Nako Monastery
Also known as Nako Gompa, Lotsava Lhakhang, Nako Monastery Complex, Nako - Buddhist Temple
Nako Monastery beside scenic Nako Lake in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is among the western Himalaya's oldest Buddhist monastic complexes, from the 11th century.
Photos of Nako Monastery
- Established
- 11th century CE (c. 1025 CE)
- Architecture
- Traditional Tibetan Buddhist wood-and-stone complex of four halls (the largest called Dukhang), with centuries-old murals, wood carvings, and stucco sculptures
- Address
- Nako, Himachal Pradesh 172111
- Timings
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
History of Nako Monastery
Traditionally attributed to the great translator-monk Lochen Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055 CE), credited with founding over a hundred monasteries across the western Himalayas during the Buddhist revival of the 11th century. Also called Lotsava Lhakhang ("temple of the translator") in his honour, the monastery's murals and mandalas depicting Buddhist cosmology have made it a focus of conservation work since a preservation project began in 2002. It remains an active site of worship for the local Buddhist community, not merely a heritage monument.
Festivals Celebrated at Nako Monastery
- Losar (Tibetan New Year)
- Cham (mask dance) festivals
How to Reach Nako Monastery
Nearest airport: Shimla (Jubbarhatti), ~240 km, or Chandigarh (~300+ km, better connectivity). Nearest railhead: Shimla (narrow-gauge) or Kalka (broad-gauge). By road: NH-5 (old Hindustan-Tibet Road) through Rampur-Reckong Peo-Pooh, then a branch road up to Nako village.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nako Monastery
Where is Nako Monastery located?
- Nako Monastery is located at Nako, Himachal Pradesh 172111, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Nako Monastery?
- Nako Monastery is generally open Open daily, dawn to dusk. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Nako Monastery built?
- Nako Monastery was established 11th century CE (c. 1025 CE). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Nako Monastery?
- Nako Monastery is built in the Traditional Tibetan Buddhist wood-and-stone complex of four halls (the largest called Dukhang), with centuries-old murals, wood carvings, and stucco sculptures style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Nako Monastery?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Nako Monastery include Losar (Tibetan New Year), Cham (mask dance) festivals. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Nako Monastery?
- Nearest airport: Shimla (Jubbarhatti), ~240 km, or Chandigarh (~300+ km, better connectivity). Nearest railhead: Shimla (narrow-gauge) or Kalka (broad-gauge). By road: NH-5 (old Hindustan-Tibet Road) through Rampur-Reckong Peo-Pooh, then a branch road up to Nako village.
Why is Nako Monastery significant?
- Nako Monastery beside scenic Nako Lake in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is among the western Himalaya's oldest Buddhist monastic complexes, from the 11th century.
Is there an entry fee at Nako Monastery?
- Entry to the main shrine of Nako Monastery is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Nako Monastery?
- Nako Monastery follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.