You can forget about the rest of the world once you cross into the Spiti valley on NH22, also known as the Hindustan Tibet Road. You are thrown into a remote and rocky landscape, that might seem from another planet.
The road itself is an amazing feat of engineering brilliance traversing one of the highest ranges in the world. But few travellers have made it here because it is off the beaten track. Ashish Pawgi, a photographer also landed in Nako on a spontaneous decision. He says, “I had never planned Nako as a part of my trip. I am usually the one who goes off without planning, I had just decided to trip to Spiti. When I was in Kinnaur, I met a fellow traveller who told me about Nako. And so, it was a spontaneous decision.”
Nako is a hidden hamlet in the Spiti Valley. Arid, desolate and barren, Nako is uniquely beautiful and a place you should visit if you want to experience something a little different than your usual hill station holiday.
Image Credit: theuntourist
Nako houses an ancient Buddhist monastery complex. The walls of these temples are adorned with beautiful frescoes.
Image Credit: flickr
The village homes in Spiti are constructed in the typical Himachali style with timber bonded stone. The rooftops of the houses are laden with fodder saved for the winter months. The villages, with their serene surroundings, Tibetan prayer stones and wandering, peaceful-looking yaks are a sight for sore eyes. If lucky, travellers can also attend a performance of the ancient wedding dance of Spiti, ‘khaar’.
Image Credit: unconvetionalandvivid
The best way to explore Noko is going on a solo trip. That is what Ashish had planned. But as he says, you are never solo once you hit the road. He reached Nako by taking a bus initially from Reckong Peo until Poh and then hitchhiked up to the actual village. You can reach Peo from Kullu in state transport bus.
So, if you love the Spiti valley and are looking to explore something new, head to Nako for quiet zenful time.
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