Have you ever thought about what it is like at the highest village in the world? Komic Village is a village located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, and it sits at an approximate height of about 15,000 feet above sea level. Being enclosed by the rough mountains and the prayer flags fluttering in the cold wind, it feels like a place straight out of a dream.
The village boasts of the old monastery, traditional mud houses and spectacular views of the Himalayas, all of which can be enjoyed with the best Spiti Valley Tour Packages. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes the village a must-visit stop when you are planning a visit to Spiti.
Weather in Komic Village
Komic Village is located at an elevation of approximately 4,520 metres above sea level and has one of the coldest climates in India. The daytime temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C during the summer months, i.e, May to September and make the weather perfect for exploring. The nights can be chilly with an average temperature of about 5°C. Winter, from October to April, is extremely cold with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Besides, heavy snowfall often blocks road access. Tourists planning a visit here must be ready to face the cold winds and Komic weather variations.
Komic Temperature Range: Summer 10°C to 20°C; Winter -20°C and below
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Snowfall: Heavy from November to March
Komic Village Height: Around 4,520 metres (14,830 feet)
Best Time to Visit Komic Village
The best time to visit Komic Village is between May and September when the roads remain open. The weather is very pleasant during this time for sightseeing. During these months, daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. This makes it quite comfortable to explore the village as well as the monasteries nearby. Winters, from October to April, bring heavy snowfall, and there are chances of road blockage, which in turn makes travel extremely difficult.
How to Reach Komic Village
One can reach the village in the Spiti Valley by road from Kaza. Kaza to Komic distance is about 19 km. The route passes through Langza and Hikkim villages and offers gorgeous mountain views. The nearest major town is Kaza, and it is connected to Manali (around 200 km) as well as Shimla (about 420 km) by road. Due to high altitude and rough terrain, a sturdy vehicle like an SUV is recommended for the best Spiti Valley road trip. Public buses are quite limited. Shared taxis are available from Kaza during the summer months.
By Road: 19 km from Kaza via Langza and Hikkim; shared taxis available
By Air: Nearest airport - Bhuntar (250 km from Kaza)
By Train: Nearest railway station - Joginder Nagar (360 km from Kaza)
Top 7 Places to Visit Near Komic Village
Komic may be a small Himalayan village, but it’s surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, along hidden trails. Each spot reflects the untouched beauty and cultural depth of the places to visit in Spiti Valley. Here are seven must-visit places to visit in the village.
1. Tangyud Monastery
One of India's highest monasteries, Tangyud, towers majestically over the village. Its red-and-white fort-like structure provides a bird's-eye view of the valley below. The ancient Buddhist scriptures, murals and fluttering prayer flags are accommodated inside the monastery. Here, monks live a quiet life, and tourists happily participate in brief meditational sessions with them. The silence and spiritual atmosphere around this monastery make it one of the top 10 monasteries in Lahaul Spiti.
Location: Komic Village, Spiti Valley
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2. Hikkim Village (World’s Highest Post Office)
Only 4 kilometers away from Komic, the Hikkim Village proudly holds the distinction of having the world's highest post office. Tourists are often seen sending postcards from here to mark their expedition to this offbeat Himalayan delight. The trek to Hikkim offers breathtaking views of both rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks. This is a simple yet unforgettable experience, which creates an affinity for the beauty of life at high altitudes.
Location: Hikkim, 4 km from Komic
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Langza Village (Fossil Village)
Langza, about 10 km from Komic, is known for its fossils and a huge Buddha statue perched on a hill overlooking the valley. It's paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. You find marine fossils here, which is a reminder of how, a few million years ago, this area used to be under the Tethys Sea. The landscapes are surreal, green meadows during summer and snow during winter.
Location: Langza, 10 km from Komic
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
4. Komic Monastery Ruins
Close to the main village lies the site of an old monastery that once served as a meditation retreat for monks. The monastery is partially in ruins but has a mystical charm that lets the tourists experience stunning views of the Spiti Valley. It’s ideal for quiet reflection, photography, along with learning about the ancient Buddhist traditions that once thrived here.
