Above Kaza, a road climbs to a cluster of villages over 4,000 m: Langza, Hikkim, Komic and, nearby, Kibber and Tashigang. They are some of the highest places in the world you can reach by road and still find homes, fields and monasteries.
The high villages at a glance
Heights are approximate and vary between sources.
| Village | Height | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Tashigang | About 4,650 m (15,256 ft) | The world's highest polling station |
| Komic | About 4,513 m (14,810 ft) | One of the highest villages reachable by road, and its monastery |
| Hikkim | About 4,400 m (14,440 ft) | One of the highest post offices in the world |
| Langza | About 4,400 m (14,440 ft) | Fossils in the hills and a large Buddha statue |
| Kibber | Over 4,000 m | A high village beyond Key Monastery, near Chicham Bridge |
Komic
A small village with a monastery, high on the plateau above Kaza. It is usually the highest point of the Kaza local day, and on the winter expedition the highest point of the whole trip.
Hikkim
Hikkim's post office is one of the highest in the world, and sending a postcard home from it is a Spiti tradition. Our trips stop here on the Kaza day, in summer and in winter.
Langza
Langza sits below a large Buddha statue that looks out over the valley, and the hills around it are known for marine fossils, a reminder that this land was once under the sea. Look and photograph, but leave fossils where they are.
Kibber and Tashigang
Kibber lies beyond Key Monastery, close to Chicham Bridge. Tashigang, near Hikkim and Komic, made news for having the world's highest polling station; our Spiti bike trip rides up to it on the Kaza day.
Visiting safely
These villages are higher than Kaza, so visit them only after a night or two at Kaza's height, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Our trips do this loop on the second day in Kaza for exactly that reason.
Questions
Which is the highest village in Spiti?
Komic, at about 4,513 m, is usually named the highest village in Spiti reachable by road.
Is Hikkim the highest post office in the world?
Hikkim's post office, at about 4,400 m, is one of the highest in the world and the best known.
Where is the world's highest polling station?
At Tashigang, near Hikkim and Komic above Kaza, at about 4,650 m (15,256 ft).
Can you visit Komic and Hikkim in winter?
Yes, weather permitting. Our winter 4x4 expedition visits Langza, Hikkim and Komic on the Kaza day.
