Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a village that is perched at an altitude of 14,400 feet, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and home to the world’s highest post office? If yes, then you should definitely add Hikkim to your bucket list. Hikkim is a small village in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its visitors.
Whether you want to send a postcard from the highest post office, explore the ancient fossils, witness the local culture, or gaze at the starry night sky, Hikkim has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Hikkim, including how to reach there, when to visit, what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and some tips for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Hikkim Facts and Figures
Before we dive into the details of Hikkim, let us first look at some interesting facts and figures about this village:
Hikkim is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India, in the Himalayan region.
Hikkim is situated at an elevation of 14,400 feet (4,400 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest inhabited villages in the world.
Hikkim has a population of around 150 people, who belong to the Tibetan Buddhist community and follow the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism.
Hikkim is famous for its post office, which is the highest in the world. The post office was established in 1983 and is run by a single postmaster, Rinchen Chhering, who has been serving there since its inception.
Hikkim is also known for its fossils, which are believed to be millions of years old and date back to the time when the Himalayas were under the sea. The fossils are mostly of marine animals, such as ammonites, corals, and trilobites.
Hikkim is part of the Spiti valley, which is also called the “Middle Land” or the “Land of Lamas”. The Spiti valley is a cold desert that lies between Tibet and India, and is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity.
How to Reach Hikkim
Hikkim is not easily accessible, as it is located in a remote and rugged terrain. However, this also adds to its charm and adventure. There are two ways to reach Hikkim: by road or by trekking.
By Road
The nearest major town to Hikkim is Kaza, which is the headquarters of the Spiti valley and is about 15 km away from Hikkim. Kaza is well connected by road to other parts of Himachal Pradesh, such as Manali, Shimla, and Reckong Peo. However, the road conditions are not very good, especially in the winter, when the roads are often blocked by snow and landslides. Therefore, it is advisable to check the road status before planning your trip.
From Kaza, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach Hikkim, which will take about an hour. The road to Hikkim is scenic and passes through some other villages, such as Langza, Komic, and Demul. You can also stop at these villages and explore their attractions, such as the Buddha statue, the highest motorable village, and the highest polling station.
By Trekking
If you are feeling adventurous and want to experience the thrill of trekking in the Himalayas, you can also reach Hikkim by trekking from Kaza. The trek is moderate to difficult and takes about 4 to 5 hours. The trek route is also scenic and passes through some other villages, such as Langza, Komic, and Demul. You can also stop at these villages and explore their attractions, such as the Buddha statue, the highest motorable village, and the highest polling station.
The trek to Hikkim is best done in the summer or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. However, you should also be prepared for the high altitude and low oxygen levels, and carry enough water, snacks, and warm clothes. You should also hire a local guide or join a group, as the trek route is not well marked and can be confusing.
Best Time to Visit Hikkim
Hikkim experiences a harsh and cold climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to 15°C. The best time to visit Hikkim is from May to October, when the weather is relatively warmer and the roads are open. This is also the peak season for tourism, as many people flock to Hikkim to see the post office, the fossils, and the culture.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds and witness the snow-covered beauty of Hikkim, you can also visit in the winter, from November to April. This is the off-season for tourism, as the weather is extremely cold and the roads are often closed. However, this also means that you can enjoy the solitude and tranquility of Hikkim, and experience the local lifestyle in a more authentic way.
Things to Do in Hikkim
Hikkim may be a small village, but it has a lot to offer to its visitors. Here are some of the things that you can do in Hikkim:
Visit the World’s Highest Post Office
The main attraction of Hikkim is its post office, which is the highest in the world. The post office is a small and simple building, with a signboard that reads “Hikkim 4440 m. World’s Highest Post Office”. The post office is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. The post office offers basic postal services, such as sending and receiving letters and postcards. You can also buy stamps and souvenirs from the post office, which are unique and rare.
The best thing to do at the post office is to send a postcard to yourself or your loved ones, from the highest post office in the world. This will be a memorable and special gesture, as the postcard will take about a month to reach its destination, and will have a stamp that says “Hikkim 4440 m. World’s Highest Post Office”. You can also write a message on the postcard, sharing your experience and feelings of visiting Hikkim.
Explore the Fossils
Another attraction of Hikkim is its fossils, which are millions of years old and date back to the time when the Himalayas were under the sea. The fossils are mostly of marine animals, such as ammonites, corals, and trilobites. You can find the fossils scattered around the village, especially near the fields and the streams. You can also ask the locals to guide you to the best spots to find the fossils.
The fossils are a testimony to the geological history and evolution of the Himalayas, and are a fascinating sight to behold. You can also learn more about the fossils from the locals, who have their own stories and legends about them. However, you should also respect the fossils and not damage or take them away, as they are a part of the natural and cultural heritage of Hikkim.
Walk Around the Village
One of the best ways to experience the charm and beauty of Hikkim is to walk around the village and explore its surroundings. Hikkim is a small and peaceful village, with mud houses, prayer flags, and solar panels. You can see the daily life and activities of the villagers, such as farming, herding, and praying. You can also interact with the villagers and learn more about their culture, religion, and history. The villagers are friendly and hospitable, and will welcome you with a smile and a cup of tea.
As you walk around the village, you will also witness the stunning views of the Spiti valley and the Himalayan peaks. You can see the snow-capped mountains, the green fields, and the blue sky, creating a contrast and harmony of colors. You can also see the wildlife and flora of the region, such as yaks, sheep, horses, marmots, eagles, junipers, and wildflowers.
