Nako Lake in Himachal Pradesh is a high altitude lake located at an elevation of 3662 metres in Hangrang Valley in Kinnaur district, near the Indo-China border. Nako is a small village settlement near the lake and serves as a stopover for travelers going to Spiti via Shimla.
The lake is considered pious by villagers as it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated near the lake, and his footprints are also marked on a rock here. Padmasambhava is believed to have spread Buddhism to Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti, and Tibet.
The sun setting over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks looks simply amazing!
HIstory of Nako Lake in Himachal Pradesh
Nako is one of Kinnaur’s most picturesque hamlets. At the commanding altitude of 3,662 meters, Nako village with a small lake and a highly
revered Buddhist monastery has become very popular with tourists.
Nako is also the base to reach Tashigang monastery and is the starting point for mountaineers setting out to scale Reo Pargial Peak. Nako is 115 km from Powari.
Hangrang valley
Spread out from the scenic Nako village to Chango village, Hangrang valley has some well-known trekking routes of Kinnaur. The desolate yet
beautiful valley is famous for Nako Lake. In this rugged and barren with very little vegetation, much of the population makes out a living from
sparse agricultural lands growing one crop in a year.
Chango
Growing one of the best quality of apples in the state, Chango, at an altitude of 3,058 meters in Hangrang valley is largely a Buddhist village.
There is also a monastery in the village. There are also three temples in the village that are dedicated to local deities.
Ribba
Famous for its local brews and edible pine nuts (Chilgoza) Ribba is 16 km from Powari.
Pooh
One of Kinnaur’s largest settlements, Pooh is 58 km from Powari along the highway to Spiti. Besides an old Buddhist Monastery, the countryside around this settlement has vineyards, almond and apricot trees, and an abundance of apple orchards.
Lippa
Lippa is a small village that can be easily reached from Kalpa or Reckong Peo. This village devotedly protects its rich heritage that is centered
around three Buddhist monasteries. A rich wildlife region, Ibex and the elusive snow leopard can be sighted on the outskirts of the village
and in the adjoining forest lands.