Ever wondered what the world’s highest post office looks like? I had. And when I finally saw it in person, tucked away in the remote Himalayan village of Hikkim, I was honestly taken aback. Hikkim has been on my travel list for years. It’s a tiny place in the cold desert of Spiti Valley, known not just for its altitude and post office, but for its raw, untouched beauty and peaceful silence.In September 2024, I finally made it there. This was my second visit to Spiti, and this time, I was determined to reach Hikkim. It had been a long wait, but the experience was more than worth it. This blog on the Hikkim travel guide is an ode to my journey through treacherous paths, harsh weather, and unforgiving terrain. It’s a reflection of what it truly takes to reach a place so remote, yet so soul-stirring.
Leaving behind the mystical aura of Komic, I moved ahead on a dusty beaten road that cut through the stark, silent mountains, inching me closer to Hikkim. It was a quiet Sunday, and the driver had told me there was a slim chance the post office in Hikkim would be open. Still, with excitement in my heart and vivid thoughts racing through my mind, I continued the journey, hoping for a bit of luck.
The road was rough, the air thin, and every turn felt like a step deeper into silence. No network, no crowds, just raw mountains and a sky so close it felt like you could touch it. The cold grew sharper with the climb, but the thought of finally reaching Hikkim kept me going.
As I entered the village, it didn’t feel like a destination. It felt like time had slowed down. A handful of mud houses rested quietly on a windswept slope, prayer flags fluttered in the breeze, and somewhere among them stood the post office. Modest, faded, yet quietly iconic.
I walked toward it, heart racing. Would it be open? Would I really get to send a postcard from the highest post office in the world?
This Hikkim travel guide will help you discover the hidden charm of the village with the highest post office in the world.
Since 1983, Hikkim has proudly held the title of hosting the world’s highest post office, sitting at a staggering 14,567 feet above sea level. This tiny post office, shaped like a giant letterbox, stands as a symbol of connection in one of the most remote corners of India.
Its official opening was a special moment, led by Vandita Kaul, the Chief Post Master General of the Himachal Circle at the time. The event was honored by the presence of Assistant Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma, who came to witness this unique milestone.
More than just a place to send mail, this post office is a reminder of how even the most isolated places stay linked to the world beyond.
I didn’t realize how remote and raw Hikkim was until I read a Hikkim travel guide that mentioned the lack of mobile networks and basic facilities. On the way into the village, I noticed a couple of small stalls lined up along the dusty path. Locals stood quietly behind tables, selling fridge magnets, handmade souvenirs, and stacks of postcards that looked worn by the wind. The kind of simple setups that speak more than flashy shops ever could.
The car came to a halt near the entrance of the village. Right there stood a large billboard that read “I ❤️ Hikkim”, the classic photo point for every traveler passing through. Just beside it was a small café called Ibex Café. Nothing fancy, just a cozy little spot offering hot chai, Maggi, and the warmth of wooden walls in the middle of nowhere.
It all felt surreal. I had finally arrived at Hikkim.
I stepped into the small shop, the warmth of the wooden walls cutting through the chill outside. Inside, a handful of travelers were already busy, flipping through stacks of postcards, trying to pick the perfect one. Some were quietly scribbling messages, lost in thought, sealing little memories meant for someone far away.
One of them looked up and asked, half-serious, half-curious, “Who should I send a postcard to?”
Without thinking much, I said, “Send it to yourself.”
He paused, smiled, and nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
And it was. Because sometimes, memories are best addressed to the one who lived them.
I picked out two postcards for myself. Took me a good ten minutes to decide which ones to choose from the stacks the shopkeeper laid out. Each card felt like a tiny window into the mountains, hand-drawn yaks, prayer flags, snowy peaks, little mud homes. It was hard to pick just one.
The shop had a UPI QR code taped near the counter, but as expected, there was no network. Not even a single bar. That’s when my driver stepped in and said, “No problem, you can pay me later and I’ll settle it for you.” That’s the benefit of traveling with a local, someone who knows the place, the people, and how to work around the limitations.
