The Nako temple complex with its earliest structures dating back to the 11th century is an extraordinary testimony of early Tibetan Buddhism not anymore preserved in today?s Tibet. Endangered by the rough environment, improper treatment and frequent earthquakes, the outstanding monuments were re-discovered by scholars from Austrian universities in the 1980s. The transdisciplinary research project carried out over more than 20 years led to in-depth studies, preservation and model-like conservation of the temples and their artworks.