A trans-Himalayan holiday doesn’t come easy. Least of all in mountaintop villages that offer the patient traveller a sweeping view of the great Tibetan plateau. Nako is one of those, an oasis approachable only by a rough, isolated road.
Standing at the intersection of the Dhauladhar, Zanskar and great Himalayan ranges, Himachal’s Kinnaur district is notorious for its difficult terrain. Getting here is half the battle won. Though road connectivity has considerably improved in recent years, once upon a time the topography restricted invading feudal armies to erstwhile Bushahr State (presentday Rampur). The mighty Sutlej still tumbles unrestrained, devouring patches of the ancient Hindustan-Tibet road when it overflows during the monsoon, and till date the mountains remain insurmountable barriers for monsoon winds and clouds arising from the subcontinent.
In hindsight, these obstacles seem benevolent as they helped create Kinnaur’s unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures in a trans-Himalayan atmosphere. In this zone of extreme mountains and climatic variations, the arid stretch of Hangrang Valley stands out. Spreading out from Khab to Sumdo, this is where Kinnaur meets Spiti. The valley is also known as Upper Kinnaur or Lower Spiti, depending on your perspective. It’s a landscape unlike any other in the Indian Himalaya, where villages straddle rocky mountain slopes and not river banks. Taking cues from the cold, desolate mountains of the Tibetan plateau right next door, Hangrang Valley is a cluster of nine large villages separated by their remoteness yet fused in their Tibetan Buddhist culture.
High Oasis
Nestled in Hangrang’s easternmost corner, Nako is the valley’s largest and most scenic village. From its dizzying height of 3660 m along the India-China border, the sky seems close enough to touch. The rarefied air in this part of the transHimalaya is known to play many such tricks on hapless travellers.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von Discover India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von Discover India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
New Gear For New Travels
Here’s our selection of some nifty new gear that’s certain to add extra oomph to your next vacation.
10 Hidden Gems Of India
The last two years have prepared us to expect the unexpected, so why not explore the unexplored in 2022? India boasts some of the most culturally abundant and visually spectacular places in the world. Pick one or more of these 10 indian destinations to travel to and discover new lands in the coming year.
When Travel Heals
Going for a holiday just after you have lost your mother to COVID-19 may not be the most popular idea, but it was the only way for a grieving family to escape the agony with which they were living. And so, they headed to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in search of peace and recuperation.
BOOKS FOR THE BACKPACK
Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history and vibrant culture of the country.
Masks of Glory
Charida is not the most popular tourist spot in West Bengal. But its obscurity is one of the reasons we choose to discover the undiscovered ‘mask village’ of India.
Palace of Grandeur
The Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall offers a slice of Karnataka’s rich architectural and culinary history and culture. We check-in at the palatial property for a plush staycation.
The Road to My Roots
A family finds harmony and plenty of nostalgia in the hilly forests of Ramgarh, Uttarakhand and the Kumaon Himalayas.
GARDEN of FABLES
On the fringes of Darjeeling, Kurseong is home to India’s most expensive tea, the world’s first tea factory, and a mystical natural phenomenon.
MORE than just FOOD
Kochi’s boutique cafés go beyond the traditional meal to o er artisanal experiences that reflect the port city’s varied expressions. From artist residencies to couverture masterclasses and upmarket design stores, there’s much to explore and savour.
Magical Moments
Travel blogger and dancer, Nina Okhotina, is also the founder of the clothing brand, The Dress Stories. Her fl owy, one-tone dresses add a touch of magic to her Instagram pictures from her Indian trips. The Russia-born social-media star reminisces about her time in India and the people that made it special.