It felt easy, unhurried. No rush, no fuss. Just simple mountain hospitality.
I wrote one letter to my mother, sending her heartfelt wishes for good health and happiness. The other was for a friend’s daughter, who was barely four months old at the time. That letter was addressed to her future self, filled with hopes for success, prosperity, and a bright life ahead.
That little soul may never fully understand the significance of these postcards, how they once carried pieces of love and connection before the world went digital and fast. These cards held memories, emotions, and moments that no screen could ever replace.
After writing the letters and getting them stamped, I made my way to the post office, which was within walking distance. The building was small and circular, shaped exactly like a giant postbox resting on the pavement. It looked simple but proud, standing there quietly against the harsh mountain backdrop. I walked up to it slowly, taking in the sight.
But as the driver had already told me, since it was Sunday, the post office was closed. There was no postman to meet, no one around to hand over the letters personally. It was a little disappointing, but somehow fitting, in a place like Hikkim, even the quiet moments felt meaningful.
The daylight was slowly retreating, preparing to surrender to the quiet of the night. We were ready to leave the town behind but carried with us the warmth of those fleeting moments, the sounds, the sights, and the simple stillness that made time feel suspended. Though brief, those memories had already woven themselves into the fabric of our journey.
This Hikkim travel guide will help you discover the hidden charm of the village with the highest post office in the world.
FAQs on Hikkim Travel Guide
1. What is special about Hikkim village?
Hikkim is known for having the world’s highest post office, located at a height of 14,567 feet. The village is remote, quiet, and surrounded by stark Himalayan beauty. Travelers come here not just for the post office but also to experience the unique lifestyle, silence, and charm of Spiti’s high-altitude life.
2. Where is Hikkim located?
Hikkim is a remote village in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies between the popular villages of Komic and Langza and sits at an altitude of around 14,500 feet. It’s part of the cold desert region of Spiti and can be accessed from Kaza, the nearest town.
3. How do I reach Hikkim?
To reach Hikkim, you first need to get to Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley. From Kaza, Hikkim is about 16 kilometers away and can be reached by road via local taxis or private vehicles. The route is rough, often unpaved, and only accessible during the summer.
4. What is the best time to visit Hikkim?
The best time to visit Hikkim is between June and September, when the weather is clear and roads are open. Winters are extremely harsh with heavy snowfall, often cutting off the village from the rest of the world. Summer months offer easier access and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Is the Hikkim post office still operational?
Yes, the Hikkim post office is still functional and continues to serve the local villagers as well as curious travelers. It’s a small but historic post office where tourists often send postcards to family, friends, or even to themselves, just to have a stamp from the highest post office in the world.
6. Are there any stay options in Hikkim?
There are limited stay options in Hikkim itself, usually in the form of local homestays run by villagers. However, most travelers prefer staying in nearby Kaza, which has more choices including guesthouses, hotels, and hostels. Hikkim can easily be covered as a short day trip from Kaza.
7. Is it safe to visit Hikkim?
Yes, it is generally safe to visit Hikkim, but travelers should be mindful of the high altitude, rough roads, and remote location. It’s important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and carry essentials like warm clothes, basic medicines, and cash, as there’s no ATM or reliable network connectivity.
8. What should I carry when visiting Hikkim?
Since Hikkim is a remote high-altitude village, carry warm layers, water, sunscreen, a basic first-aid kit, and snacks. Also bring cash, as digital payments often fail due to poor connectivity. If you plan to send postcards, carry the addresses written down as your phone might not have a signal.
9. Can I visit Hikkim during winter?
Visiting Hikkim during winter is not recommended for casual travelers. The village gets covered in snow and remains disconnected for months. Locals stock up for the long winter, and the roads become impassable. Only seasoned travelers or explorers with proper preparation and permissions attempt winter visits.
10. Why is Hikkim popular among travelers?
Hikkim draws travelers with its unique charm. It is a tiny village perched in the high Himalayas and is home to the world’s highest post office. The experience here is offbeat, filled with postcard nostalgia, the silence of the mountains, and a glimpse into life in one of India’s most remote settlements.