Image Source: AK TIWARI
About Nako Village
Nako village, perched at an elevation of over 3,600 meters, lies in the remote corners of the Himalayas. The village’s strategic location near the Indo-China border has kept it relatively isolated, preserving its distinct character while simultaneously making it a crucial historical waypoint on ancient trade and pilgrimage routes. Nako village is one of the last bastions before you enter the mystical Spiti valley. Its natural beauty lies in the serene lake, centuries-old Buddhist monastery, and unique cultural landscape.
Geographical Setting and Location
Nako is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh, near the Indo-China border. it ranks as the highest and largest village in the Hangrang Valley and is dramatically backdropped by Reo Purgyal, the highest mountain in Himachal Pradesh, which towers at 6,816 meters (22,362 ft). This geographical setting creates a stunning visual panorama that captivates visitors upon arrival.
Story of Nako Village
Initially the Nako village was situated on the opposite bank of the Nako river which was vulnerable to tectonic upliftment. So for greater stability, villagers developed nako village around the Nako lake which is its current location. Later the lake also became a central feature to local life and tourism
The village is positioned approximately 119 kilometres from Kalpa, accessible via a 7-kilometre branch road that connects to National Highway 22.
Climate and Environment
Nako falls in the high-altitude region of Trans-Himalayan. Weather is extreme, especially during the winter when heavy snowfall covers the whole region. Nako lake transform into a frozen lake that is used by locals for ice skating.
In arid regions, the scope of vegetation is very limited but willow and poplar trees are still found around Nako lake. A unique microclimate around the lake still supports limited agriculture and traditional pastoralism that are very difficult to see around.
Early Documentation and Development
Early description of Nako comes from botanist Thomas Thomson. He was on an expedition in August 1847. He found Nako was smaller than Leo and another settlement nearby. He described Nako village as having an abundant water supply, extensive cultivation and the presence of poplar and willow trees.
Buddhist Influence
Buddhism is quite prevalent in the upper region of Kinnaur. Its roots date back to the 8th century through the efforts of Master Rinpoche. He established monasteries around 996 AD that further propagated Buddhism in the region. Nako Monastery, which dates from 1025, is further evidence of his efforts. The religious and historical monuments today are a centre of attraction in Nako village.
Cultural Evolution
Despite lacking extensive textual records such as royal chronicles or inscriptions, the accumulation of Buddhist art and numerous temples constructed from the twentieth century onwards indicates that Nako must have enjoyed substantial patronage and wealth throughout its history [4]. This suggests that the village likely served as an important node along pilgrimage and trade routes through what was once considered the larger Ngari kingdom. The sculptures found in the village provide valuable historical insights into Nako’s religious development and its connections to both Ladakh and Ngari.
Notable Attractions
Nako Lake
Nako lake is a prominent feature of the Nako village that borders the Nako village. On the side slopes of the Reo Purgyal mountain range surround the village. Nako village is situated on the slopes of the Reo Purgyal mountain range. The lake sits in a picturesque environment surrounded by willow and poplar trees in the background of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. During summer months, then lake water melt boating is organised, and during winter, the frozen surface transforms into a natural ice-skating rink for locals.
Nako Monastery
A religious Buddhist structure dates back to 1025. Located in the upper part of the village, the monastery consists of ancient murals and unique statues of deities. In addition to Nako monastery, the village contains four sacred Buddhist temples and several chortens (stupas). The local village deity is Deodum, and another temple known as Lagang contains several religious idols.
Sacred Sites and Spiritual Heritage
One of the most intriguing features of Nako is a sacred footlike impression attributed to Saint Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Buddhism. Tashigang, a nearby village, is believed to be the place where Guru Padmasambhava reportedly meditated and taught disciples. According to local legends, the area is considered a “realm of fairies” with footprints of fairies and demigods preserved in one of the caves, attracting devotees from distant regions including Ladakh and Spiti Valley
Natural Landscapes
Behind Nako Lake lies a small hill that offers excellent trekking opportunities, rewarding hikers with spectacular bird’s-eye views of the lake and village framed by surrounding Himalayan peaks. Nako also serves as a base for treks to Reo Purgil peak and is en route to the Thashigang monastery, where an image is said to grow hair—adding to the mystical allure of the region.
Tourism and Accessibility
Travel Requirements
Being situated close to the Tibetan border, International tourist needs an inner line permit. It can be obtained from Reckong Peo for approximately INR 50.
Transportation Options
Multiple routes provide access to Nako, with the most common being Delhi→Shimla→Rampur→Reckong Peo→Nako or alternatively Delhi→Manali→Kaza→Nako.
The nearest airport and railway station are both located in Shimla, approximately 312 kilometres from the village.
From Reckong Peo, the journey to Nako takes approximately four hours by road Public transportation options include HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses that operate regular services from Shimla.
Visitor Experience
Due to the village’s compact size, all major attractions can be explored on foot, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local environment. Facility of accommodation is limited as compared to other major tourist destinations.
However basic accommodation is available in the form of staying huts where visitors
can spend a tar-filled night before continuing their journey the next day toward Spiti.
Changing Cultural Landscape
Nako is a small village that is facing a shift to contemporary modernism due to increasing tourist influx. To preserve the village’s unique spiritual and cultural heritage, a delicate balance between economic development through tourism and cultural preservation represents an ongoing challenge for Nako.