it’s reassuring to know that, to date, no casualties or injuries have been reported along this route.

Day 2 – Macchikhola to Jagat:

On the second day, your trek typically starts in Macchikhola and ends in Jagat, passing through villages such as Khorlabesi and Tatopani along the way. Here’s what you can expect:

• The old trail from Khorlabesi has been completely closed, necessitating a detour to an uphill town named Kerauja to access Khorlabesi. While this detour adds roughly 3 hours to your journey, it’s a safe alternative compared to the old one-hour hike that was previously available.
• Moving from Khorlabesi to Tatopani, the old trail has also been entirely replaced due to ongoing road construction. This area is monitored by the Nepal government army, which enforces specific trekking hours. You are allowed to pass through from 11 am to 12 noon and again from 5 pm to 7 am. Outside of these hours, passage is restricted.
• It’s worth noting that the trail conditions have improved compared to the challenging conditions experienced during the spring of 2018. While the trail is still rough, it’s not as formidable as you might expect, particularly during the current autumn season.

Ready to embark on your Manaslu adventure? Stay informed and plan your trek accordingly with the latest updates on road conditions in Manaslu. Your journey begins with the right information—start your trek with confidence! Contact us for more details or WhatsApp at +9779851179975.