Night Sky Gazing
One of the most amazing and magical things to do in Hikkim is to gaze at the night sky and marvel at the stars. Hikkim is located in a high altitude and has no light pollution, which makes it an ideal place for stargazing. You can see the Milky Way, the constellations, the planets, and the shooting stars, with a clarity and brightness that is rare and mesmerizing. You can also see the moon and its phases, and sometimes even the lunar eclipse.
The night sky in Hikkim is a spectacle that will leave you speechless and awestruck. You can also capture the night sky with a camera or a telescope, and create some memorable and beautiful pictures. However, you should also be careful and prepared for the cold and dark night, and carry a warm jacket, a sleeping bag, a torch, and a power bank.
Stay at a Homestay
One of the best ways to enjoy the hospitality and warmth of Hikkim is to stay at a homestay. A homestay is a type of accommodation where you stay with a local family in their house, and share their food, space, and stories. A homestay is a great way to experience the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine of Hikkim.
What to Eat in Hikkim
Hikkim may not have many options for food, but it has some delicious and nutritious dishes that you can try. The food in Hikkim is mostly local and organic, as the villagers grow their own crops and rear their own animals. The food is also influenced by the Tibetan and Buddhist culture, as well as the cold and dry climate of the region. Here are some of the food items that you can eat in Hikkim:
Thukpa: Thukpa is a hearty and warming soup, made with noodles, vegetables, and meat. Thukpa is a staple dish in the Himalayan region, and is perfect for the cold weather. You can find thukpa in most of the homestays and hotels in Hikkim, and enjoy it with some spicy chutney and bread.
Momos: Momos are steamed dumplings, filled with minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. Momos are another popular dish in the Himalayan region, and are served with hot and tangy sauce. You can find momos in some of the homestays and hotels in Hikkim, and relish them as a snack or a meal.
Chhang: Chhang is a local alcoholic beverage, made from fermented barley, rice, or millet. Chhang is a traditional drink in the Himalayan region, and is consumed to keep warm and celebrate. You can find chhang in some of the homestays and hotels in Hikkim, and sip it in a wooden cup with a metal straw. However, you should also be careful and drink moderately, as chhang can be quite strong and intoxicating.
Packaged Food: If you are not fond of the local cuisine or want to have some variety, you can also bring some packaged food with you, such as noodles, biscuits, chocolates, and chips. You can find some packaged food in the shops in Kaza, but not in Hikkim, as there are no shops there. You can also ask the homestays and hotels to cook some packaged food for you, if they have the facilities and ingredients.
Tips for a Trip to Hikkim
Hikkim is a wonderful and enchanting place to visit, but it also requires some preparation and planning. Here are some tips that will help you make your trip to Hikkim more comfortable and enjoyable:
1. Carry enough cash and essentials, as there are no ATMs or shops in Hikkim. You will need cash to pay for the transportation, accommodation, food, and souvenirs. You will also need essentials, such as toiletries, medicines, sunscreen, sunglasses, and batteries, as you may not find them in Hikkim.
2. Acclimatize well and drink plenty of water, as Hikkim is at a high altitude and has low oxygen levels. You may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, if you are not well acclimatized. You should also drink plenty of water, as dehydration can worsen the symptoms. You should also avoid alcohol, tobacco, and heavy meals, as they can affect your breathing and digestion.
3. Respect the local culture and customs, and do not litter or disturb the environment. Hikkim is a sacred and serene place, where the villagers follow the Tibetan Buddhist culture and customs. You should respect their beliefs and practices, and not offend or hurt them. You should also not litter or disturb the environment, as Hikkim is a part of the natural and cultural heritage of the Spiti valley. You should also not take or damage the fossils, as they are a part of the geological history and evolution of the Himalayas.
4. Carry a warm jacket and a sleeping bag, as Hikkim can get very cold at night. Even in the summer, the temperature can drop below zero at night, and you may feel chilly and uncomfortable. You should carry a warm jacket and a sleeping bag, and wear layers of clothes, to keep yourself warm and cozy. You should also check the weather forecast before planning your trip, and avoid going in the winter, when the roads are often closed and the weather is harsh.
5. Carry a first-aid kit and some medicines, as there are no medical facilities in Hikkim. You may face some health issues, such as altitude sickness, cold, cough, or stomach upset, during your trip to Hikkim. You should carry a first-aid kit and some medicines, such as painkillers, anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, and anti-allergy, to treat yourself in case of any emergency. You should also inform your homestay or hotel about your health condition, and seek their help if needed.
6. Carry a power bank and a torch, as Hikkim has limited electricity and internet connectivity. Hikkim relies on solar power for electricity, which may not be available at all times, especially at night or during cloudy days. You should carry a power bank and a torch, to charge your devices and light your way, in case of a power outage. You should also not expect much internet connectivity in Hikkim, as the network is weak and erratic. You should use this as an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and connect with the natural world.
7. Carry a camera and a notebook, as Hikkim has many scenic and memorable sights to capture and record. Hikkim is a place that will fill your eyes with wonder and your heart with joy. You should carry a camera and a notebook, to capture and record the beauty and the memories of Hikkim. You can take pictures of the post office, the fossils, the village, the mountains, and the sky, and write down your feelings and thoughts about them. You can also share your pictures and stories with your friends and family, and inspire them to visit Hikkim.
Hikkim is a place that will make you fall in love with it, with its charm, beauty, and simplicity. Hikkim is a place that will make you feel alive, with its adventure, culture, and nature. Hikkim is a place that will make you feel grateful, with its hospitality, warmth, and generosity.
Hikkim is a place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime, and experience the magic of the world’s highest post office.
