Treks by
March to June: Ideal for clear skies, moderate temperature, and monastery visits September to November: Great visibility, post-monsoon freshness, and golden mountain views Avoid: July–August: Risk of landslides during monsoon December–February: Very cold, heavy snowfall, and roadblocks possible
By Air: Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (~305 km) From Shimla, travel by road to Nako via Rampur – Kalpa – Spillo By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Kalka (~350 km) From Kalka, drive or take a bus through Shimla to reach Reckong Peo, then onward to Nako By Road: Nako lies on the NH-505 along the Hindustan–Tibet Highway Regular buses and shared taxis run from Reckong Peo, Pooh, and Kaza Roads are narrow and rugged—ideal for 4x4 or experienced drivers
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3,625 meters
Nako is a peaceful high-altitude village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Set at an elevation of about 3,625 meters, this remote settlement is best known for its serene lake, age-old Buddhist monastery, and mud-brick houses that seem to blend perfectly with the rocky landscape. Surrounded by barren hills and snow-clad peaks, Nako offers a unique blend of spirituality, silence, and stark Himalayan beauty. It’s a perfect destination for travelers seeking solitude, cultural insight, and a deeper connection with nature.
Nako Village is one of the last inhabited villages in the upper region of Kinnaur, situated near the Indo-Tibetan border at an altitude of approximately 3,625 meters. Nestled amidst stark, barren mountains and deep blue skies, Nako is a tranquil settlement that offers a raw and surreal glimpse into life in the Trans-Himalayan belt of Himachal Pradesh.
Despite its remote location, Nako has been an important center of Tibetan Buddhist culture for centuries. The village, with its stone and mud-brick houses, fluttering prayer flags, and narrow alleys, reflects a lifestyle that remains untouched by modern chaos.
At the center of the village lies the Nako Lake, a small yet pristine body of water that reflects the surrounding hills and the nearby Reo Purgyil peak—the highest in Himachal Pradesh. During winter, the lake freezes completely, turning into a natural ice rink. Locals often gather here for prayer ceremonies and small festivals.
Nako is home to a revered 11th-century monastery, believed to have been visited by the great scholar Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery complex features age-old murals, scriptures, and prayer wheels, drawing Buddhist pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world.
Nearby, a sacred footprint of Guru Padmasambhava is believed to be embedded in rock, adding further spiritual value to the village.
Explore Nako Monastery and interact with local monks
Walk around Nako Lake at sunrise or sunset for stunning reflections
Hike to Tashigang Village or nearby caves associated with ancient sages
Photograph the high-altitude landscape and traditional village life
Stay in a homestay to experience local cuisine and culture firsthand
Nako Village dates back to the 11th century, when it became a significant center of Tibetan Buddhist learning and meditation. The ancient Nako Monastery, believed to be founded during the time of Rinchen Zangpo, a renowned Buddhist translator and teacher, stands as a symbol of this legacy. Over the centuries, Nako has been a spiritual retreat for monks and scholars and is still considered sacred by both Buddhists and locals who revere the nearby Guru Padmasambhava's footprint, believed to be preserved in rock near the village.