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Nako Lake, located in the remote Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, turns into a breathtaking winter wonderland when the temperature drops and its calm waters freeze. Nako Lake in winter is wrapped with snow-soaked peaks and the ancient Nako Monastery, giving it an enchanting aura. Covered in snow, the shimmering lake reflects the untouched beauty of the Himalayas, providing a utopia for photographers and nature devotees. The local Tibetan-influenced culture adds to the experience and welcomes travellers with warm hospitality in the biting cold.
Quick Details
Location: Nako, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh
Total Area: 3.3 hectares (33,000 square meters)
Length: Around 228 meters
Width: About 183 meters
Maximum Depth: 5 – 7 meters
Altitude: 3,662 meters (12,014 feet)
Temperature: -5°C to -20°C in peak winter
Location
Photo: Snotch / Wikimedia Commons
Nako Lake is situated in Nako, a high-altitude village of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Located on NH-505 (Hindustan-Tibet Road), it is roughly 112 km from Reckong Peo and 350 km from Shimla. Perched at 3,662 meters, the lake provides a 360-degree view of the Trans-Himalayan panorama.
How To Reach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The closest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), approx. 350 km from Nako Lake. However, flights are limited. In terms of practicality, you have Bhuntar Airport (also called Kullu-Manali Airport), 380 km from here.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Shimla (350 km), connected to Kalka by the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. From Shimla, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Nako.
By Road: Since Nako is located on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-505), road travel is the most feasible way to reach it. For safe winter driving, a 4×4 SUV with snow chains is essential.
Things To Do
Experience the peace and relaxation at Nako Lake and enjoy the following things to do in the beautiful region.
1. Walk On The Frozen Lake
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nako Lake in winter transforms into a thick sheet of glassy ice. The hallowed peaks of the Himalayas sport this intriguing frozen lake, also revered as a spiritual spot. As you arrive on the ice, you can feel the thrill of standing in the middle of a naturally formed frozen wonderland. The serenity of the lake, only broken by the crunch of ice beneath your feet, makes this a magical experience. Safety, however, is paramount; always inspect the thickness of the ice before venturing out, and when possible, don’t go out alone.
2. Capture Stunning Winter Photography
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Nako Lake is a photographer’s paradise; the frozen surface reflects the towering Himalayan peaks. The white snow, blue ice, and colourful Buddhist prayer flags make for striking compositions. Golden tints at dawn and dusk lend a fairy-tale gloss to scenes that make for stunning landscape images. The village’s historic mud-brick homes, chortens and the ancient Nako Monastery also provide more cultural photo options. Himalayan birds can also be seen against the snowy landscape for wildlife enthusiasts. Each frame is a tale of this unspoiled winter wonderland.
3. Experience Local Culture And Warm Hospitality
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Even with the harsh winter, the small Tibetan-influenced community of Nako is welcoming people with open hearts. The locals share stories over steaming cups of butter tea and thukpa, offering a glimpse into traditional Himalayan life. A homestay provides a glimpse of daily life, from yak herding to Buddhist rituals. The 9th-century Nako Monastery, right in the heart of Nako, delights with its murals and prayer wheels. The warm, wood-heated kitchens in local homes offer a cosy refuge from the cold. The cultural immersion experience makes Nako a very special place to visit.
Places To Visit Near Nako Lake in Winter
Nestled in the Kinnaur Valley, Nako Lake is close to many beautiful destinations waiting to be explored.
1. Chango Monastery
Photo: Andrew and Annemarie / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Set in Chango village, this monastery from the 10th century gives you a lesson in Tibetan Buddhism. As winter descends, the monastery becomes a magical place where the snowy mountains provide a sacred embrace for the ancient temple. The monastery is known for its beautiful Thangka paintings, which depict various Buddhist deities. On special occasions, the thangkas are displayed, and you can catch a glimpse of the region’s spiritual heritage. Winter mornings are especially magical when the sun’s early rays strike the colourful murals.
Location: Chango Village, Kinnaur District
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
2. Reo Purgyil Peak
Photo: Arashdeep / Wikimedia Commons
Adventure enthusiasts looking for the top trekking places near Nako Lake in winter can mark their calendars for Reo Purgyil, the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh. With an altitude of 6,816 meters, the summit offers a spectacular view of the Spiti Valley and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The Reo Purgyil Trek is not an easy task, but the experience is unique, especially in winter. During your hike past desolate expanses of pine and fir trees, you can also encounter these isolated villages that provide a window into traditional Tibetan life.
