Hikkim is a small village situated high in the mountains of Spiti Valley and is one of the most unique places in the world. It is also associated with the world’s highest post office located at nearly 4,400 metres above sea level.
This is where travellers can send postcards to family and friends from the roof of the world. The village is surrounded by snow-white mountains and blue skies on both sides, and the peaceful silence makes it all the more magical.
The Hikkim Village is a place you should not miss out on while you are planning a trip to Spiti Valley. Stepping into this village will make you feel as though you are in a whole new world filled with peace and natural beauty.
All About Hikkim Village
Hikkim Village is a gorgeous stop in Spiti Valley. This is a place that unites people in a very special way. Life here is simple and peaceful. The mud houses, friendly locals and the beautiful views of the Himalaya make the village stand out. The world’s highest post office makes Hikkim a place that travellers cannot miss out on, especially for those who want to take memories written in ink and stamped at the top of the world back to their homes.
Location: 16 km from Kaza, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Hikkim Height: Around 4,400 metres above sea level
Famous for: World’s highest post office- Hikkim Post Office
Best Season: June to September for clear roads and pleasant weather
Best Time to Visit Hikkim Village
The best time to visit the village is from May to September. The roads to Spiti Valley are open during this season, and the weather is absolutely perfect for a trip. During these months, the Hikkim temperature stays between 10°C and 20°C during the day and drops lower at night. The winter (October to April) is quite harsh, and there is a lot of snow that closes the roads and isolates the village from the rest of the world. Thus, the best time to visit Spiti Valley, specifically Hikkim Village as a tourist, is summer and early autumn.
Ideal Months: May to September
Hikkim Weather in Day: 10°C - 20°C
Winter: Roads closed due to heavy snow
How to Reach Hikkim Village
It is an adventure to reach the village. The roads are quite narrow and winding, yet the ride is filled with beautiful views of the Himalayas. The village is close to Kaza. Kaza is the main town of Spiti Valley, which is well-connected by road. Hikkim is approximately 16 km away from Kaza and is thus accessible by taxi, bike or even a short trek. Hikkim is not served by any direct buses and therefore the majority of travellers stop at Kaza before visiting Hikkim.
Nearest Town: Kaza (16 km away)
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu (about 250 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Shimla (around 445 km away)
Road Trip: Accessible via Shimla-Kaza route or Manali-Kaza route (open only in summer)
Best Things to Do in Hikkim Village
Hikkim may be small, but it offers unforgettable experiences in the heart of Spiti. Be it sending a postcard from the world’s highest post office or exploring nature and culture, here are some of the best things to do in Spiti Valley at Hikkim Village, which makes the trip even more special.
1. Post a Letter at the World’s Highest Post Office
One of the best things to do in Hikkim Village is to send a letter from the highest post office in the world at 4,440 metres. Tourists can enjoy writing postcards to their friends and relatives with the special Hikkim stamp. It has been established by India Post and is just a small mud house, but it connects the world to the distant Himalayan village. It is a memory that one would love to treasure forever, since very few places on earth provide such a unique experience.
2. Explore Hikkim Monastery
There is an old monastery at Hikkim that showcases the richness of the Buddhist culture of the Spiti Valley. It is a serene, small place with fluttering colourful prayer flags and majestic mountain scenery everywhere. It provides an opportunity for visitors to get a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of the place. It has monks who keep the atmosphere serene and silent, which makes it an ideal place to meditate or simply soak in the silence of the Himalayas.
3. Walk Through Traditional Spitian Houses
The village is dotted with traditional mud houses that are built to withstand harsh winters. Walking through the narrow lanes of Hikkim lets you see how locals live in harmony with nature. Many families welcome travellers for tea or simple meals. They offer a warm taste of Spitian hospitality. These homes are also designed to stay warm even if the temperatures drop, and thus they are fascinating examples of sustainable mountain living.
4. Stargazing in Hikkim’s Clear Skies
Since the sky here is unpolluted and the place has very little artificial light, the sky here is one of the clearest skies in India. The village at night turns into a natural observatory where you get to explore the magic of thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even shooting stars if you’re lucky. Tourists have called stargazing at Hikkim a magical experience. The beautiful night sky above the Himalayas, stretching infinitely, leaves every single tourist awestruck.
