Culture · Nako, Spiti & Lahaul
Nako's 11th-century temple halls
Step into the dim halls of Nako's temple complex, founded in 1025 CE and named for the translator Rinchen Zangpo, to see clay images and paintings that have survived nearly a thousand years.
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe temple complex sits at the upper edge of the village: four low halls of mud and stone with flat roofs. They date from 1025 CE and are linked to Rinchen Zangpo, who founded Tabo a generation earlier. Inside are sculptures of the Five Dhyani Buddhas and walls of paintings in Vajrayana style.
A caretaker holds the keys. Ask in the village or at the newer monastery building, and be ready to wait. A small fee or donation is expected. Photography inside is not allowed; the paintings are fragile and the light is low, so give your eyes time.
Do not touch walls or images, and keep bags close. Afterwards, walk round the complex clockwise and down to the lake through the village lanes.
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Trips through Nako
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Nako. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Spiti circuit: Kinnaur in, Kunzum La out
Private SUV with driver
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Spiti by HRTC bus, the slow Kinnaur way in
HRTC and local buses, with one shared taxi loop from Kaza
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Saver
Spiti village homestays: Dhankar to Langza
Shared car to Kaza, then local buses and short taxi transfers
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Gompas of Spiti, in and out by Kinnaur
Private SUV with driver, private guide
Questions
Before you book
How old is Nako Monastery?
The complex was established in 1025 CE and is named in honour of the translator Rinchen Zangpo.
Is photography allowed inside?
No. Photograph the exteriors and village instead.
Is it always open?
A caretaker opens it on request. Ask in the village and allow time.