Hikkim Post Office: World's Highest Post Office in Spiti
How about sending a postcard from the highest post office on the planet? That’s what you can do at the Hikkim Post Office, a tiny post office in Hikkim Village at a height of 14,567 feet in Spiti Valley. It is high in the mountains, far from cities and crowds, where the sky is nearer than the ground beneath. This little post office is more than a photo stop for those passing through Spiti with Voyagers Beat. It’s a genuine piece of Himalayan history that you can hold in your hand.
There was no grand entrance, no fancy setup. It was just a small building doing what it had done for decades. But standing here at this altitude, clutching a postcard you’re about to send
1- Where is the Hikkim Post Office located?
Hikkim Village is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 15 km from Kaza, the area's main town. The post office sits at about 4,440 metres (14,567 feet) above sea level. It makes it one of the highest working post offices on earth.
The village itself is one of the highest permanent habitation sites in India. Homes here are between 4,330 and 4,400 metres. Life is slow; it all depends on the weather and the seasons.
2- History of Hikkim Post Office
Hikkim Post Office was established on 5th Nov. 1983. It is almost 23 years since Lahaul and Spiti became its own district. Before the post office was built, there was no real way for people living in the area to send or receive mail, and it was almost impossible to stay in touch with family outside the valley during the terrible winter months.
For years it was kept in a small mud house with a thatched roof, like all the other houses in Hikkim. This wasn't for tourists. It was built for the people of Hikkim, Komic and Langza who needed to be connected to the world. No one back then ever dreamed that this tiny humble office would one day be known all over the world.
Later, as the number of tourists increased, India Post gave a new look to the office. Now it's in the shape of a letterbox. Close by stands the old mud building, still a silent reminder of where it all began. Today the same office that once served a handful of villagers welcomes travellers from all over the world, keen to see and experience this piece of postal history first hand.
3- Interesting Facts About Hikkim Post Office
It is the highest post office in the world, a Guinness World Record.
This post office has been run by one man since day one in 1983, Rinchen Chhering. He is a kind of legend among the locals.
The post office only handles 15 to 20 letters a day. It also runs savings accounts for some 50 people in the village.
It’s closed about six months a year because of heavy snow.
Every letter from Hikkim travels a long way. He first walked to Kaza, then took the road to Reckong Peo and Shimla, and finally the train to Delhi.
4- How to Reach Hikkim
Getting to Hikkim is half the fun. The nearest big town is Kaza. Kaza can be reached from Shimla or Manali, depending on the season and road conditions.
Kaza to Hikkim is just a 30- to 40-minute drive. On the way, the road passes through Langza and Komic. The villages are close together, so most people do all three in one day.
If you’re still on the fence about planning this trip, these signs may change your mind. And when you’re ready, check out our Spiti Circuit trip package to see how it all comes together.
5- Practical Tips Before You Visit
First, spend one or two days in Kaza. This prepares your body for the altitude.
Bring your warm clothes. It cools off quickly even in summer when the sun goes down or the wind blows.
Mail a postcard to yourself. It’s an easy way to remember the trip, and the stamp makes a nice collection of memories.
You must go between May and October. Not sure which is the best month for you? Spiti Valley - When is the best time to visit? Here's a complete guide on the best time to visit Spiti Valley.
Have some cash with you. There aren't any ATMs or card machines around here. And some people still take only cash; no UPI payment option is available there.
Treat others with respect. It is still a working post office for local villagers, so be sure to keep your visit brief if others are waiting in line.
6- Places to Visit Near Hikkim
Since Hikkim sits in such a scenic part of Spiti, it's worth exploring the villages around it too.
In Langza there is a giant Buddha statue watching over the entire valley. The area is also known for fossils, so keep an eye out on the ground as you walk around.
Komic is among the world's highest motorable villages. Also, it is home to Tangyud Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries here.
Most of the travellers stay in Kaza before they go up to these villages. It is also the best place to stock supplies and check road conditions.
Want to see more of the area? Read all our Spiti Valley packages for monasteries, viewpoints and hidden spots to add in your trip.
7- FAQs
Q1. What country has the highest post office?
The world’s highest post office is located in Hikkim Village in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of about 4,440 metres (14,567 feet).
Q2. When was the Hikkim Post Office established?
Hikkim Post Office was opened on 5th November, 1983, and has been in service of the local community ever since.
Q3. Can I send a postcard from Hikkim Post Office?
Yes, you can send postcards and letters from Hikkim Post Office. Many travellers send one to themselves as a memory from their Spiti trip.
Conclusion
The Hikkim Post Office is more than a record holder. This is a tiny glimpse into life in Spiti, kept alive for over four decades by one dedicated man. If you are planning a Spiti trip, do make time for this stop. Sending a postcard from the world’s highest post office will be an experience you won’t forget.
Planning your trip to Spiti Valley? Take a look at our Spiti Circuit trip package and let Voyagers Beat create the best route from Hikkim to Langza to Komic and everything in between.
