High up in the mountains of Spiti Valley, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and peaceful landscapes, lies Hikkim Village—home to the world’s highest post office at an altitude of 4,400 meters. This tiny, remote hamlet is more than just a record holder—it’s a soul-soothing place where time slows down, and nature takes center stage.
No trip to Spiti is complete without stopping at Hikkim, one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Spiti Valley.
What Makes Hikkim So Special?
Hikkim is known for:
- The highest post office in the world (run by Rinchen Chhering since 1983)
- Its untouched mountain scenery
- Peaceful Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Proximity to other popular villages like Langza and Komic
It’s the kind of place where writing and sending a postcard feels like a magical ritual.
Send a Postcard from the Roof of the World
The post office in Hikkim is a tiny mud house nestled among a few scattered homes. Here, you can:
- Buy postcards from locals
- Send a letter anywhere in the world with a special Hikkim stamp
- Interact with the friendly postmaster and hear stories about life at 4,400 meters
For another “bucket list” spiritual stop, be sure to visit Key Monastery—just a short drive away.
Best Time to Visit Hikkim
- Summer (May–September): The roads from Kaza to Hikkim are open and relatively safe.
- Winter (October–March): The village often becomes inaccessible due to snow.
Pro Tip: Visit during early June or late September for clear skies and fewer crowds.
Planning your journey across seasons? Check out the Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley guide.
Things to Do in Hikkim
1. Send a Letter
Drop a handwritten postcard to friends or yourself. It might take weeks to reach—but the memory lasts forever.
2. Stargazing
Due to zero light pollution, Hikkim’s night skies are some of the clearest in India. You’ll see the Milky Way on a moonless night.
3. Village Walks & Photography
Walk through ancient paths lined with prayer flags and mud houses. Capture the raw beauty of life above the clouds.
For similar scenic tranquility, visit Langza Village—just 8 km away and known for its iconic Buddha statue and fossils.
Culture and Way of Life
Hikkim residents live off agriculture and small-scale tourism. They follow Tibetan Buddhism, and the community is deeply spiritual. You’ll often find:
- Prayer stones and mani walls
- Daily rituals at the local gompa
- Simple, delicious Spitian food like thukpa and tsampa
The warm hospitality here is similar to what you’ll find in Kibber Village, another unmissable high-altitude destination.
How to Reach Hikkim
- From Kaza: 16 km by road (via Langza and Komic)
- Best reached by private taxi or shared jeep in the summer months
- Roads are narrow and steep, so drive carefully and avoid night travel
En route, consider a stop at Chandratal Lake to soak in the magic of Spiti’s high-altitude lakes.
Travel Tips for Hikkim
- Network is unavailable – enjoy a true digital detox
- Carry enough cash – no ATMs, no UPI
- Dress in layers – mornings and nights are cold even in summer
- Altitude sickness can hit—take it slow and stay hydrated
Conclusion
Hikkim Village may be small in size, but it offers one of the most unique and heartfelt experiences in all of Spiti. Sending a postcard from the top of the world, soaking in views of the majestic Himalayas, and living simply—even for a day—will leave you forever changed.
Want to plan your entire itinerary? Start with our Top 10 Places to Visit in Spiti Valley and explore nearby gems like Langza, Kibber, and Key Monastery.
