Nako

Nako

Nako is a picturesque Himalayan village situated at an elevation of 3,625 meters (11,893 ft) in the Kinnaur district, often referred to as the Gateway to Spiti Valley. Famous for its serene Nako Lake and ancient Nako Monastery (11th century), the village is surrounded by willow and poplar trees, offering a rare touch of greenery in the cold desert.

The monastery, believed to have been founded by Rinchen Zangpo (the great translator), is decorated with ancient murals, stucco sculptures, and Buddhist scriptures. The lake, often reflecting the mountains around it, is considered sacred by locals and adds to Nako’s mystical charm.

Best Time to Visit Nako

  • April – October: Best time when roads are open and the weather is pleasant.

  • July – August: Ideal for greenery around Nako Lake.

  • Winter (November – March): The lake often freezes; the area is icy.

Why Visit Nako

  • To experience the peaceful beauty of Nako Lake.

  • To explore the 1,000-year-old Nako Monastery and its murals.

  • To see caves associated with Guru Padmasambhava, where he is believed to have meditated.

  • To enjoy scenic Himalayan landscapes en route to Spiti.

Things to Do in & Around Nako

In Nako:

  • Visit Nako Lake – A tranquil lake surrounded by trees and prayer flags.

  • Explore Nako Monastery – Admire ancient art and Buddhist relics.

  • Visit Guru Padmasambhava’s Caves – Sacred meditation sites above the village.

  • Photography & Walks – Capture the village lanes, apple orchards, and lake views.

  • Stay in a Homestay – Experience warm Kinnauri hospitality.

Nearby Attractions:

  1. Gue Monastery (40 km) – Famous for the 600-year-old naturally preserved mummy.

  2. Tabo Monastery (60 km) – Ancient murals and paintings, Ajanta of the Himalayas.

  3. Khab Sangam (25 km) – Confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti rivers.

  4. Kalpa (118 km) – Known for apple orchards and views of Kinnaur Kailash.

  5. Pooh Village (35 km) – Another scenic Kinnauri village en route.

How to Reach Nako

  • From Shimla (310 km, 2 days) – Via Kalpa and Reckong Peo.

  • From Kaza (117 km, 5 hrs) – On the road connecting Kinnaur and Spiti.

  • From Manali (260 km, 2 days) – Via Kunzum Pass & Kaza (May–Oct).

Food & Facilities at Nako

  • Food – Homestays and cafes serve local Tibetan and Indian meals (thukpa, momos, dal-rice, butter tea).

  • Stay – Guesthouses, homestays, and small hotels are available near the lake.

  • Shops & ATMs – A few shops for essentials; nearest ATM in Pooh or Reckong Peo.

  • Network – BSNL works best; Jio/Airtel may be unreliable.

Travel Tips for Nako Visitors

  • Spend at least a night in Nako to enjoy the lake at sunrise and sunset.

  • Carry warm clothes – nights are cold even in summer.

  • Keep cash handy – card payments rarely work.

  • Respect the sanctity of Nako Lake – avoid polluting it.

  • Combine Nako with a Tabo–Gue–Kaza route for a smooth journey into Spiti.

Responsible Travel & Local Etiquette

  • No swimming or boating in the sacred lake.

  • Respect monasteries and caves – remove shoes, no loud noise.

  • Support locals – stay in homestays, buy local products.

  • Don’t litter – carry your trash back to larger towns.

Be mindful of altitude – Nako is high, so acclimatise gradually.