Himachal Pradesh Nako Monastery
Nako is a well known hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, a small village in the Kinnaur district. Since it borders with Tibet, it has quite a bit of danger associated with it. Due to the permit required to travel to this place, it is a less visited but picturesque village and the Nako monastery is quite exotic. The monastery is small but built besides a lake. People who come to Kinnaur, visit this monastery, which is adjacent to the Hangrang Valley. To pass through the village of Reckong Peo, one has to get a pass and then reach the Nako Monastery, which is located 107 kms away from Reckong Peo.
History
Nako Monastery is supposedly, one of the most visited locations of Buddhism in the himachal Pradesh state. It is probably dating back to 11th century AD. Frescos and paintings belonging to the Buddhist era are present in these temples, which depict the long history of this monastery.
Architecture
Nako monastery has two temple structure, the main and the upper monasteries. In total, there are about 4 temples structures, located within the complex of the Nako Monastery. They form the oldest structures inside the complex of the monastery. Plenty of clay sculptures are found inside these shrines. The inside of these structures are spellbinding, with the murals and paintings depicting Buddhism and its various reincarnated leaders. The main temple is known as the Translator’s temple, and is probably the oldest in the region. The white temple is full of paintings and carvings related to Lord Buddha. There is another shrine known as the temple of Wide Proportions. Walking in the village comprising the Nako Monastery is a sheer pleasure, as people find the old structures and the temples quite fascinating. Scenic visuals are presented by the Nako lake. There is the Chango monastery, which can be visited by trekking from the Nako Monastery.
Reaching There
Nako Monastery has the nearest railway station at Shimla, which is about 250 kms away. Buses can be found plying from Shimla to Kinnaur, for which the tourists need to get inner line permit at Kazo or Shimla, to travel further. One can also reach through the Reckong Peo.
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