Nako - Land of the Fairy Tailes / Top 13 Things to do in Nako

Nako

Nako, Himachal Pradesh

Nako is an untouched beauty tucked away in Himachal Pradesh at the height of 3,600 meters above the sea level. Nako is a mesmerizing and picturesque village also known as the 'Land of the Fairytales' as it is surrounded by the lush green landscape and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Nako is a small village at the east end of Kinnaur in the Hangrang Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. It shares the border with Tibet. Foreign Nationals require an Inner Line Permit to travel through Nako as it is a sensitive restricted zone. An Inner Line Permit  is available at Reckong Peo for Rs.400 or Kaza or Shimla for Rs.300 and this is valid for 14 days. Indians (including non-Himachalis) do not require the permit. Buddhist lamas used to start their trek from Nako while traveling between different monasteries in the region. Nako is a love at first sight as the fresh air and magical vibes surrounds you. A perfect spot for night photography of the clear starry skies. Nako Lake is the land of ancient saints, fairies and demigods. There are visible impressions to authenticate the scarcity of the area. Nako Lake is a perfect paradise to enjoy the beautiful natural vistas and splendid panoramic views. Nako comes from Tibetan word Nego which means 'Tirth ka Dwar' or 'the Door to a holy place'. The winters transforms the iridescent charm of Nako into white fantasy land and you will feel as if you have landed into a totally different world.

HISTORY OF NAKO

Master Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Nako in eighth century. Great translator Rinchen Zangpo founded monasteries between 958-1055 AD. 

BEST WAY TO REACH NAKO

BY AIR

Kullu Manali Airport

The closest airport is Ngari Gunsa Airport in China which is at a distance of 137 km. The closest airport in India is Kullu Manali Airport which is at a distance of 137 km.

BY ROAD

Road Transport in Nako

If you are heading from New Delhi then New Delhi - Shimla - Kufri - Narkanda - Reckong Peo – Nako is the best route. Nako is located on the Hindustan Tibet Highway, somewhere in the middle between Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Kaza (Spiti). The best way to reach Nako is by road. For reaching Nako you have to cross the landslide from Spiti Valley then take a bus or car from Malling Nullah. From Malling Nulah, the district capital of Kinnaur it is 45 min drive till Nako. You can even get a Reckong Peo - bound bus that ply daily, starting at 6.00 am and reaching Nako Village at around 12.00 to 1.00 pm. Recong Peo is 4 hours away from Nako. The way to Nako, the views, the mountains, the Sutlej river flowing by your side and the serenity is all delightful. 

LOCAL TRANSPORT 

Nako is a small quaint village so walking is the only option. We recommend walking and hiking around the valley.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NAKO

Summer is the ideal time to visit Nako that is between April and October as the beauty of the village at this time is unimaginable. Avoid peak winters of November to March as the  roads are closed after the snowfall with 5-7 feet of snow being a common phenomenon. Avoid July- August as being monsoon period there may be landslides. August/ September is harvest season for the apples at Nako.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN NAKO

1. NAKO LAKE

Nako Lake

Nako lake is located in the Pooh sub-division of district Kinnaur at an altitude of about 3662 meters or 12,014 feet above MSL. Nako Lake is a small, oval shape, beautiful holy lake where Saint Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated for many years. So you can also trace his footprints near the lake. Nako lake offers boating during summer and ice skating during winter months. The Lake is famous for its natural beauty all surrounded by willow, polar trees and carved rocks bearing sacred scriptures. If you overlook the snow capped mountains will give you a panoramic view of the location, thus making it an ideal place for photography. It is the main tourist attraction of the valley. It is situated on the mountainous slopes of Reo Purgyal ( the highest mountain in Himachal Pradesh) of the Srikhand Range. If you are lucky you may see many migratory birds which flock to the lake in the evening during migration season. The chirping of the birds can be heard in whole of the village. The lake freezes during winters making it a perfect place to enjoy ice-skating. Locals worship the lake as an ethereal body. Locals also believe that a nearby waterfall is a home of fairies as the water resembles a milk river falling from above.

2. PADMASAMBHAVA TEMPLE

Padmasambhava Temple

Padmasambhava was an Indian sage who spread Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. Saint Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated for many years near Nako lake. So you can also trace his footprints at the southwest corner of Nako Lake. A shrine has been built around this footprint to commemorate it. There is also a statue of Padmasambhava above the shrine.

