Koto is a village at about 2,600 m on the Annapurna Circuit, known for its permit checkpoint. It is where many road journeys by jeep from Besisahar end and where the Nar Phu route begins, so it matters for both the circuit and the side valley.
Altitude: about 2,600 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Koto is and why trekkers stop
Koto lies in the upper Marsyangdi valley, past Chame, at the point where the trail for Nar Phu leaves the main circuit. The first leg of many itineraries is by road from Kathmandu to Besisahar, then onward by jeep to Koto, which takes most of a day. Checkpoints at Koto and later villages record your passage, and you should expect formal checks here. Allow a relaxed margin in the day so that a delay does not leave you walking in the dark.
What to expect at Koto
The village is small and practical, with a checkpoint, lodges and tea houses. Trekkers arrive in the afternoon after the drive, check in and walk the next morning into the gorge toward Dharamsala. Mobile signal is available in some lower villages like Chame and Koto, but not in Nar Phu or at base camp. The surroundings are forested and cool, a clear step up from the warm lower valley.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 2,600 m you are higher than most travellers have slept recently, so a mild headache or light sleep is possible after a fast drive. Drink water and move slowly. The next day goes to the Dharamsala area at roughly 3,000 m, so your sleeping altitude begins to climb. Altitude illness can strike at any fitness level, and if symptoms worsen, descend rather than push on.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodging is simple, with hot meals and basic rooms. Keep your passport and permits accessible for the checkpoint. Nar Phu is a restricted area, so it needs a restricted-area permit and a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency, while the main circuit does not. The road to Besisahar and Koto is rough and takes a day, so allow time for delays and consider a buffer night.
Common questions
Why is Koto important on the Annapurna Circuit?
Koto has a permit checkpoint and is the point where the Nar Phu route leaves the main trail. It is also where many jeep journeys from Besisahar end.
Do I need a guide for the trek from Koto?
For the Nar Phu loop, yes. It is a restricted area requiring a permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency. The main Annapurna Circuit does not have this requirement.
Is there mobile signal at Koto?
Usually yes, in some lower villages including Koto and Chame. Signal is not available in Nar Phu or at Nar Phu base camp, so arrange important calls before you go further.