5. Trekking Around the Village
Hikkim Village is encircled by high mountains and pretty trails and is therefore ideal for small excursions. Treks between Hikkim, Komic and Langza are also popular since the villages are located next to one another and provide stunning views of the Spiti landscape. These are not very difficult treks, but you would need good stamina since it is quite high up. You will be treated to views of prayer flags, chortens and wildlife such as the Himalayan yaks which can often be seen grazing on the slopes.
6. Interact with the Locals
One of the best things to do here is to interact with the locals. It is slow-paced, uncomplicated and close-knit with nature. Discussions with villagers enlighten visitors on the ways people manage to live in such a distant region where the winters stretch long with very few resources available. It is the friendliness of the community that makes every conversation memorable, and it leaves the visitors with admiration for their simplicity.
7. Try Local Spitian Food
A Hikkim village visit isn't complete without tasting the local cuisine. Classic Spitian items like thukpa (noodle soup), momos and butter tea can be found on the menus of homestays. These foods are warm, filling and perfect comfort dishes for the cold mountain weather. Locally produced items predominate on the menus, which gives visitors a true Spitian taste. Eating with the locals also provides a homely feel and is one of the most comforting aspects of the village.
Top Places to Visit in Hikkim Village
Hikkim is more than just a quiet mountain village; it holds treasures of culture, faith as well as nature. Be it ancient monasteries or scenic spots, every corner here tells a unique story. Here are the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, specifically in Hikkim Village.
1. Hikkim Post Office (World’s Highest Post Office)
The Hikkim Post Office is the highest post office in the world, located at nearly 4,400 metres above sea level. Mailing a postcard from here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you connect with your family members and loved ones. The small mud structure, shaped like a letter box, is located amidst the beautiful mountains.
Entry Fee: Free (postcard postage starts around ₹10 for domestic and ₹20 for international)
2. Komic Monastery (Komic Gompa)
A very short trek away from Hikkim is the Komic Village where the Komic Monastery, one of the highest monasteries of the world, is located. Its traditional mud-brick houses precious murals and religious paintings. It gives a peaceful glimpse into the religious lives of the high Himalayas.
3. Tangyud Monastery (Komic Monastery Complex)
Tangyud Monastery is situated above 4,500 metres, one of the highest Buddhist monasteries of India. It is constructed like a fort with red-and-white mud wall enclosures and offers a spectacular background of snowy peaks. The prayer halls house ancient murals and thangkas, and the clear skies make it even more photographer-friendly.
Location: Komic Village, 2 km from Hikkim
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Langza Village (The Fossil Village)
Langza, which is just a few kilometres' drive away from Hikkim, is famous for the gigantic statue of the Buddha that overlooks the valley. Fossils of sea creatures that existed millions of years ago, when the land of Langza was under the sea, cover the hill slopes nearby. The golden fields in autumn bring more charm to further enhance its beauty.
Location: 8-9 km from Hikkim
Timings: Accessible all day
Entry Fee: Free
6. Hikkim Monastery (Local Monastic Centre)
There is a small monastery in Hikkim which is often missed by the visitors. This modest gompa is situated amidst traditional houses as well as fields where monks recite daily afternoon prayers. It is very peaceful to visit in the quiet afternoon hours and give you a close look at local Buddhist practices.
Location: Within Hikkim Village
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Travel Tips for Hikkim Village
Carry enough warm clothes as nights get very cold
Keep cash with you because there are no ATMs nearby
Walk slowly since the air is thin at high altitude
Stay in local homestays for the best experience
Carry medicines for altitude sickness
Respect local traditions and people
Avoid littering and keep the village clean
Charge your phone and camera in advance
Do not expect a mobile network or internet here
Travel with a local guide for safety
Conclusion
Hikkim Village is one of the most beautiful destinations that makes you feel like you’re in a whole new world that is more peaceful. You can send postcards from the highest post office in the world, visit monasteries, fossil villages and enjoy scenic landscapes. Every single place here is special. It is a place to be remembered because of the fresh mountain air, welcoming locals and the simple village life. When you need to relax and experience the beauty and calmness of nature and culture, Hikkim is where you need to be. So wait no more and plan a trip to Spiti Valley to explore the beauty of the Village.
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