Nako Village: Discover Tranquil Sacred Lake & Views

Introduction

Perched high in the cold desert landscape of Upper Kinnaur, Nako is the kind of place where time seems to stop. With flat-roofed mud-brick houses, fluttering prayer flags, ancient monasteries, and a serene lake in the middle of the village, Nako feels like a living museum of Himalayan culture.

If you’re seeking peace, spirituality, and awe-inspiring views — Nako Village is your offbeat retreat.

Where Is Nako Village?

✅ Located in the Hangrang Valley, Upper Kinnaur
✅ Near the Indo-Tibetan border and close to Spiti Valley
✅ Altitude: ~3,625 meters (11,893 ft)
✅ Part of the restricted region – carry a valid ID (inner line permits usually not required for Indians)

Why Visit Nako Village?

Centered around a sacred glacial lake
Ancient 11th-century Buddhist monastery
Gateway to Spiti Valley
Ideal stop on the Hindustan-Tibet road trip
Stunning views of Reo Purgyal (6,816 m) – the highest peak in Himachal
A digital detox zone – no distractions, just nature

What to See and Do in Nako Village

🔹 Nako Lake

Small, serene lake with willow and poplar trees
Believed to be sacred by locals
Frozen in winter; ideal for reflective walks in summer

🔹 Nako Monastery

Founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo
Complex includes prayer halls, clay sculptures, and ancient murals
Recently restored with help from archaeological teams

🔹 Tashigang Monastery & Caves

Nearby meditation caves believed to be used by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)
Offers panoramic views of Hangrang Valley

🔹 Local Village Walk

Wander through mud-plastered alleys, whitewashed stupas, and traditional homes
Observe monks, prayer wheels, and villagers farming on terraced fields

Treks & Hikes Around Nako

Trail	Difficulty	Highlights
Nako–Tashigang Trek	Easy	Scenic ridge trail, Buddhist caves
Nako–Lipa–Sumdo Route	Moderate	Landscapes change from green to desert
Reo Purgyal Viewpoint	Challenging	Distant view of HP’s highest mountain

✅ Always hire a local guide if going beyond marked trails

Where to Stay in Nako Village

✅ Budget Guesthouses & Homestays:

Lovon Hotel
Nako Paradise
Galaxy Guest House
Nako Monastery Homestay

✅ Most offer:

Basic rooms with warm blankets
Hot meals (dal-rice, thukpa, momos)
Peaceful surroundings and rooftop views

Local Food to Try

✅ Thukpa – Warm noodle soup
✅ Butter Tea (Po Cha) – Salty Tibetan-style tea with yak butter
✅ Tsampa – Roasted barley flour dough
✅ Local rajma, potatoes, and barley-based dishes
✅ Fresh apricots and walnuts in season

Best Time to Visit Nako Village

Season	Experience
May–July	Best weather, green surroundings
August–Sept	Post-monsoon clarity, good road conditions
Oct–Nov	Autumn shades, very cold nights
Dec–Feb	Heavy snow, sub-zero temps, limited access

📌 Pro Tip: Avoid monsoon and deep winter due to landslides and snowbound roads

How to Reach Nako Village

✅ By Road:

Shimla → Kalpa → Pooh → Nako (approx. 10–12 hours from Shimla)
Usually part of a longer Spiti Valley circuit

✅ By Bus:

HRTC buses go till Reckong Peo/Pooh
Shared taxis or private cabs available to Nako

✅ By Air:

Nearest airport: Shimla (310 km) or Bhuntar (330 km)
Followed by long road journey

Cultural Insights

Influenced heavily by Tibetan Buddhism
Locals wear woolen robes and headwraps
Prayer wheels, mani stones, and stupas are part of daily life
Festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) are celebrated with rituals and dance

Photo-Worthy Moments

Scene	Best Time
Nako Lake reflection shot	Early morning
Prayer flags over hills	Anytime
Frozen lake in winter	December–Feb
Monastery murals & monks	Midday
Apricot orchards in bloom	Spring (May)

Summary

Nako is not a typical hill station — it’s a soul sanctuary. With its silent lake, whispering winds, and monastic calm, it invites you to slow down, listen, and reconnect with your inner self.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Kinnaur District.