From Shipki La to Nako – Descending Into the Heart of Spiti
After visiting Shipki La, one of my long-pending dreams, I headed towards Nako. I deliberately kept the day short to truly soak in the dramatic terrain and ever-changing valleys. The descent from Shipki La itself felt like an adventure — narrow mountain roads, endless loops, and sheer drops running hundreds of feet below demanded complete focus. As tempting as the views were, this was a stretch where distraction was not an option.
“Some places don’t demand your attention—they gently return it to you.”
I descended safely and made a short stop at Khab, where the rivers Sutlej and Spiti meet. Sitting there for about half an hour with a plate of hot siddu, watching the waters merge, felt like the perfect pause before continuing ahead.
Arriving in Nako Village
Nako is a small yet charming village en route to Spiti Valley, known for its serene Nako Lake, ancient mud houses, and the historic Nako Monastery. I reached Nako around 2 PM, checked into a homestay(Norling Homestay Nako), and took a brief rest before stepping out to explore.
It was harvest season, and peas—one of the primary crops grown here—were being collected across the fields. Men and women worked together under the open sky, adding life and rhythm to the quiet village. Walking through the narrow lanes, I noticed how most houses are built with mud, giving Nako its rustic and timeless character.
Exploring Nako – Lake, Monastery, and Village Life
I spent the afternoon wandering around the village, visiting the monastery, and observing everyday life unfold at its own pace. The simplicity of the place was refreshing. Later, I made my way to a vantage point overlooking Nako, offering a distant yet beautiful view of the village tucked into the mountains.
As the day came to an end, I returned to the homestay to rest and reflect. The journey so far had been intense yet deeply fulfilling. Tomorrow, I would ride further into Spiti — Tabo awaited.
How to Reach Nako
- From Kalpa / Reckong Peo: Take NH5 towards Pooh → Khab → Nako
- From Tabo / Kaza: Nako lies around 50 km before Tabo on NH505
- By Road: Best reached via private vehicle or bike
- By Bus: Limited HRTC buses run between Reckong Peo, Nako, and Kaza (subject to weather)
📌 Nako sits at ~3,660 m and is often used as the first acclimatization stop when entering Spiti.
Things to Do in Nako
- Visit Nako Lake – A calm, high-altitude lake perfect for quiet walks
- Explore Nako Monastery – Over 1,000 years old, rich in murals and history
- Village Walks – Mud houses, narrow lanes, and authentic Spitian life
- Harvest Season Experience – Pea fields come alive in summer
- Vantage Point View – Short hike for a panoramic view of the village
- Photography – Earth-tone homes, mountains, and slow life moments
Best Time to Visit Nako
- May to June: Pleasant weather, blooming fields, great for first-time visitors
- July to September: Lush landscapes but occasional roadblocks due to rain
- October: Crisp skies, fewer tourists, golden autumn hues
- November to April: Extremely cold; village mostly snowbound
