Hikkim Village is one of the most prestigious destinations in India, situated amidst the cold desert of Spiti Valley. This village is also home to India’s Last Post Office, which is the Hikkim Post Office. It is situated at an altitude of 4,440 meters, which makes it the highest post office in the world. Hikkim Post Office is where people come to send their postcards through a seal-only stamp that carries messages from the Himalayas to far-off places.
The post office, which is situated amid stunning mountains, prayer flags, and a quiet atmosphere, gives visitors the rare chance of experiencing adventure, culture, and escapism. Therefore, if you are considering taking a trip to this stunning village, this comprehensive guide is for you. Let’s explore this place in detail, along with the best time to visit, nearby places to explore, travel tips, and more.
Table of Contents
About Hikkim Village
Hikkim Village is a little peaceful establishment situated in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is near other high-altitude villages such as Komic and Langza and consists of a few families who still live the traditional Spitian life. The village is famous for its mud houses, which are built to withstand extremely cold winters, with temperatures going below zero. People here live on agriculture, dairy, and their Buddhist faith. Hikkim, surrounded by mountains and a generous sky, grants a rare opportunity to witness a slow and sustainable way of living. However, this is one of the best places to visit when looking to explore Himalayan beauty.
Best Time to Visit Hikkim Village
The best time to visit Hikkim Village is from May to September, when the roads to Spiti Valley are open, and the weather is relatively mild. The snow during these months melts and reveals captivating landscapes, and also allows people to travel more safely. The temperatures during the day are pleasant, but at night it can still be cold. This time is good for visiting, hiking, taking pictures, and posting letters at India’s Last Post Office, which is the Hikkim Post Office. The winters, ranging from October to April, are very severe as heavy snowfall blocks the roads and makes it hard for even the most experienced travelers to reach their destination.
How to Reach Hikkim Village
Getting to Hikkim Village is a daring adventure that involves traveling through high mountain passes and isolated areas, along with breathtaking views everywhere. Here is how you can reach Hikkim Village:
- By Road: By road, Hikkim can be reached through the highways that pass through the Shimla-Kinnaur path or the Manali-Kaza route. The distance from Kaza to the village is about 18 km. The routes are not so smooth but very beautiful, and the easiest way is to get a local taxi.
- By Bus: There are public bus services from Shimla to Kaza, which only operate in summer. From Kaza, you can take a shared taxi or hire a local cab to reach Hikkim. Bus rides are long, but they are the cheapest and most picturesque.
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport, located close to Kullu, is the nearest airport to the Hikkim Village. It is about 250 km away. After reaching Bhuntar, you’ll have to travel by road to either Manali or Shimla to get to Kaza and then Hikkim Village.
Places to Visit Near Hikkim Village
There are a number of remarkable and high-altitude places around Hikkim. To make your trip even more enchanting and adventurous, you can consider visiting these nearby places.
1. Komic Village
Being one of the highest villages on Earth, Komic is not only known for its old monastery but also for the magnificent scenery. It offers a great cultural experience and is a very quiet place waiting for you. Komic village is just a short drive from Hikkim.
2. Langza Village
Langza is popular for its giant Buddha statue and fossil-rich terrain. Visitors would mostly come here to see the marine fossils of ancient times, which makes it a preferable place for photographers and even geology lovers.
3. Kaza
Kaza is the largest settlement in Spiti Valley, where travelers usually set up base. It has a wide range of accommodations, cafes, fuel stations, and monasteries. Thus, it also serves as a significant cultural hub.
4. Key Monastery
Spiti’s most recognized monastery, Key Monastery, is located at the top of a mountain and offers a great view of the valley below. Its historic murals, the community of monks, and its breathtaking location are all reasons for the monastery’s popularity.
5. Dhankar Monastery
An ancient and picturesque doorway of faith, Dhankar Monastery stands on a cliff and gives panoramic views of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. It is very significant from a historical point of view and also provides heavenly peace during the visit to the place.
Best Things to Do in Hikkim Village
Hikkim Village offers simple yet extremely pleasant experiences. Here is a complete overview of some of the activities to undertake when in Hikkim Village:
- Post a Letter at the World’s Highest Post Office: Sending a postcard from India’s Last Post Office is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The special stamp and extreme altitude make it a meaningful activity and form a personal connection with this remote Himalayan village.
- Explore Hikkim Monastery: The little Hikkim Monastery is a mirror of Spiti’s Buddhist tradition. The entire environment with prayer flags, chanting monks, and mountain views creates a perfect atmosphere for reflection and an understanding of the local spiritual life.
- Walk Through Traditional Spitian Houses: The village lanes invite you to see the pretty mud houses that are built for extreme climates. Meeting the locals will give you the opportunity to learn about their way of life, hospitality, and sustainable mountain living.
- Stargazing in Hikkim’s Clear Skies: Hikkim’s skies are best for stargazing because they are free of pollution. The Milky Way, innumerable stars, and stunning shooting stars create a breathtaking and unforgettable nighttime experience.
- Trekking Around the Village: There are worthwhile short walks that connect Hikkim with neighboring villages like Komic and Langza. These paths provide breathtaking sights, prayer flags, opportunities to see wildlife, and a genuine sense of the untamed beauty of Spiti.
Essential Travel Tips For Hikkim Village
Because of its remote location and high altitude, traveling to Hikkim requires preparation. Here are some of the essential tips to consider when visiting Hikkim Village:
- Make sure you are properly acclimated in Kaza before traveling to Hikkim.
- Bring warm clothes, even in the summer.
- Keep cash on hand because there aren’t many ATMs
- Drink lots of water to prevent altitude sickness.
- Hire local drivers who are familiar with mountain roads.
- Respect local customs and monasteries.
Conclusion
Hikkim Village is one of the best places to visit when looking to explore the Himalayan beauty. It provides visitors with a unique chance to connect with one of India’s most remote regions and is home to India’s Last Post Office. Every moment spent here feels unique, whether it’s sending postcards, touring monasteries, or stargazing under pristine skies. Visitors are left with a lasting impression by the village’s stunning scenery and friendly residents. Therefore, Hikkim Village is a place that will stick with you long after you leave the Himalayas.
Also Read – Best Time To Visit Kinnaur: Chitkul, Kalpa, Sangla Travel Guide
