Monday, February 20, 2023

Journey to Solitude : The Splendors of a Remote Himalayan Village Hikkim

The Splendors of a Remote Himalayan Village Hikkim

Image : Aayush Gupta

Hikkim is a small village located in the Lahaul Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 4440 meters (14,567 feet) above sea level and is one of the highest year-round inhabited villages in the worldThe village of Hikkim is home to just over 100 people, most of whom are farmers or shepherds. The villagers here have been living a simple and isolated life for generations, relying on traditional methods of agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood.

One of the unique features of Hikkim is its post office, which is the highest post office in the world. The post office serves the surrounding villages and provides a lifeline for the locals, who rely on it to receive and send mail and packages. Living in Hikkim is not easy, as the harsh weather conditions and remote location make it a challenging place to survive. The villagers must deal with long periods of isolation and extreme cold temperatures during the winter months.

The village is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and is a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and nature lovers. The village is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and animals. The landscape around Hikkim is breathtaking, with towering mountains, sparkling rivers, and clear blue skies. The village is surrounded by pristine wilderness, offering opportunities for trekking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Despite the challenges, many Hikkim residents take pride in their way of life and are committed to preserving their traditional culture and practices. The villagers are welcoming to visitors and are happy to share their way of life with those who are interested. For those looking for a unique travel experience, Hikkim offers a glimpse into a way of life that is rapidly disappearing in our modern world. It is a place where time seems to stand still, and the beauty of nature is still the most valuable currency.

The village is also home to a small hydroelectric power plant, which provides electricity to the village. The village is connected to the rest of the country through a road, which passes through the Rohtang Pass. The village is also accessible via helicopter services.

The nearby village of Komic is home to a Buddhist monastery and is a popular destination for pilgrims.

Best Places to stay at Hikkim :

Hikkim is a small village, there are a few options for accommodation in the area. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hikkim:

The Hikkim Heritage Guest House: This guest house is located in the heart of Hikkim village and offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The guest house also has a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local food while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Spiti Sarai: Is a luxury boutique hotel located in the nearby village of Rangrik. The hotel offers spacious and beautifully designed rooms with all modern amenities. It also has a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Sakya Abode: Is a guest house located in the nearby village of Kaza. The guest house offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities and has a restaurant serving delicious local food.

The Grand Dewachen: Is a luxury hotel located in the nearby village of Kaza. The hotel offers beautifully designed rooms with all modern amenities, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a spa offering various treatments.

Nomadic Home Stay: Is a unique experience that allows you to stay in a traditional nomadic tent in the village of Kibber, which is located about 20 km from Hikkim. The home stay offers basic amenities and a chance to experience the traditional way of life in the Spiti Valley.

Himalayan Homestay: Set in the beautiful village of Hikkim, Himalayan Homestay offers a peaceful and comfortable stay in the lap of nature. The home stay has two double rooms, two triple rooms, a living room and a kitchenette. Guests can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared with fresh ingredients.

Kanchenjunga Inn: This inn is situated in the heart of Hikkim village, offering guests a comfortable stay in a traditional rural setting. The inn has three rooms, a kitchen, a dining room and a common lounge. Guests can enjoy delicious local cuisine and explore the nearby villages during their stay.

Himalaya View Homestay: Located in the beautiful village of Hikkim, Himalaya View Homestay offers guests a comfortable and peaceful stay in the lap of nature. The homestay has two double rooms, a kitchen and a common lounge. Guests can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared with fresh ingredients.

These are some of the best places to stay in and around Hikkim. It's important to keep in mind that Hikkim is a remote village, so accommodations may not have all the amenities you are used to. Nonetheless, the hospitality and natural beauty of the area are sure to make your stay a memorable one.

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Best ways to reach Hikkim

Hikkim can be a bit challenging to reach. Here are some ways to reach Hikkim:

By Road: The most convenient way to reach Hikkim is by road. You can hire a taxi from Kaza, which is the nearest town, and it takes about an hour to reach Hikkim. You can also take a bus from Kaza to Hikkim, but the frequency of buses is less, and the timings may not be very convenient.

Trekking: Hikkim can also be reached by trekking. The trek starts from Kaza and takes about 3-4 hours. It is a moderately difficult trek, and you need to be physically fit to undertake it.

By Helicopter: You can also take a helicopter ride to Hikkim. Helicopter services are available from Kullu, Shimla, and Chandigarh, and it takes about an hour to reach Hikkim. However, this option can be quite expensive.

Shared Taxi: You can also try to find a shared taxi from Kaza to Hikkim. This option may be more economical than hiring a taxi on your own.

It's important to note that Hikkim is located at a high altitude, so it's recommended that you acclimatize yourself to the altitude before visiting. It's also advisable to carry warm clothing, as temperatures can get quite low, especially at night.

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