Koto is not a major village on the popular Manaslu Circuit, but it is a vital and historic gateway. This small, often-missed settlement marks a crucial turning point in the Himalayan landscape. Located at just 2,640 meters (8,661 feet), Koto sits at the powerful meeting place of two rivers and two legendary trails. It is where the wider, busier Marshyangdi Valley narrows into the steep, secretive entrance of the Nar Phu Valley. For trekkers, passing through Koto feels like finding a hidden door in a mountain wall a door that leads to some of Nepal’s most remote and ancient cultures.
History and Cultural Significance
Koto’s history is deeply tied to its location as a gateway.
A History of Salt and Wool: For centuries, Koto was not a destination but a vital stop. It was a trading post on the ancient salt caravan route between Tibet and the lower hills of Nepal. Traders from the hidden Phu Valley would bring down salt, wool, and herbs to exchange for grain, cloth, and tools from the south. Koto was their first point of contact and trade.
Guardian of the Gateway: This history gives Koto a guardian-like significance. It controlled access to the remote valleys. This legacy continues today with the modern checkpoint. Culturally, Koto is a mix. The lower Marshyangdi Valley has more Hindu and Gurung influence. But the trail leading north immediately enters a zone of pure Tibetan Buddhism, preserved in isolation. Koto is the threshold between these two worlds.
Local Life – A Village of Provision: Life in Koto revolves around the trail and the road. Locals run simple lodges and shops that cater to trekkers about to enter or just exiting the Nar Phu Valley. There are also apple orchards and small farms on the terraced hills above the village. People here are practical, friendly, and used to helping trekkers with final preparations.
Geography and Scenic Beauty
Koto’s geography is all about powerful junctions. The scenery here is dramatic, defined by water, rock, and deep gorges.
The Confluence of Valleys: Koto sits at a spectacular and noisy meeting point. It is here that the Phu Khola river, rushing down from the hidden Nar and Phu Valleys, crashes into the larger, faster Marshyangdi River. The Marshyangdi—its name meaning “rage” in Nepali—lives up to its name with roaring blue-white waters. The village is built on a steep slope above this powerful junction.
A Landscape of Entry: The view in Koto is dominated by the dramatic entrance to the Nar Phu Valley. To the north, the wide Marshyangdi Valley you have been traveling through suddenly closes into a tight, V-shaped gorge. This dark, narrow canyon, carved by the Phu Khola, looks like a secret passage. High, forested cliffs rise straight up on both sides. It is an exciting and slightly intimidating sight, promising adventure ahead.
From Busy Road to Quiet Trail: Koto also marks a clear sensory shift. Below the village runs the rough dirt road that services the Annapurna Circuit. You will see and hear occasional jeeps. But the trail into Nar Phu leaves this road behind entirely. Within minutes of crossing the bridge out of Koto, the engine sounds fade, replaced by the roar of the river and the wind in the pines. You transition from a road village to a true trailhead.
Cultural Significance and Local Life
Koto is home to ethnic communities influenced by Tibetan and Himalayan culture. Most residents follow Buddhist traditions, though some Hindu customs are also practiced. Cultural elements such as prayer flags, mani stones, and small chortens can be seen around the village.
Daily life in Koto is simple and closely connected to nature and agriculture. Locals grow crops such as barley, maize, potatoes, and buckwheat. Livestock like goats, cows, and yaks play an important role in daily life, providing milk, meat, and income.
Traditional stone houses with wooden roofs reflect mountain architecture, designed to protect against cold weather and heavy rain. Family life is strong, and villagers work together during farming seasons and festivals.
Hospitality is an important part of local culture. Trekkers are welcomed warmly into teahouses and homes, often offered tea and local food. Conversations with villagers give insight into mountain life, seasonal challenges, and cultural traditions that have been preserved for generations.
Festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) and local religious ceremonies are celebrated with prayers, gatherings, and community meals, strengthening social bonds.
Accommodation and Facilities
Koto provides simple yet comfortable teahouse lodging for trekkers passing through the village. Most rooms are basic, with beds and blankets, while meals are enjoyed in shared dining areas. The food menu commonly includes dal bhat, noodles, soups, Tibetan bread, tea, and a few basic Western items. Services such as electricity and hot showers are limited and are usually powered by solar energy. Although the facilities are not luxurious, they offer enough comfort for rest and recovery before continuing to higher elevations. Trekkers are encouraged to bring necessary personal items and supplies, especially when planning to travel onward to the remote Nar Phu Valley.
Trekking Routes from Koto
Koto is a key junction for two major trekking routes in Nepal:
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
Trekkers arriving in Koto usually come from Dharapani or Tal, following the Budhi Gandaki Valley. From Koto, the Manaslu Circuit continues toward Namrung, climbing gradually through forests and villages toward higher elevations like Samagaun, Samdo, Bhimtang, and Larkya La Pass.
This section of the trail becomes steeper and more alpine, offering changing landscapes and cooler temperatures.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Route
Koto is the official entry point to the Nar Phu Valley Trek, a restricted and remote area. From Koto, the trail heads northeast toward Meta, Phu Village, and Nar Village, crossing high passes such as Kang La Pass.
Trekkers must obtain special permits to enter Nar Phu Valley, which are checked at Koto. This route is known for its isolated villages, ancient monasteries, and untouched landscapes.
Because of its importance, many trekkers spend a night in Koto to rest, organize permits, and prepare for the next stage of their journey.
Why Koto is Important on the Manaslu Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Koto may be small, but it is one of the most important villages in the Manaslu region. It connects major trekking routes, preserves local culture, and offers a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.
Its role as a gateway to Nar Phu Valley, combined with its scenic beauty and cultural richness, makes Koto a meaningful stop for trekkers seeking both adventure and authentic Himalayan life.
