Hikkim is a beautiful remote settlement in the Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Located at about 14,500 sq ft above sea level, the area remains covered by snow at 14,400 feet. It is famous for being home to the world’s highest post office. The area is part of the Spiti Valley, characterised by its rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, offering tourists an incredible and unforgettable stay. All people will be able to have a good time in Hikkim, whether it is a post office located at the highest altitude, finding fossils, or watching nightlife.
About Hikkim Village
Image Credit: Sumita Roy Dutta for Wikimedia Commons
Hikkim Village is relatively isolated and experiences harsh weather conditions. The village is home to ancient monasteries with rich cultural and religious significance. The local population predominantly follows Buddhism and reflects traditional Tibetan heritage. During the winter, the weather here gets hostile, and the area gets cut off from the rest of the country. Hikkim is approximately 10 miles away from the town of Kaza. Hikkim’s high-altitude post office serves as a unique landmark and a great point of interest for travellers. You can send postcards from here as a souvenir. The village visits are during the day ,he travellers get to the village in the afternoon and reach Kaza by night. But if that is not how the travellers wish to travel, they are also free to spend a night in Hikkim before continuing to the next destination.
Must Read: Spiti Valley Trek
Places To Visit In Hikkim Village
Following are some of the best places to explore in Hikkim Village and nearby areas-
1. World’s Highest Post Office
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The post office in Hikkim Village, Spiti Valley, is the highest globally and serves four or five neighbouring communities, offering an essential means of communication. Since 1983, Rinchen Cheering, the postmaster, has been doing work to handle everyday problems. After travelling great miles on foot, mail gets delivered to its destination. The public works department first put up a signboard to draw tourists and later transformed the existing structure into a letterbox. Travellers may enjoy tea, send postcards, and talk with the postmaster about his role in reducing the gap between the villages and the outside world in today’s age of emails, SMS, and WhatsApp.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Must see: Traditional letterbox
Entry Fee: Free
2. Komic Monastery
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Komic monastery is situated two kilometres from Hikkim Village in Komic Village. It’s the top tourist destination in Hikkim Village, Spiti, among the tallest monasteries on earth. The Indo-Tibetan style of this Monastery, with its mud walls and white lines, is a masterpiece of architecture that captures the area’s rich culture. Buddhist gods are sculpted throughout the monastery, decorated with artwork and paintings that portray historical customs. Every year in July, the Monastery hosts a celebration where people wear their dresses in colourful animal masks and perform sword dances.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must see: Indo-Tibetan architectural style, beautiful paintings, sculptures of Buddhist gods, and the annual festival held in July.
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Spiti Valley In August
3. Kaza
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Kaza is a beautiful place with high mountains and peaceful surroundings. One must visit Kaza in Hikkim Village, a place full of historical forts, old monasteries, and trekking routes. Kaza is a considerable town that draws a lot of tourists. As a result, there are many luxurious hotels, guesthouses, and even affordable places to stay for visitors. Tourists can also experience the cuisine of Lahaul and Spiti Valley at some of Kaza’s most unique and authentic eateries. Sol Cafe and Cafe Zomsa are two of the cafes in Kaza that are worth seeing.
Timings: 12:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Must see: Beautiful views from Sedup’s residence or Hikkim Himalayan Cafe & Home.
Entry Fee: Free (charges apply for accommodation and meals)
Homestays In Hikkim
Image Credit: Sumita Roy Dutta for Wikimedia Commons
The only guesthouse/homestay in Hikkim that is officially certified as a tourist destination is Sedup’s residence. You can enjoy a cosy bed, a private bathroom, three meals, and an incredible view for a small fee. The meals will be relatively straightforward and uncomplicated yet sufficiently tasty. You can contact them immediately, plus it is near the post office itself. If Tsedup’s residence is unavailable, one can also try chatting with other locals. They are all outstanding individuals who would not hesitate to host a visitor for the evening. If it did not work, you could also spend the night talking to the monks in the monastery. Hikkim Himalayan Cafe & Home is another homestay located here.
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Kaza
Things To Consider Before Visiting the Village of Hikkim
- Hikkim is a community quite distant from modern facilities and is situated in one of the country’s most remote regions.
- A cell network does not provide a connection with the outside world. Here, only BSNL connections are active. So, it could be difficult to speak to you when you are here, and you should tell your family members before coming here.
- Please be informed that the environment of Hikkim Village and nearby areas is natural and clean. Please do not try to disturb the serene nature of this place.
- It has become more frequent in recent times, and the high number of vehicles in the area may affect the environment.
- Make sure you have enough cash on you for a smooth journey.
Further Read: Direct Train From Delhi To Leh
Travellers can explore the beautiful Himalayan village of Hikkim, a must-see destination. Travellers worldwide are attracted to its popularity since it has the highest post office in the world. If you receive postcards, this place will always remain in your memories. Enjoy amazing views of calm rivers, colourful fields, and mountains. Enjoy the food and mix with friendly locals on beautiful walks. Pack your things and embark on an adventure trip to Himachal Pradesh, a place of peace, discovery, and unmatched post office excitement.
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Cover Image Credit: Sumita Roy Dutta for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Hikkim
Why is Hikkim Village so famous and widely recognized?
Hikkim is famous for its cultural heritage, high-altitude environment, natural beauty and ancient monasteries. It beckons adventure lovers for trekking and It also houses the highest post office in the world. People come to Hikkim Village to send letters to friends and family from this famous location.
When is the ideal time to visit the village of Hikkim?
The summer months are ideal for visiting Hikkim Village. Due to massive snowfall that blocks the entire road leading to the village, Hikkim Village in Spiti Valley gets completely blocked off from the outside world throughout the winter. Therefore, the most favourable time to visit the village is summer because of favourable weather conditions in this season for trekking and visiting Hikkim village and other places.
How can one access Hikkim Village from the nearest town or city?
Kaza is the town that is nearest to Hikkim Village. The shortest one is to travel 15.5 kilometres to Hikkim Village from Kaza. Using any of the multiple taxi services available in Kaza, one can reach Hikkim Village in a single day.
What are the main places of interest or attractions in Hikkim Village?
The world's highest post office and a trekking track that leads to Komic Village and Langza are the primary attractions of Hikkim Village.
Along with these options, tourists can explore fossils in Langza village, visit the Komic Monastery and enjoy Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in the hope of seeing snow leopards occasionally.
What are the other trekking or nature-based trails located near Hikkim Village?
Among all the treks in India, the most popular one is Kaza to Komic Village Trek, which ensures real training for the legs on one of the most popular treks in all of India. The trekking trail starts from Kaza and covers Komic, Langza, and Hikkim villages. The hike takes about two or three days. However, one can take stopovers in the surrounding villages for the night.
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