- Altitude
- 3,660 m
- Distance
- 105 km from Reckong Peo · 115 km from Kaza
- Best time
- May – October (lake freezes in winter)
- Ideal stay
- 1 day
About Nako Lake & Village
Nako is a mud-and-stone village in upper Kinnaur built around a sacred lake, with an 11th-century monastery and the Reo Purgyil peak (6,816 m) rising above it.
Nako lies just off NH-5 in the Hangrang valley, the transition zone where green Kinnaur turns into the cold desert of Spiti. Willow and poplar trees surround its small lake, which freezes solid in winter.
The Nako monastery dates back to the time of Rinchen Zangpo (around 1025 AD) and has old murals. The village is a natural overnight halt between Kalpa and Kaza.
On the way you pass the Khab confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers and the dramatic Malling nala and Ka-zigzag road.
Things to see & do
- Nako lake and its willow trees
- Ancient Nako monastery
- Reo Purgyil, highest peak of Himachal
- Khab confluence and Ka-zigzag on the way
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Kalpa → Khab → Nako (110 km, 4 hrs)
Drive past Pooh and the Khab Spiti–Sutlej confluence, climb the Ka-zigzag to Nako. Evening walk around the lake and monastery.
Day 2
Nako → Gue → Tabo → Kaza
Continue into Spiti via Sumdo, the Gue mummy and Tabo monastery, reaching Kaza by evening.
Local tips from our drivers
- Altitude is above 3,500 m — stay hydrated and avoid exertion on day 1.
- Homestays are basic but warm; book ahead in summer.
