Nako Village - The Hidden Gem of Kinnaur on the Spiti Valley Route

"Sacred lakes, ancient monasteries & timeless Himalayan charm await you."

Table of Contents

Introduction

Nako, a peaceful Himalayan village perched at 11,893 feet in Himachal’s Kinnaur district, is your first real taste of the high-altitude cold desert that defines Spiti Valley. Though part of a largely barren region, Nako itself is surprisingly lush — thanks to an ingenious local irrigation system that channels glacial streams into the fields.

The primary livelihood of villagers is farming (mainly peas) and increasingly, tourism. Nako is often a short halt for travelers en route to Tabo or Kaza, but it’s well worth staying a night or two to truly appreciate its quiet magic, sacred spots, and warm hospitality.

Why You Should Visit Nako

Spiritual calm at ancient monasteries
Unfiltered views of Himalayan landscapes
A place to acclimatize naturally before heading to Spiti
Authentic experiences through local homestays
Photogenic lake, caves, and panoramic viewpoints

Places to Visit/ Things to do in Nako Village:

Nako Lake – The Nako lake is the main attraction of the village. It is a sacred fresh water lake situated at an altitude of 11,893 ft. In the winters, the Nako Lake gets completely frozen and sometimes used for ice skating as well.
Nako Monastery – There are two monasteries in Nako. One is the old Monastery which is said to be built in the 11th century. It is full of ancient Buddhist texts and artwork. The monks in the monastery are extremely helpful and are more than happy to share their knowledge about the monastery with the visitors. Some will even show you around the complete monastery and explain the various paintings in detail.
The Lake View Point – Just above the village, there is a point from where you can see the complete Nako Lake and most of the village. It is one of the recommended place to go if you are interested in taking amazing photographs of the Lake. Also you can see both the Nako and Malling villages from this point. It is just a 5 min trek from the lake and is totally worth it.
The Somang Dhaba – This dhaba is located on the main highway near the entrance to the village. From here you can either enter the village of Nako or continue towards Spiti Valley. However, it is recommended to have lunch here. The Somang Dhaba and the adjoining retail shop is run by an elderly couple from Nako. The Nako helipad is also situated behind the Somang Dhaba.
Shopping – As far as shopping is concerned, there are a few small shops in Nako from where can buy gifts for friends & family.

Overall, Nako is a beautiful place to stay & relax for a day or two if you have time to explore the area and experience the life of the locals in Kinnaur.