Nako (at an alitiude of 3600mm) is a small remote village in the Kinnaur valley, Himachal Pradesh. It lies in the sensitive restricted zone along the border with Tibet and is said to date back to the 8th century, when Buddhism was first introduced here.
The extraordinary difficulties travelling to Nako were already reported by Captain Alexander Gerard, surveyor for the East India Company in the early 19th century.
Sections of this ancient route continue to be used today, forming part of our journey towards the Spiti valley
The landscape changes dramatically from alpine to arid
With Frodo & Bilbo passages
We go down only to go up again. I guess thats what happens when there are no more suspension bridges. I’m at 7′ o’clock
The horizontal lines clinging to the side of the slopes are ours . The vertical ones are landslides
Farmers achieve the impossible on small gravity defying tiers
We stop for lunch at the aptly named village of Pooh. It did have a can of Mackerel, making it more memorable..
More road signs ,this one stating the obvious
While others make no sense. Thanks. Perhaps for not going over the edge
Lost in translation
The Dhaba (road side restaurant) just before Nako
Where a father gets to play tug of war
Nako
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Hope springs eternal you Steer burger
The villagers are vegan however
Crops are nurtured with channelled mountain water
Homes are dry stacked stone structures
that have stood the test of time
We walk through the narrow village alley ways
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Rock hewn roof tiles are hand inscribed
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There is little waste
Fuel for winter & cooking
Shrub acts as roof insulation
Nako’s sacred lake
Water is still manually collected and stored
A call to prayer
and time for reflection
Reflection of a different kind
As these youngsters watch the elder force her stubborn cow in the desired direction
A smile is universal
and needs no language
For us the locals look more Tibetan
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The Buddhist Gumpa was established in 11AD
Each prayer wheel has a specific significance and is always turned clockwise
This donkey with cleft foot
takes a liking to Linda and follows us wherever we go
while this one on its day off has time for reflection over the Himalayas
Nako, where time has a different meaning
Such beautiful scenery beautifully captured in your photos. Amazing how these people survive. The land of Lamas. What is a Gamma?
Nice pics of the cold desert in Himalayas. Hope this group had felt the inner peace while travelling in the land of lamas. I think this is the best way to experience Himalayas. We in Himalayas prefer quality tourist quantity doesn’t matter. Hope back at home every individual agrees. Thanks’
Awersome tip you are expericing. Life seams to have come to a stand still for these modest folk. Great photos. Looking forward to the next posting. Colin and Debbie Pienaar Durban South Africa.
Wonderful insight into a world most of us did not know exists or will ever experience. Thanks you intrepid 2
I am just awed by the ancient buildings and towns, as if time has been standing still there for thousands of years.
For how long do you think these people will be able to live life as they have for the past hundreds of years before interference Linda ?
Yes Clem! It’s the question that haunted us too. Take care, Linda
Fascinated by the ever present mountains in the background. I would lose time here, just staring at them. Great pics. Best wishes.
WOW, awesome pics!
We both are speechless. Admiring however the people that live there.The lake is beautiful and we love the donkey too. There was so much to see and admire
I am speechless to see such pristine beauty on moonscape looking wonder of the world. The pics and short inscriptions say it all! You guys are blessed to experience this advanced simplicity.
Fantastic experience you must be having. Your photos are really good. The local people look so contented and happy.
Very nice!!!
Harry you’re so right about Nako being a place where time has a different meaning————and about a smile being international—–you’ve proved it with these photos ! Great stuff again—–thank you !