Nako: a mirror lake at 3,660 m on the road to Spiti
A stone-and-wood village around a small lake in upper Kinnaur, with an old monastery and big mountain views — the natural night stop between Kalpa and Tabo.
- ~3,660 m Nako
- 11th c. monastery
- Dec–Feb lake often frozen
- ~105 km to Kaza
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Nako is a small village at about 3,660 m in upper Kinnaur, built around a willow-ringed lake just off the Shimla–Kaza highway. The lake reflects the surrounding peaks on calm days, turns gold with the willows in October and is often frozen in mid-winter. Beside it stands the Nako monastery, a group of old temples linked by tradition to Rinchen Zangpo’s time in the 11th century, with old murals inside. Most travellers spend a night here between Kalpa / Reckong Peo and Tabo / Kaza (Kaza is about 105 km on), which also helps with acclimatisation. The road via Kinnaur is usually open through the year, with closures after heavy snow or landslides.
- HeightAbout 3,660 m.
- WhereHangrang valley, upper Kinnaur, just above the Shimla–Kaza road.
- DistancesAbout 60 km to Tabo, about 105 km to Kaza.
- SeeThe lake, the old monastery, village lanes and the walk to the viewpoint.
- Best timeMay – October; October for autumn colour; winter for a frozen lake.
Nako, Kalpa and Tabo weather today
Nako (about 3,660 m) with Kalpa (about 2,960 m) behind you and Tabo (about 3,280 m) ahead — current temperature and the next days’ high, low and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Nako lake, the monastery and the village
Nako lake is small — you can walk around it in a few minutes — but on a still morning it holds a perfect reflection of the snow peaks. In October the willows and poplars turn gold; from about December to February the lake is usually frozen.
The Nako monastery is a cluster of old, low temples beside the lake. Tradition links it to the time of the translator Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century, and the dim halls keep old wall paintings and clay images. Visit respectfully, without flash.
The village itself is a maze of stone-and-timber houses, prayer wheels and stacked firewood. A short climb above it gives a view over the lake, the fields and the Hangrang valley.
Where Nako fits on a Kinnaur–Spiti trip
Nako is the classic night stop on the way into Spiti from Shimla. Going up gradually — Sarahan or Sangla, then Kalpa, then Nako, then Tabo or Kaza — is the safest way to adjust to the height.
| Leg | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla → Sarahan / Sangla | ~175–230 km | First night in Kinnaur |
| Sangla / Kalpa → Nako | ~105–120 km | Past Khab, where the Spiti meets the Sutlej |
| Nako → Tabo | ~60 km | Via Malling and Sumdo |
| Tabo → Kaza | ~47 km | Up the Spiti valley |
Kinnaur before Nako: Sarahan and Bhimakali temple · Sangla and Chitkul · Kalpa in winter. Spiti after Nako: Tabo Monastery · Key Monastery.
Altitude, roads and winter
At 3,660 m, take it easy on the first evening, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. The stretch around Malling is prone to landslides and slides of loose rock; travel in daylight with a driver who knows the road.
In winter Nako is cold and very quiet; most guesthouses close, but a few homestays stay open. Snow can close the road for a day or two at a time. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for parts of this border area — we arrange it as part of the trip.
Nako in pictures
The lake in autumn and under the peaks, the old monastery and the village — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Nako
On the same road.
Khab confluence
Where the Spiti river meets the Sutlej.
Malling
Landslide-prone stretch with dramatic cliffs — daylight travel.
Gue mummy
A naturally preserved monk in a small shrine.
Chitkul
The last village on the old road to Tibet.
Plan Kinnaur and Spiti with us
Stays, meals and a private car with a mountain driver, in one quote.
Planning Kinnaur and Spiti?
Tell us your dates, where you are starting from and how many of you are travelling. We plan a gradual climb through Kinnaur, arrange permits where needed and send a written quote with stays and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Nako: frequently asked questions
How high is Nako?
About 3,660 m above sea level.
Does Nako lake freeze?
Usually yes, from about December to February.
How far is Nako from Kaza?
About 105 km, via Tabo; Tabo is about 60 km from Nako.
Is Nako worth a night's stay?
Yes — it breaks the long drive into Spiti and helps you acclimatise.
Can I visit Nako in winter?
Yes, the Kinnaur road usually stays open, but it is very cold, few places are open and snow can close the road for a day or two.
Do I need a permit for Nako?
Indian citizens do not; foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for parts of this border area, which we arrange.
Sources
Photo credits
Nako lake and village — Photo: Snotch, CC BY 2.0 · Peaks reflected in Nako lake — Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nako lake in autumn — Photo: Sukanya Ray, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Prayer flags at the lake — Photo: Vishesh luck, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nako from above — Photo: Ktoya, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nako village fields — Photo: Michael Scalet, CC BY-SA 2.0 · A mandala at Nako monastery — Photo: Prof Ranga Sai, CC BY-SA 4.0 · A building in Nako — Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nako and the snow range — Photo: Steve Bennett, CC BY-SA 3.0
