Nako
Nako is a village at about 3,625 m in the Hangrang valley of upper Kinnaur, on a 7 km branch off the Shimla–Kaza road, about 110 km below Kaza. It has a small lake ringed by willows and a monastery dated to 1025 AD, and it is the usual night stop on the way into Spiti.
Getting there
Nako is on the Shimla–Kaza road through Kinnaur, on a 7 km branch that climbs from the main road. From Kaza it is about 110 km, past Tabo and the Sumdo check post. From Shimla it is the natural last night before Spiti, which helps with the altitude.
What to see
Nako Lake. A small lake at about 3,636 m on the edge of the village, ringed by willows and poplars.
The monastery. Nako’s monastery, in the upper part of the village, is dated to 1025 AD, with chortens around it.
Reo Purgyil. The village sits under Reo Purgyil, at about 6,816 m the highest mountain in Himachal Pradesh.
Good to know
- Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for this border stretch; see the permits guide on himalayanbrothers.com.
- Nako is a little lower than Kaza, at about 3,625 m, which makes it a good place to sleep on the way up.
Best months for Nako
Saffron: the easiest months. Best time to visit Spiti · Is Spiti open now?
From our door
Spiti Villa is on Kibber Village Road, just below Key Monastery and 12 km from Kaza: 32 rooms, a glass-walled restaurant, and oxygen on site if the altitude catches up with you. Open all year.
Nearby
Quick answers
Is Nako in Spiti?
No. Nako is in the Hangrang valley of upper Kinnaur, just before the road enters Spiti at Sumdo. Most travellers coming from Shimla spend a night there on the way in.
How far is Nako from Kaza?
About 110 km, down the Spiti river past Tabo and Sumdo, then up a 7 km branch road.
Sources
- Nako, Himachal Pradesh, Wikipedia
- Road distances from OpenStreetMap, routed with OSRM, checked 14 November 2026