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Himachal Pradesh Nako Lake
Nako Lake is a beautiful lake located at a high altitude in Kinnaur District’s Pooh sub-division. This lake meanders close to the Nako village’s boundary. After watching this place, it appears as if in the border of the lake, half of the village is buried. This lake is situated at a height of about 12,014 ft or 3,662 metres above the level of the sea. The lake is bordered by popular and willow trees.
History
The lake is surrounded by four Buddhist temples. Located close to this destination, one of the most revered Saint Padmasambhava foot like impressions. A village known as Tashigang is located few miles away where there are many caves located. It is believed that besides giving discourse to his ardent devotees, Guru Padmasambhava also meditated. A waterfall is also located close to this place where just like a river of milk, snow water falls. As the legend goes, this destination is like fairies heavenly realm. The footprints of these demigod’s or fairies can also be seen one of the caves located here. The inhabitants of this place consider this place as very sacred and many followers and devotees come here to pay their respects from Spiti Valley and Ladakh Valley.
Nako is situated at Kinnaur Valley’s east end and before reaching Malling Nullah’s landslide that is positioned between Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley, this is one of the prominent attractions. From Reckong Peo, one can catch a bus that takes about four hours to reach this place.
Since Nako is located amidst restricted area that is positioned close to the border of Tibet, a permit for inner line is mandatory to reach here. This permit for inner line is available at Rs 150 at Reckong Peo. This permit is applicable for fourteen days since the date it is issued. Earlier, staying overnight at this destination was not permissible but today, this is not the case. If a person has a valid permission, he can stay here without any problem.
Attractions
Besides this picturesque lake, there are many other attractions that makes the place popular among travelers coming here. Nako Lake is a beautiful and small holy lake. It is fun to watch the lake in the early hours of the day when the beauty of this place is at its peak. The reflection of mountains and villages in the water of the lake looks mesmerizing. Besides spending peaceful time close to the banks of the lake, one can walk around the village. It is amazing feeling to see an eclectic mix of architecture and traditional atmosphere. The village seems not to have changed since many years retaining the rustic charm of the yesteryears.
Travelers can also take a walk close to the mountains but for that high level of fitness is required. Chortens that are visible can also be visited that offers a wonderful view point. A mesmerizing view of Tibet can also be seen from this threshold. But for the same, one has to move a bit more on the mountains. Perched atop Sutlej Valley, close to the village Tashigang a beautiful temple is located.
Similarly, Nako Monastery is also located within the village. This monastery was founded in 996 AD, by Ringchen Zangpo. Here, a cornucopia of ancient temples can be visited where fine old frescoes and scupltures can be seen. In recent times, no new temples have been constructed here.
How to Reach
Reaching Nako Lake in the state of Himachal Pradesh is not very challneging. Although, this lake is located in mountaineous region, the connectivity is good and buses and coaches reaches here without any trouble. Majority of the time in the year, the buses reach this destination. Shimla is the closest railway station if looking for train transportation to reach this place. Similarly, if planning to use air transport, Kalpa is the closest airport located close to Shimla.
If you are about to cross the landslide through Spiti Valley, ask locals living close to this place at Malling Nullah for mode of transportation like car or bus that can take you to Nako that is forty five minutes away or catch a bus that is Reckong Peo-bound that can drop you at the Nako turn off and advise you regarding a connecting ride.
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