Nako: the Cynosure of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh

Numerous lakes are spread over India; most of them are in need of revival while some others have been able to preserve their charm. Nako Lake, at an altitude of 3662 meter, doesn’t fit in these pigeonholes. On one hand, algae floating in the lake during summer might suggest that it needs a revival. On the other hand, though, during winter, the frozen lake becomes a hub for ice skating and other pastime for those who dare, which suggests it ceases to lose its charm.

The tiny Nako Lake has been named after the village Nako in district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh. One of the more popular tourist destinations, Kaza is close by the small Nako village, which leaves Nako less perturbed from tourist activities with only a brief stopover, if any. However, this should not leave one guessing if Nako is worth visiting or not. One look at this place is enough to leave you flabbergasted. Located in the Hangrang valley near the Tibet border, Nako village exhibit in abundance the distinctive appeal of a mountain village.

The journey to reach Nako is magnificent in itself. When your vehicle keeps taking a shower under the freezing cascades en route, you only wonder if you should be sitting on the rooftop of the vehicle. Perils of shooting stones falling on to you or your falling in the fast-flowing muck-laden river in the valley at the bottom and single lane of road (for some part of the journey) definitely makes you jittery. Before you get to drive on the newly well-built road, abundance of bends and potholes makes one leg of the journey highly palpitating. An iron bridge, similar to many more such bridges often with wooden decks in the region, stands tall at Khab, over the confluence of the river Sutlej and the river Spiti. The lush green hills in lower Kinnaur segues into inhospitable terrains, when you move towards upper Kinnaur. Dry soil, tiny bushes and loose boulders of all sizes dominate the hills instead of the verdure of the pine trees.

The village appears as sacred as the Himalayan peaks that surrounds it. Natives have learnt the science of cultivating the dry soil of the mountain the hard way. The slanting mountain favors terrace farming and villagers practice that as long as the snow doesn’t disrupt this profession. Presence of Buddhist temples, monastery and cornucopia of prayer wheels evince the staunch faith of the locals in spirituality. It’s easy to fall into the same rhythm once you land your feet on this modestly-sized hamlet.

Nako Lake is situated in the village. Water in the lake changes its appearance in concurrence with the seasonally dynamic reflection of the multitude of trees, miscellany of clouds and motley of hills. Trek to the mountains in arbitrary directions above the lake gives you sublime spectacle of the valley. Getting lost amidst the labyrinthine lanes of the village is intriguing as treading on unfamiliar territory is only another way to experiencing novelty. Stones with holy inscriptions abound the streets, prayer wheels are commonplace, and the breathtaking vistas are ubiquitous.

Even if for a shorter duration, stopover at Nako is warranted. The tranquility of the place leaves you spellbound and its glory urges you to come back. Whether you trek the hills, satiate your spiritual penchant or leisurely contemplate the panorama; Nako serves everything on your platter. Make some effort, and visit the fabulous Nako.