Hikkim, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Hikkim Post Office
sightseeing • 14,400 ft
Overview
Location
Hikkim, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
14,400 ft
Best Time
May to October
Visiting Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Entry Fee
Free (Postcards and Stamps Paid)
Hikkim is a small village nestled in the cold desert of Spiti, famous for housing the world's highest post office. Operating at a staggering altitude of 14,400 feet, this simple mud post office has been managed by postmaster Rinchen Chhering since its inception in 1983. The post office is a vital lifeline for the villagers, but has also become a major bucket-list spot for travelers, who climb up to Hikkim to buy postcards, get the unique postmark, and mail them to their loved ones from the clouds.
Responsible Travel & Etiquette
Be patient as the post office can get crowded with travelers buying stamps and postcards
Do not disrupt the postmaster's official duties; keep interactions polite and short
Keep Hikkim clean; do not discard scrap paper or wrappers in the village
Carry cash to buy postcards and stamps, as digital payments are not possible here
FAQs
How long does it take for a postcard to reach other cities?
Due to the remote location, postcards usually take 2 to 4 weeks to reach major Indian cities, and slightly longer for international destinations.
Is the post office open on Sundays?
No, it is closed on Sundays and national holidays, though you can still drop postcards in the letterbox outside.
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