Hikkim, Komic, Langza: Explore Amazing Highest Life

Introduction

What does life look like above 14,000 feet? In Spiti Valley, three iconic villages — Hikkim, Komic, and Langza — answer that question with silence, soul, and snow-capped peaks. Known for being some of the highest inhabited villages in the world, they offer a rare glimpse into life beyond the clouds.

From the world’s highest post office to 1000-year-old fossils and a giant Buddha guarding the valley, this is Spiti at its most magical.

Location Overview

Village	Altitude	Claim to Fame
Hikkim	14,567 ft	World’s highest post office
Komic	15,027 ft	World’s highest motorable village
Langza	14,500 ft	Fossil village, giant Buddha statue

All 3 are within 15–20 km radius of Kaza, Spiti Valley’s hub
Easily covered in a day trip by car, taxi, or rented bike

Suggested Route Loop

Kaza → Langza → Hikkim → Komic → Kaza

Total Distance: ~35 km
Duration: 5–6 hours (including exploration & breaks)
Road Conditions: Mostly motorable, but steep and narrow — 4×4 preferred

✅ Acclimatization tip: Spend 1–2 days in Kaza before attempting this loop to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

Langza – The Fossil Village

📌 Highlights:

Giant Buddha Statue facing the valley
Fossils of marine life found in the area — 100+ million years old!
Langza village homes built with stone and mud, showcasing traditional Spitian architecture
Visit the Langza Monastery — serene and surrounded by barley fields

Fun Fact: Langza was underwater in prehistoric times. Hence the marine fossils.

🎒 Things to Do:

Buy fossils (ethically sourced) from locals
Capture the sunrise behind the Buddha
Try the traditional barley soup or seabuckthorn tea

Hikkim – The World’s Highest Post Office

📌 Highlights:

Operational post office at 14,567 ft
Run by Rinchen Chhering, the famous postmaster of Hikkim
Send a postcard to yourself or loved ones — it might take 20 days, but it’ll be from the top of the world!

📮 Don’t miss:

Writing with an ink pen on handmade paper
Stamping a letter with the official “Hikkim PO” mark

✅ No phone network, no ATMs — just you and a handful of houses frozen in time

Komic – The Highest Motorable Village in the World

📌 Highlights:

At 15,027 ft, Komic is considered the highest village in the world connected by a motorable road
Home to the Tangyud Monastery — one of the highest in Asia
Only 10–15 houses — warm hospitality, hot butter tea, and unforgettable sunsets

🎉 During festivals, Komic lights up with chants, drums, and traditional dances
💬 Talk to the monks — they’ll share tales of Yaks, spirits, and ancient scriptures

Best Photography Spots

Location	Shot Idea
Langza	Giant Buddha with Himalayas in background
Hikkim	Postmaster holding stamped postcards
Komic	Sunset over the prayer flags
Between villages	Yaks grazing near barley fields

✅ Carry extra batteries — the cold drains them fast

Homestays & Local Living

Each village offers authentic Spitian homestays. While facilities are basic (shared toilets, no geysers), the hospitality is priceless.

Village	Recommended Stay
Langza	Lara Homestay, Tsering’s Homestay
Hikkim	Norzom Homestay (limited options)
Komic	Spiti Ecosphere Homestay, Rinchen Homestay

✅ Most include home-cooked meals — rajma, barley soup, and Tibetan bread

Best Time to Visit

Season	Experience
May–June	Green fields, accessible roads
July–August	Lush views, some rain risk near Kinnaur
Sept–Oct	Golden fields, crisp air, clear skies
Nov–April	Cut off due to snow — extreme cold

Travel Tips

Altitude Warning: Go slow, hydrate, and avoid alcohol
Carry cash, water, snacks, and warm clothing
Respect local culture — dress modestly, no loud music
Avoid fossil hunting unless guided by locals — it’s a protected resource
No fuel, network, or ATMs — plan everything in Kaza

Summary

In Hikkim, Komic, and Langza, time slows down, and the silence speaks volumes. These villages don’t offer luxury — they offer humility, history, and heart. It’s the kind of travel that changes you forever.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Lahaul-Spiti District.

Planning a Visit?

Send that postcard from the clouds, sip tea at the edge of the world, and walk where dinosaurs once swam.
📸 Tag your photos with #HighestVillagesHimalayas and inspire others to go higher.