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.
