NAKO VILLAGE

One of India’s best-kept secrets, Nako village is situated on the Indo-Tibetan border, 360 m above sea level in the Himalayan range of Kinnaur District in Himachal Pradesh. Nako Village can be considered as the last spot on your way to the famous Nalling Mullah and acts as a halting stop for tourists heading there. As Nako lies really close to the Tibetan border, visitors need to have an Inner Line permit to visit and stay in any part of this secluded village. Due to the small extent of this beautifully remote village, all the major attractions there can be explored on foot itself.Any tourist crossing this remote village tends to take a stop at least for a while. Many others tend to reach this peaceful place by evening to spend a night here to move to other destinations in Kinnaur or Tabo Village, the next day. However, if you are amidst those keen travelers who wish to experience the true essence of the Himalayan and Tibetan cultures, this very place is a must visit for you.Exploring this beautiful village and listening to the stories and experiences of the villagers will take you back in time. The hidden gems of Nako Village and its untouched natural beauty will make you fall in love with this place. Experiencing the mind soothing calmness of the village under the village sky full of sparkling stars holds the capability of providing you with a life-changing experience.

How to Reach Nako Village - If you are traveling via Manali, you can hire a cab from Reckong Peo to Nako or get on the bus to Spiti. The ride from Reckong Peo to Nako shall take an approximate of 4 hours. - Alternatively, if you are traveling from Spiti, you can get onto a cab or bus from Nalling Mullah going to Nako or Reckong Peo. - As Nako is a restricted area, all the international tourists need to get a permit to visit this place. You can either get a permit from Reckong Peo worth INR50 or from Shimla and Kaza for free.

Best Time to Visit Nako Village The months from April to October are most favorable for visiting the Nako Village. The beauty of the village is at its peak and the temperatures are moderate during these months. Prevent visiting Nako during peak winters. The roads to Nako get blocked after heavy snowfall from 15th of October and remains closed till it reopens in the end of May or by the second week of June. You should also prevent visiting Nako during monsoon as the routes receive heavy rainfall. The steep slopes on the way to Nako with patches of poor roads make it challenging as well as dangerous for tourists to travel by road.

What Not to Miss at Nako Village 1. Chitkul: Chitkul is the last location beyond which tourists cannot go without a permit. This beautiful village is situated at the banks of the Baspa River and is snow-covered throughout the year, making it a favorite amongst young travelers. 2. Chango Gompa: Situated just a few kilometers from Nako, Chango Gompa is famous for its 500-year-old prayer wheel, made of yak skin. It is amongst the most famous monasteries in the region. 3. Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary: Not very far away from Nako is Lipa Asrang sanctuary which is famous for its huge variety of plants. You can get a chance to witness some of the rarest species of conifers, alpine scrubs, and dwarf juniper shrubs. 4. Kinnaur Kailash: Also known as the mountain of Lord Shiva, the breathtaking landscape and the natural beauty of this place makes it worth a visit. A whole lot of pilgrims visit this place to complete the “parikrama” which starts from Morang and goes up to Kalpa. 5. Sarhan: Also known as the “Gateway to Kinnaur”, Sarhan serves as a base for a lot of treks in the majestic Himalayas. The major attraction of the village is the centrally located temple of Bimkali and Devi kali. The mesmerizing view of the peak of “Mount Shrikhand” is what makes this place more special. Do not forget to spot the rare and beautiful Jujurana bird species, in the peasantry close to Devi Kali Temple. 6. Sangla Valley: Covered with evergreen forest range and snow-clad mountain peaks, Sangla valley acts as a perfect getaway from the concrete jungles. Red apple orchards and cherry trees are what make this place more interesting. You can also get a chance to try out your hands on some interesting adventure sports activities in the valley.

Other Essential Information About Nako Village 1. Location: Nako is situated amidst the Trans-Himalayan region of Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh in India with close proximity to the Tibetan border. 2. Distance from Spiti: 116.6 Kilometers, connected via NH-505. 3. Distance from Manali: 312.9 Kilometers, connected via NH-505. 4. Mobile Connectivity: BSNL is the only network provider who provides connectivity in Nako. However, do not expect even that to be working all day long. You may catch the network during the odd hours of late at night. 5. Temperature: The lowest temperatures in Nako drop down to an average of -5.6 degrees Celsius. Whereas, the highest average temperatures are during the month of July which goes up to 14 degrees Celsius.