Location: Near Komic
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Free
5. Demul Village
Just a short drive away from Komic, Demul provides a glimpse into Spitian traditional life. The village runs an eco-homestay programme whereby each family hosts guests on a rotational basis. You can dine on local food, socialise with villagers and trek to local viewpoints. The hospitality and green initiatives make it one of the warmest places to visit near Komic.
Location: 18 km from Komic
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
6. Chema Monastery Trail
The off-beat trek leading between Komic and Chema traverses high grazing lands and boulder-strewn ridges. The short trek provides beautiful views of the mountain and a possible sighting of the Himalayan blue sheep. The simple monastery at Chema provides a serene atmosphere, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags. It is an ideal stop for trekkers who prefer quiet places.
Location: The trail starts from Komic
Timings: Daytime recommended
Entry Fee: Free
7. Kaza Town
Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti, is about 19 kilometres away from Komic. As a gateway to Spiti Valley, it offers a host of cafes, shops and monasteries, including Sakya Tangyud. Tourists often head back here to explore the places to visit in Kaza after a day of sightseeing at other villages to enjoy comfort and connectivity. It is a perfect place to end your journey and buy souvenirs before heading home.
Location: 19 km from Komic
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do in Komic Village
Komic may be small in size, but it’s filled with a lot of interesting things to do in Spiti Valley that linger even after your trip ends. Here are some of the best things to do in Komic for an unforgettable Himalayan escape if you are wondering about how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley.
1. Attend Morning Prayers at Tangyud Monastery
Begin your day by witnessing early morning chanting with the monks at Tangyud Monastery. The soothing chanting, swinging of butter lamps and aroma of incense create an extremely soothing atmosphere. It's a calm moment to experience Komic's spiritual side and witness Buddhist rituals intact for thousands of years.
2. Explore the Fossil Trails near Langza
Only a few minutes' drive away, Langza's fossil fields bid you welcome to walk into prehistory. One finds ancient sea fossils set into rocks, a reminder of when this landscape was beneath the sea. It's a compelling combination of geology and history, which makes for an informative yet exhilarating walk for nature lovers.
3. Dine At Spiti Organic Kitchen
One of the coolest things to do in Komic is to dine at the world’s highest restaurant, Komic, Spiti Organic Kitchen. The restaurant is located at an altitude of nearly 15,000 feet. This cosy café offers pretty views of the Himalayas. Here you can enjoy delicious local dishes like thukpa, momos and butter tea. The food is made from locally sourced organic produce. Eating here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4. Send a Postcard from Hikkim
A visit to the famous post office of Hikkim is a must. Mail a postcard to your loved ones, stamped with one of the highest post offices on Earth. The climb to this spot is scenic, marked by large valleys, colourful prayer flags and scenes of everyday life amidst the hills, which makes the simple act of sending truly unforgettable.
5. Stay at a Traditional Spitian Homestay
Experience an overnight stay in a mud-brick homestay and immerse yourself in the welcoming nature of Spitian hospitality. You will savour traditional homemade cuisine, butter tea and engaging local narratives conveyed by your hosts. Additionally, these environmentally conscious accommodations provide insight into the self-sustaining lifestyle of the villagers residing in one of the highest settlements globally.
6. Capture the Sunrise amidst Spiti Valley
Early risers are treated to a breathtaking sunrise by Komic's mountain ridges. As the first light falls on treeless cliffs and faraway summits, the landscape becomes hues of pink and gold. It's a great moment for photographers and for those who wish to bask in raw Himalayan beauty.
Conclusion
Komic Village is a beautiful Himalayan gem that is a perfect mix of nature, culture and adventure. Some of the oldest monasteries and fossil paths, starlit skies and warm homestays, present here gives us a glimpse into the life and landscape of the most elevated settlements of the world. Travellers who visit Komic Village are bound to have memorable experiences of peaceful mornings, spectacular views and rich cultural experiences. Be it spiritual peace, outdoor adventure, or the charisma of a simple village that you are looking for, Komic is the place to have an experience that will last forever.
