If you are dreaming of a peaceful Himalayan destination that is beautiful, crowd-free, and extremely budget-friendly, then Nako Lake in Himachal Pradesh is a perfect choice. Located near the Indo-Tibet border in Kinnaur district, Nako offers a Spiti-like experience at almost half the cost.
With smart planning, you can easily complete a Delhi to Nako Lake trip under ₹7,000. This guide covers everything you need:
- Cheapest route from Delhi
- Real bus, stay, and food cost
- Best time to visit
- 3-day perfect itinerary
- Safety, health, and network info
- Packing list and money-saving tips
After reading this guide, you won’t need any travel agent to plan your trip.
Where Is Nako Lake Located?
Nako Lake is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, right on the Indo-Tibet Highway (NH-5) between Reckong Peo and Tabo (Spiti Valley).
- Altitude: 3,662 meters (12,021 feet)
- Nearest town: Reckong Peo
- Landscape: Snow-covered mountains, dry cold desert, Tibetan-style village
The atmosphere here is quiet, spiritual, and untouched by mass tourism.
Why Nako Lake Is Perfect for Budget Travelers
- No entry fee
- No special permits required
- Homestays start from ₹500
- Local food available for ₹100–₹150
- Less crowded than Spiti
- Peaceful environment and stunning views
This is why Nako lake is often called “Budget Spiti.”
Best Time to Visit Nako Lake (Month-by-Month Weather Guide)
| Month | Temperature | Travel Condition | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 2°C – 10°C | Snow melting, cold | Medium |
| May | 6°C – 14°C | Best time | Good |
| June | 8°C – 16°C | Best time | Good |
| July | 10°C – 18°C | Green valleys, landslide risk | Cheap |
| August | 9°C – 17°C | Rain + risky roads | Cheap but risky |
| September | 7°C – 15°C | Clear sky, best views | Best Budget |
| October | 2°C – 10°C | Cold but clear | Low |
| Nov–Feb | -10°C to 5°C | Lake frozen | Avoid |
✅ Best balance of safety, beauty, and budget: May, June, and September
How to Reach Nako Lake From Delhi (Cheapest Route)
Step 1: Delhi to Reckong Peo
- HRTC Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) ordinary bus or semi-Volvo
- Travel time: 19–20 hours around
- Cost: ₹1200 to ₹1500
- Tip: Take an overnight bus to save one night’s stay cost
Step 2: Reckong Peo to Nako
- Local HRTC bus or shared taxi
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Cost: ₹250 – ₹350
✅ Total round-trip travel cost: ₹3,000 – ₹3,500
Road Condition & Travel Reality
- Delhi → Shimla → Reckong Peo: Mostly good roads
- Reckong Peo → Nako: Narrow mountain road
- July–August: Landslide risk due to monsoon
- September–October: Best road conditions
⚠️ If you are a beginner driver or biker, avoid night driving on this route.
Complete Nako Lake Trip Budget Under ₹7,000
| Expense | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Delhi ↔ Reckong Peo Bus | ₹2,800 |
| Peo ↔ Nako Local Bus | ₹500 |
| Stay (2 Nights) | ₹1,200 |
| Food (3 Days) | ₹800 |
| Local walking & small expenses | ₹300 |
| Emergency buffer | ₹400 |
| ✅ Total Budget | ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 |
✅ This budget is calculated using real 2025 HRTC bus fares and local homestay rates.
Budget Stay Options in Nako
| Stay Type | Price Per Night |
|---|---|
| Homestay | ₹500 – ₹700 |
| Guesthouse | ₹600 – ₹900 |
| Dorm Stay | ₹300 – ₹400 |
✅ Most homestays include dinner and breakfast, which saves a lot of money.
Food Cost in Nako Village
| Food Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tea | ₹20 |
| Maggi | ₹50 |
| Dal–Rice | ₹120 |
| Veg Thali | ₹150 |
| Momos | ₹80 – ₹120 |
✅ Carry bottled water and snacks from Reckong Peo to save more.
3-Day Perfect Nako Lake Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi → Reckong Peo
- Board the overnight bus from Delhi
- Travel through the mountains
- Reach Reckong Peo in the morning
Day 2: Reckong Peo → Nako → Local Sightseeing
- Take early morning local bus to Nako
- Check in to your homestay
- Visit:
- Nako Lake
- Nako Monastery
- Traditional village lanes
- Enjoy sunset and peaceful night in Nako
Day 3: Nako → Reckong Peo → Delhi
- Sunrise at Nako Lake
- Breakfast at homestay
- Return to Reckong Peo
- Board overnight bus to Delhi
- Walk around the lake
- Photography and drone shots
- Visit Nako Monastery
- Village sunset walk
- Meditation near the lake
- Night sky star gazing
Altitude Sickness & Health Safety Tips
Nako is located at 3,662 meters, so some people may feel mild altitude effects.
Avoid on Day 1:
- Alcohol
- Running or exercise
Do this instead:
- Walk slowly
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat light food
✅ About 90% of travelers adjust easily within one day.
Mobile Network, ATM & Emergency Information
| Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Jio | No signal |
| Airtel | Weak |
| BSNL | Best network |
| ATM | Not available |
- Last ATM: Reckong Peo
- Nearest Hospital: Reckong Peo
Is Nako Lake Safe for Solo Travelers?
✅ Yes, Nako Lake is 100% safe for:
- Solo travelers
- Solo female travelers
- First-time mountain travelers
Local villagers are simple, honest, and very helpful.
Nako Lake vs Spiti Valley (Budget Comparison)
| Feature | Nako | Spiti |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Cheap | Expensive |
| Crowd | Less | Heavy |
| Permit | Not required | Sometimes required |
| Stay Cost | Low | High |
👉 Under ₹7,000, Spiti is not practical, but Nako is completely possible.
Who Should Visit & Who Should Avoid Nako Lake
Perfect For
- Budget travelers
- Couples
- Photographers
- Peace and nature lovers
Avoid If
- You are a party person
- You want luxury hotels
- You have serious heart or breathing issues without medical advice
Important Local Cultural Tip
Nako is a Buddhist village.
- Loud music is not appreciated
- Alcohol in open public areas is discouraged
- Respect the peaceful environment
Following these rules helps you earn respect from locals.
Packing List for Nako Lake Trip
- Warm jacket
- Trekking or sports shoes
- Power bank
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Personal medicines
- ID proof
- Reusable water bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nako Lake be covered in one day?
Yes, but staying one night is highly recommended for sunrise and peace.
Does Nako Lake freeze in winter?
Yes, from December to February, the lake freezes completely.
Is it safe to go by bike?
Yes for experienced riders. Beginners should prefer buses.
Is Nako suitable for family trips?
Yes, especially during summer months.
Final Verdict: Is a ₹7,000 Nako Lake Trip From Delhi Really Possible?
✅ Yes, it is 100% possible.
If you:
- Use HRTC buses
- Choose budget homestays
- Eat local food
- Avoid over-spending
You can easily complete a beautiful high-altitude Himalayan trip to Nako Lake from Delhi under ₹7,000.
Conclusion
If you want a Spiti-like experience without the high cost, Nako Lake is your best hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh.
Here you get:
- Stunning mountain views
- Peaceful environment
- Spiritual vibes
- And all of it on a tight budget
