The World’s Highest Post Office: A Journey to Hikkim Village in Spiti Valley 

There is a small remote village standing at an altitude of 14,567 feet in Lahaul & Spiti District, where the world’s highest post office is situated. This used to be the only thing connecting this village and villages like Langza and Komic to the rest of the world. The village has a population of 150 and 200 people, and one man acting as a bridge of connectivity between.  

In this blog, we will take you on a journey to Hikkim village in Spiti and the story that begins with a stamp on a letter. 

Meet the Man Who’s Been Stamping Letters Since He Was 22 

We are talking about Mr Rinchen Chhering, who was only 22 years old when he was chosen to be the Postmaster of the World’s Highest Post Office from the day it was made. He got this job because of 3 major reasons: 1st one being that he had the highest qualification among the three candidates; 2nd he owned a bicycle; and 3rd that, he was a fast runner. For the past 42 years (since 5th Nov, 1983), he has been the sole medium for the letters, postcards, money orders, and managing the savings accounts of the three remote villages (Langza, Hikkim & Komic) to the rest of the world. 

What the World’s Highest Post Office is Like 

As you walk towards the post office, you will be greeted by a big letter box made to attract more tourists. Before this place gained hype for being the world’s highest post office, it used to be a simple mud house with a letter box hanging, which showcased its adaptability to the surroundings. The mud house is still the office-come-home of Mr Rinchen Chhering, and if you are lucky enough, you will be able to meet him and get to know about his life here. 

You can click a picture with the huge post box and send yourself or your friends colorful postcards. 

How Your Postcard Gets Home 

When you go to Hikkim, it is obvious that you will also send yourself a postcard, but have you wondered how it gets to you? When you post your letter or postcard, it first gets stamped by Mr Rinchen Chhering, and then a taxi affiliated with the taxi union of Kaza takes it to Kaza. From there, it starts its journey to your home. This may take longer, but it will be worth it when you receive this beautifully stamped souvenir right at your doorstep. 

In the older times, the postmaster himself used to trek or cycle his way to Kaza or hand it over to the runners and trekkers to take it safely.  

How Do You Get There? 

After you reach Kaza, Spiti Valley, you can book a round-trip taxi to Hikkim, which is considered a convenient way to travel, but if you have your own car or bike, you can drive there. It is always suggested to have an overnight stay in Kaza to acclimatize to the altitude because Hikkim is way higher. 

Make a Day of It 

If you are already travelling to Hikkim from Kaza, it makes sense to turn the visit into a short village circuit instead of coming back the same way. Langza, Hikkim and Komic sit close to one another on the same high-altitude plateau, and many travellers cover them as a half-day or full-day loop from Kaza. 

Langza 

Known for its giant Buddha statue, sweeping views of the Spiti landscape, and fossil-rich slopes that remind visitors this cold desert was once under the Tethys Sea. It is practical to add because it lies on the same circuit and gives the trip a completely different flavour from Hikkim. 

Komic 

Often introduced as one of the highest villages connected by a motorable road, Komic is special for its remote setting, Tangyud Monastery, and slow-paced mountain life. Adding it is practical because it is only a short drive from Hikkim and helps complete the high-village experience without needing a separate day. 

Langza–Hikkim–Komic together 

These villages work best as a combined day trip because they are close to each other and can be covered in one loop from Kaza. Start after spending a night in Kaza for acclimatization, keep the day unhurried, and carry water, snacks, cash, and warm layers because facilities are limited once you leave town. 

This Post Office in the Middle of Nowhere Gets Stuck with You 

Whoever visits this post office once tends to get stamped into their mind and leave a permanent imprint on their memories. Being the world’s highest post office, this place is on the bucket lists of many explorers, so we would suggest you come explore it before it becomes something everybody has visited.  

For a stay that is as good as the destination itself, you must book your stay with amazing properties of Eco Hospitality. We offer world class amenities, food, and overall hospitality so that every aspect of your journey remains smooth.