3. NAKO MONASTERY

Old Monastery, Nako

New Monastery in Nako

The monastery is the oldest standing structures in the region dated to the 11th century (1025 AD). It is in the middle of the village and was founded by Ringchen Zangpo in 996 AD. It is at this place where Rinchen Zangpo, also known as Ratna Bhadra, translated Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Tibetan. It consists of four large halls of which the oldest and largest is known as Dukhong or Lotsawa Lhakhang i.e. “complex of the translator”  is the largest part of the monastery. There is a restoration center and a museum for ancient Buddhist paintings and murals. The walls and roof of the monastery is decorated with Mandalas. Four temples are also built in the same compound, where the exterior of the temples showcases exquisite Victorian architectural styles. The monastery accept donations from visitors and pilgrims as the entry is free. Nako monastery is very significant for followers of Dalai Lama of Tibet. The artwork in the monastery is related to Vajrayana Buddhism. There are sculptures representing Yellow Tara, Sculptures of five Dhyani Buddhas which are made out of clay and a shrine dedicated to Purgyal, also known as the 'spirit of the mountains'. In 1975, due to an earthquake, the monastery was severely impacted and certain vandals stole important art from this place. In July 2002, the Nako Preservation Project (NPP) was established. This was established for the conservation of the monastery and other buildings in Nako.

4. NAKO CHANGO GOMPA

Nako Gompa

Gompa means monastery in Tibetan language. Nako Gompa is situated on the western side of the village on the road from Spiti. It has a prayer wheel which is more than 500 years old and is made up of yak skin. Nako Gompa has a historical significance and is home to 11th century chapels. The interiors of the gompa are decorated with vibrant sculptures, murals and festival dance masks. This is one of the 100 gompas established by the “Great Translator”- Rinchen Zangpo. Here you can take some memorable photographs of the surrounding natural beauty and the Himalayan mountains.

5. PRAYER WHEEL

Prayer Wheel In Nako

Prayer wheel is a large, embossed copper wheel with large metal dishes attached to it making it wind-powered. It is around 10 minutes west from Knaygoh Kinner positioned on top of a hill so that the mantras reach every corner of the village.  Although the entire village has many small player wheels. It is believed that when you rotate the wheel clockwise it will bring good karma to you.

6. MANI STONES

Mani Stones

Mani stones are scattered all over the village and is believed  to spread blessings all over the Hangrang Valley. These are the small pebbles or stone slates with the six syllable mantra Om Mani Padme Hum sculpted all over them. Some of them are hundred years old.

7. LIPA ASRANG SANCTUARY 

Mother Bear with her cubs at Lipa Asrang Sanctuary

The Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary is a picturesque place and a must visit for nature lovers as it is home to many exotic animals. The sanctuary is spread over an area of around 30.89 sq. km. Take a safari and enjoy the flora of the sanctuary that consists of dry Alpine scrub, western Himalayan temperate forest, dry broad leaves, coniferous forests, dwarf juniper shrubs, and many more exotic blooms. Animals such as the brown bear, blue sheep, yaks, gorals, ibex, leopards, the Himalayan black bear, musk deer and other beautiful animals can often be seen in this area. Special permission is required to enter the sanctuary.

8. DAYS WALK IN NAKO VILLAGE

Days walk in Nako Village

Nako is a quaint little village and walking is the only option. The traditional atmosphere and architecture of the village hasn't changed in hundreds of years. You may simple walk around the village for getting a glimpse of it. The gates in the village are made up of stone and wood and painted from inside with colorful Buddhist religious paintings. Small beautiful mud houses tucked in the arms of mountains and the enchants will touch your soul and leaves you numb. The tourists can also take part in their local festivals. Traditional lamas dances known as Chham or mask dance which portrays defeat of the evil is very popular in the region. Apple and apricots is a major part of their agricultural produce. Some houses have a board written 'Spiti Ecosphere' means Solar Passive House. It implies that there is less firewood consumption and carbon emissions. All the houses in the village are made of piles of loose rocks with only timber framework. They are painted white and have flat roofs piled with dried straw and wood for winter fires. The entire village looks like a painted picture. 

9. SIGHTSEEING IN NAKO

Sightseeing in Nako

Nako village is a tiny little hamlet all surrounded by snow peaks which are simply stunning. If you explore the surrounding mountain you might see the entire Sutlej Valley from the village of Tashigang which will take you around 3 to 4 hrs.

10. HIKING TRAIL

Hiking In Nako

Take the hiking trail leading to the charming Tashigang village which is around 12 km away. From there a further trek can take you to the caves and a shrine. 

