Nako Village, located at 3,600 meters on the Indo-Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur District, is a hidden gem surrounded by dense greenery and wildlife. It’s the first village you’ll encounter if you’re traveling from Spiti Valley, and its quietness makes it feel like a peaceful escape from the world.
Foreign tourists need an Inner Line Permit to visit Nako Village due to its location in a restricted area. The permit costs Rs. 400 at Reckong Peo or Rs. 300 at Kaza or Shimla, and it’s valid for 14 days. Indian travelers, however, do not need a permit.
A major attraction here is the beautiful Nako Lake, set against rocky hills. Around the lake, you’ll find four ancient Buddhist monasteries and an interesting footprint-like mark on the rocks, which have been part of local legends for centuries.
Nako is incredibly quiet, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when it almost feels empty. Many travelers stop here on their way to Tabo Village or Dhankar Monastery in Spiti Valley, but it’s worth taking the time to explore.
So If you’re planning a Spiti trip with our Spiti Tour Packages, make sure to add Nako Village to your itinerary for a peaceful Spiti experience.
Best Time to visit Nako Village
The best time to visit Nako Village is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
The winter months, from November to March, can be quite harsh, with heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures, making it difficult to access the village. All roads are opened up and connected and there is no road closure due to snow.
How to reach Nako Village
There are two ways that Nako village can be reached. The first and the easiest way is via Shimla and the second route is via Manali.
- Via Shimla: Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – Pooh – Nako
- Via Manali: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphoo – Batal – Kunzum Pass – Kaza – Dhankar – Tabo – Nako
Delhi to Nako Village
The road via Shimla is 650 Km whereas, via Manali, it is about 850 Km. From Delhi, via both sides, however, it is a journey of around 3 days.
By Air
The nearest airport to Nako is in Shimla which is at a distance of 312 Kms. From the airport itself, you can hire a cab to drop you at Nako Village. Or you can board a bus from Shimla and reach Nako via Reckong Peo.
Other than Shimla, the next best option is Chandigarh Airport which is a major airport and well connected to the rest of the country.
By Train
The nearest railway station is also in Shimla but it is only connected by the famous Kalka Shimla Toy Train. After Shimla, the next major railway station is in Chandigarh.
Places to Visit in and Around Nako Village
A trip to Nako Village in Spiti Valley is considered incomplete without visiting the following places:
Nako Lake is the main attraction of this region. It is situated on the mountainous slopes of Reo Purgyal ( the highest mountain in Himachal Pradesh) of the Srikhand Range. You can observe many migratory birds here during the early twilight hours during migration season. The lake freezes during the winters thus providing ice-skating options on the lake during the winter months. There is a small waterfall nearby which according to local belief is a home of fairies mainly because the water flows resemble milk gushing through the skies.
The Nako Monastery dates back to the 11th century, 1025 AD, and is a Tibetan-styled monastery, consisting of 4 large halls much similar to the Tabo Monastery. One of the huge halls has been named in honor of Rinchen Zangpo, who translated Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to the Tibetan language. Sculptures of five Dhyani Buddhas made out of clay adorn the main hall where there are also many images and murals.
It is believed that Padmasambhava visited Nako Lake and left a footprint recording his visit to the area. A shrine has been built around this footprint to commemorate this and there is also a statue of Padmasambhava above it in addition to murals.
Chango Gompa lies 25 km away from the Nako monastery on the road from Spiti. It has a prayer wheel which is made of yak skin and is more than 500 years old and measures about 3.5 m (11 ft) in diameter.
Lipa Asrang Sanctuary is around at a height of 4,000 to 5,022 m. The sanctuary is spread over an area of around 30.89 sq km. A variety of flora is found in this sanctuary which includes dry coniferous forest, dry alpine scrub, dwarf juniper scrub, and dry broad leaves.
The most commonly found animals in this sanctuary are Yak, Leopard, Ibex, Goral, Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, and Musk Deer. Tourists are not allowed to enter this sanctuary without prior permission to explore the sanctuary.
6. Trails around Nako Village
There are easy trails around the village which are mostly used by the shepherd to travel to different surrounding villages, including Chango, Hango, and Tashigang Village. These pleasant walking trails are a wonderful way to explore the surrounding mountains. 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.
About 12 km away lies the quaint village of Tashigang in Spiti Valley. Known to be the highest polling station in the world, it has only 6 families living here. Go back in time and soak in some fresh mountain air amidst the snow-capped mountains and pristine lake.
Tabo is a small town in the Lahaul and Spiti district on the banks of the Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh, India. The town lies on the road between Rekong Peo and Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley. The town is well known for its Buddhist monastery which, according to legend, is said to be over a thousand years old. The Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to retire in Tabo since he proclaimed that the Tabo Monastery is one of the holiest.
Nako to Tabo distance is approximately 63 Kilometers which takes around 2 hours to reach the place.
Things To Do at Nako Village
For a small village, Nako Village has plenty of activities to offer. One of the most popular things to do here is to visit Nako Lake, which is surrounded by rocky hills. The lake is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature. Visitors can also explore the Nako Gompa and Nako Monastery, which are must-visit attractions for anyone interested in Tibetan culture and history.
If you enjoy trekking, the hills around Nako Village offer some great trails. You can take walks through the village and surrounding fields, interacting with locals and getting a glimpse into their traditional way of life. The calm and quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place for introspection and relaxation.
Nako Village Travel Guide
When planning a visit to Nako Village, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind.
- Nako Village is located in a restricted area, and foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit to visit. You can obtain this permit at Reckong Peo or Kaza. The permit is valid for 14 days, which gives you enough time to explore the area.
- The village has limited infrastructure, so it’s important to come prepared. You won’t find ATMs or fuel stations in the village, so make sure to carry enough cash and fill up your tank before arriving.
- Nako Village Travel Guide recommends staying for at least two days to truly soak in the beauty of the place.
Accommodation near Nako Village
If you’re looking for accommodation near Nako Village, there are a few guesthouses and homestays available. The options are basic but comfortable, offering a cozy place to rest after a day of exploring. Staying at a local homestay is a great way to experience the traditional lifestyle of the villagers. If you prefer more options, Reckong Peo has a wider range of hotels and guesthouses.
- Yongma Homestay Nako
- Tashi Homestay
- Hotel Reo Purguil
- Tanghaa House Nako
- Kharba Village
- Nako Lake View Hotels
- Rikpa Homestay Nako
- Knyagoh Kinner Camps
- Lovon Hotel
Festivals and Celebrations at Nako Village
The locals in Nako Village celebrate various Tibetan festivals with great enthusiasm. One of the significant festivals and celebrations at Nako Village is the Losar Festival, which marks the Tibetan New Year. The village comes alive with traditional music, dance, and cultural performances. Visiting during a festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the local people.
Tips for Visiting Nako Village
Here are some handy tips for visiting Nako Village:
- Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs in the village.
- Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel before reaching Nako Village.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially around religious sites.
- Pack warm clothes, even during the summer months, as the temperatures can drop in the evenings.
- Keep your Inner Line Permit handy if you’re a foreign national.
