Hikkim

Hikkim is a village in Spiti at about 4,400 m, around 15 km from Kaza. It is among the highest year-round inhabited places in India. Its small post office has worked since 1983 and is billed as the highest in the world. Visitors post cards to friends and family from here. The land around is stark high desert with barley fields, whitewashed stone houses and a mostly Buddhist community. Most people visit Hikkim with Langza and Komic on a loop from Kaza. Key Monastery and Kibber come on the same day or the next. The altitude is the main danger. Spend a night or two in Kaza first, drink plenty of water and do not rush. The road is usually open from late spring to early winter. Snow can close it for days in winter. There is little here except homestays and tea, so bring cash and snacks.