Machhakhola (also spelled Machha Khola) is a small village and settlement located in the Gorkha District of the Gandaki Province in central Nepal. It lies along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, at an elevation of around 870 meters (2,850 feet) above sea level. Machha Khola lies deep in the Gorkha District on the Manaslu trekking route, about 160 km from Kathmandu.
The final stretch of road beyond Arughat and Soti Khola is rough, narrow, and unpaved, so only 4×4 jeeps can safely handle the terrain. Renting a jeep ensures you reach your destination without the long delays or discomfort of local buses.
Here’s an overview of Machhakhola:
🏞️ Geography and Location
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Machhakhola is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area region.
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It sits on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, one of Nepal’s most scenic trekking routes.
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The village is located between Soti Khola (south) and Jagat (north), making it a common overnight stop for trekkers heading toward Manaslu Base Camp.
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The name Machhakhola literally means “Fish River” (Machha = fish, Khola = small river or stream).
🚶♂️ Trekking and Tourism
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Trekkers usually reach Machhakhola after 6–8 hours of hiking from Soti Khola.
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It’s known for its guesthouses (tea houses), which provide food and accommodation for trekkers.
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The route beyond Machhakhola passes through Tatopani (known for its natural hot springs), Jagat, Philim, and eventually Sama Gaon near Manaslu Base Camp.
🌾 Local Life and Culture
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The residents are mainly from Gurung, Magar, and Tamang ethnic communities.
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Agriculture is the main livelihood—people grow crops like millet, maize, and rice.
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You’ll also find small local shops, basic schools, and monasteries nearby.
⚠️ Earthquake and Reconstruction
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Machhakhola was severely affected by the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, with many homes and trails damaged.
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The village has since been rebuilt, and trekking infrastructure has improved significantly.
🚌 Access
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To reach Machhakhola, most travelers take a jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, then trek north along the Budhi Gandaki River.
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The road from Arughat to Soti Khola and onward to Machhakhola has improved, and in dry seasons, jeeps sometimes reach as far as Machhakhola itself.
✅ What kind of service is available
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A private 4×4 jeep from Kathmandu directly to Machhakhola is the most comfortable and flexible option.
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Alternatively, you can join a shared jeep/seat-in-jeep or use a public bus + local transfer, but these are less comfortable and less direct.
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The route is roughly: Kathmandu → Dhading Besi → Arughat → Soti Khola → Machhakhola. For the Kathmandu → Arughat → Soti Khola → Machhakhola route you will need a strong 4×4 jeep (e.g., Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, Mahindra Scorpio 4WD) because of rough mountain roads.
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Road conditions: Good paved highway out of Kathmandu, but from Arughat/Soti Khola to Machhakhola the road is narrow, gravel/jeep-track, rough especially in monsoon.
Finally, Kathmandu Car Services specialise in private 4×4 jeep hire for the route and quote around USD 250 per vehicle. You can book a jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via the trusted company.
