A restricted-area trek from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit into the high Tibetan Buddhist villages of Phu and Nar, crossing the Kang La (about 5,320 m) to Ngawal and Manang.
- Days
- 12 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,320 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Nar Phu Valleyमेता
Meta
A winter settlement on a high open shelf in the Nar Phu valley, usually the first overnight stop after Koto.
This is Meta in the Nar Phu valley of Manang, a trek stop, not other places or words spelled Meta.
- Altitude
- 3,560 m*
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Manang, Gandaki
- Permit
- Restricted-area permit
Why go
Meta is a small settlement at about 3,560 m on an open plateau above the Nar Khola, in the restricted Nar Phu valley of Manang. It is the usual first night for trekkers who leave the Annapurna Circuit at Koto, reached after a long day through a forested gorge past waterfalls and the small camp at Dharmasala.
From Meta the views open up to Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal to the south and to the peaks of the Nar Phu valley to the north. The trail continues north past the old chortens and ruined settlements of Jhunam and Chyakhu towards Kyang and Phu, or branches west for Nar.
History and culture
Meta has traditionally been used as a winter settlement by people of Nar, who bring their animals down from higher ground in the cold months. Its stone houses, chortens and mani walls reflect the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the valley, which was closed to foreigners until 2002. A few homes and lodges now take in trekkers in season, and most supplies are carried up from Koto.
Things to do in Meta
Walk to the chortens of Jhunam and Chyakhu
Continue north the next day past groups of old chortens and abandoned settlements on the way to Kyang and Phu.
Short acclimatisation walk
Climb the slopes above the plateau in the afternoon for views, then return to sleep.
Weather and the best time to visit Meta
Weather in Meta
Forecast for 3,560 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September to November is the main season, with the clearest skies in October and November.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, with snow possible in the villages and frequent closure of the high passes.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is the second season, with milder days; early spring can still bring snow higher up.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August brings rain and landslides on the road below Chame, although upper Manang lies in a drier rain shadow.
Where to stay
TeahousesHomestays
One or two basic lodges and homestays in season; some groups camp.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Reached only on foot from Koto, on the restricted Nar Phu trail.
Nearest hub: Koto
- trekFrom Koto, about 6-8 hours through the Nar Khola gorge via Dharmasala.
- roadKathmandu or Pokhara to Besisahar, then jeep to Koto, before starting the walk.
Permits and fees
Restricted-area permit
Meta lies in the restricted Nar Phu area of Manang: a restricted-area permit, arranged through a registered agency, is needed together with an ACAP permit. Restricted-area permits are issued only through a government-registered trekking agency, for trekkers with a licensed guide; a minimum group of two has long been required, and changes have been reported, so confirm the current rule.
- Manang (Nar Phu) restricted-area permit: Covers Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality; issued through a registered trekking agency.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required throughout the conservation area; checked at trail checkpoints.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Department of Immigration, Nepal: Trekking Route and Permit Fee.
On the trail
On the Nar Phu valley trek.
- Previous stop:
- Koto
- Next stop:
- Kyang (towards Phu) or Nar
- A typical day:
- From Koto, about 6-8 hours and roughly 950 m of height gain through a forested gorge with river crossings.
Practical tips
- Altitude illness is possible above about 2,500 m: climb slowly, do not go higher with a headache or nausea, and descend if symptoms get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.
- There is little or no mobile signal; bring everything you need from Koto or below.
- Walk clockwise around chortens and mani walls.
- Permits are checked at Koto and in the valley; keep them handy.
Treks through Meta
Questions about Meta
How long from Koto to Meta?
About 6-8 hours through the Nar Khola gorge.
Do I need a special permit for Meta?
Yes, Meta is in the restricted Nar Phu area, so you need a restricted-area permit through a registered agency plus an ACAP permit.
How high is Meta?
About 3,560 m, a gain of nearly 1,000 m from Koto, so take it slowly.
More in Nar Phu Valley
All of Nar Phu ValleyTrek stop · 4,080 m
Phu
A high stone village near the head of the Nar Phu valley, reached through a fortress-like gateway above the Phu Khola.
Nearby
Valley or region · 4,150 m
Nar Phu Valley
A restricted high valley north of the Annapurna Circuit, with two old Tibetan Buddhist villages, Nar and Phu, reached through a narrow gorge from Koto.
Trek stop · 2,600 m
Koto
A small village in pine and fir forest on the Annapurna Circuit, just below Chame, and the start of the trail into the Nar Phu valley.
Town or village · 3,519 m
Manang
A high stone village in the upper Marsyangdi valley below Annapurna III and Gangapurna, where Circuit trekkers stop to acclimatise.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Annapurna Circuit, Wikivoyage, Department of Immigration, Nepal: Trekking Route and Permit Fee, Meta, OpenStreetMap