Location: Spiti Valley
Best Time To Visit: November to March
3. Spiti Valley
Photo: Ksuryawanshi / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful places in the region is Spiti Valley, located northeast of Nako. Winter transforms Spiti into a snowy fairyland with dreamy landscapes. With desolate mountains and frosted plains, the valley has a calm yet thrilling experience to offer to tourists. There are multiple Buddhist monasteries, ancient caves and remote villages scattered around the valley. If you’re fortunate, you might see fauna like ibex and Tibetan antelope that roam the valley, in addition to snow leopards. The area becomes even more enchanting with the fresh, crisp air, making it great for winter photography.
Location: North of Nako, Kinnaur District
Best Time To Visit: November to March
4. Pin Valley National Park
Photo: Timothy Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Pin Valley National Park is one of the best places to visit near Nako Lake in winter for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The rare snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and more high-altitude wildlife species reside in the park. The park is also a trekker’s paradise, with countless routes that lead deep into snowbound villages and frozen streams. Wintertime in the park also allows for the opportunity to see how the local wildlife has adapted to the extreme cold. It is also the habitat of high-altitude medicinal plants and unique flora and fauna.
Location: Kinnaur District
Timings: 24*7
5. Kinnaur Kailash
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
One of the holiest peaks in the region, Kinnaur Kailash, is a significant pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the winter season, the entire vicinity of Kinnaur Kailash gets shrouded in snow, which adds to the mystery of this holy mountain. The peak’s spiritual significance, with its resemblance to Lord Shiva’s trident, attracts visitors year-round, but the winter months are something truly magical. The peak is particularly sacred to the Kinnauris, who believe that Kinnaur Kailash is where Lord Shiva resides.
Location: Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: Prince Desert Camp / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Homestays and guesthouses are the best options, as you can feel the local hospitality. Popular choices are Lake View Hotel (₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night), Ritz Guest House (₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per night) and Kinner Camps (seasonal; ₹2,500 per night). They offer heated rooms, cooked meals and breathtaking views of the frozen lake. During winter, temperatures can be freezing, leaving some hotels without amenities, so check if there’s heating and electricity. Homestays (₹800 to ₹2,000 per night) offer warmth, cultural experience and local food.
Where To Eat
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The majority of restaurants in Nako serve Himalayan, Tibetan, and North Indian fare. The finest meals are in homestays or homely dhabas serving fresh thukpa, momos, dal-rice, and butter-tea. Popular options are Nako Dhaba (₹150 to ₹300 per meal) and Reo Purgil Restaurant (₹200 to ₹500 per meal). Enjoy hot soups and local bread to make you cosy. And it is generally a good idea to have dry snacks, as they can get scarce. Prices are affordable, so Nako is a real, economical and authentic place for food.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vishesh luck / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A 3-day trip to Nako Lake in the winter can cost you ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 per person. Bus and shared taxi fare between Shimla or Reckong Peo to the village is ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 approx., and a private taxi is relatively costlier. You can stay in homestays and guesthouses for around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 a night and find local dhabas where you can eat for around ₹500 to ₹1,000 per day. Extra charge for permits, snacks and emergency supplies that add ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
Tips For Travellers
Be careful of road access, as heavy snowfalls can cause blockages. Snow chains must be on the 4×4 to drive safely. Bring warm, layered clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and sunglasses to shield yourself from subzero temperatures. To resist altitude sickness, carry some medicines with you. Carry power banks and download offline maps. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance as it guarantees availability.
Nako Lake in winter is a rare and untouched Himalayan experience. The frozen lake, snow-clad peaks, and warm hospitality make it a dreamland for offbeat travellers. Be it walking on the snow-laden frozen lake, trying Tibetan delicacies, or soaking up the village spirituality, Nako is not to be missed. Plan your winter trip to Nako with TripXL and enjoy a memorable adventure in one of India’s most beautiful high-altitude villages.
Cover Photo: Vishesh luck / Wikimedia Commons