11. TREKKING

Trekking In Nako

If you move ahead of the lake there is a small trekking zone. From here you get a beautiful bird' s-eye view of the lake and the village.

12. SUNSET

Sunset In Nako

Witnessing the sunset from such an gigantic height is incredible. Watch the sky changing its color as you see the sun setting in the Himalayas.

13. YOUTH CLUB 

Youth Club, Nako

This club arrange trekking and take tourists for village walks for a fee. There is a small-tented office at the entrance of the village. The charges are very nominal i.e. Rs. 50/- per person for a village walk that takes about an hour or so. The funds that are generated is used in cleaning the village, installing a beautiful bell tower on top of the hill, installing dustbins, introducing cloth bags etc.

WHERE TO STAY IN NAKO 

There are five options available all at the beginning of the village, where tourists may stay.

1. Amar Homestay 

Nako Lake View from Amar Homestay Hotel

The family is polite, nice and lovely and will provide you with all the comforts.

2. Galaxy Guesthouse

Galaxy Guest House

This is the best budget option with rooms providing stunning views from their balcony.

3. Lavon guesthouse

Lavon guesthouse

This is another option with price ranging from around INR 150-700.

4. Reo Purgyal

Reo Purgyal

This is best suited to those that need a cozy room with certain western amenities. Alcohol is also available at the hotel.

5. Knaygoh Kinner Camp

Knaygoh Kinner Camp

This camp is amazing, all decorated with rope-lamps and set with wicker-bamboo chairs. It has a total of 11 quality camps with attached bathrooms along with guest house rooms. A restaurant in the premises serves decent Indian, Continental, Chinese and Italian food. It has its own kitchen garden.

SHOPPING IN NAKO

You can buy some souvenir, clothes and Tibetan Buddhist artefacts. Being a small village you don't have much shopping options. Nako is popular for its apple orchards, so keep fresh juicy apples in your bucket list.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES OF NAKO

Momos, thupka, shakshuka ( Israeli dish), falafel, chowmein, rice and dal are available at dhabas. Popular among them are :-

SHAKSHUKA

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a portion of poached eggs in a tomato curry served with bread.

TIBETIAN BUTTER TEA

Tibetian Butter Tea

When you are at Nako you must try the salted Tibetan butter tea. Water is boiled with wild tea leaves, salt, milk, butter, walnut, almond and spices.

SEA BACKTHORN

Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a locally grown berry and also a fine anti-oxidant which helps visitors adapt to low temperatures. People take this as a juice or tea.

CHANG AND ARAKH

Chang

These are local alcoholic beverages made of barley. Chang is a barley beer and Arakh is barley whiskey.

THUKPA

THUPKA

Thukpa is a noodle soup with steamed veggies and chicken. It is served with Tibetan bread made of barley or millets. 

FESTIVALS CELEBRATED IN NAKO 

SAZO

Sazo

Sazo is celebrated every year in the month of January. During this festival villagers take a dip in the Baspa river as the water of the river is considered holy. The bath signifies the purification of body, mind and soul. Villagers prepare different kinds of delicacies and worship their family deity. The food is offered to God, three times a day. The celebration lasts for just one day but is celebrated on a massive level with great joy and enthusiasm.

PHAGUL

Phagul

Phagul is celebrated for three days in February or March. In this festival people worship the spirit of Kanda or Kali and in return she blesses them with wealth, prosperity and happiness.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING NAKO

1. Keep enough clothes as it is going to be very chilly.

2. Don't throw garbage or plastic waste and keep it clean.

3. Keep your mobile phone and laptops charged as power cuts are a regular feature.

4. The mobile network is poor and connectivity is limited. BSNL is the only network but that too is lost most of the time.

5. Prepare yourself for a gadget free experience.

6. Carry your own water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. 

7. Always walk clockwise around temples and chortens, and keep your right side facing them. Don’t touch them with your left hand.

8. Be polite to Nako people as they dont see much tourists.

9. Use sunscreen as the sun rays will hit you being at an exceptional height. Also carry cap, hat, moisturizer and lip balm.

10. Keep yourself hydrated as you are at a gigantic height.

11. Photography is strictly prohibited in the monastery.

12. Nako is known to cause AMS issues as you are at an exceptional height. Consult your doctor before planning a trip.

13. Carry your own medical kit and try to keep yourself as fit as possible.

ITINERARY 

One night stay is recommended.