At a glance
Heights are approximate, and published figures vary.
| Village | Height | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Langza | Around 4,400 m | Buddha statue, fossils, Chau Chau Kang Nilda views |
| Hikkim | Post office at about 4,400 m | One of the world's highest post offices |
| Komic | Above 4,500 m | Tangyud monastery; among the highest villages with a road |
Langza
Langza is a small village of whitewashed houses in a wide bowl of grassland, overlooked by a large, colourful Buddha statue facing the valley. The slopes around it are famous for fossils of ammonites and other sea creatures, from the time, millions of years ago, when the region lay beneath the Tethys sea. Look, but leave fossils where they are: removing them is discouraged and they belong to the landscape. The peak of Chau Chau Kang Nilda rises behind the village.
Hikkim
Hikkim's post office, at about 4,400 m, is recorded in the Limca Book of Records and widely described as one of the highest post offices in the world. Visitors queue to send postcards home, which take a while to arrive but carry the Hikkim postmark. The post office keeps limited hours and can be closed on Sundays and holidays or in heavy snow, so go on a weekday.
Komic
Komic is a tiny village of a dozen or so houses beside the Tangyud monastery, a Sakya school gompa with fortress-like walls. It's often called one of the highest villages in the world connected by road; the exact height and ranking vary by source. The views over the surrounding peaks and valleys are vast, and the thin air is very noticeable.
Planning the loop
From Kaza, the road climbs to Hikkim and Komic, then on to Langza, and back down to Kaza, a loop that takes half a day with stops. Do it after at least one night in Kaza, not on your arrival day, as these villages are 700 to 900 m higher. Walk slowly, drink water, and turn back if anyone develops a bad headache or breathlessness.
Tips
- Carry postcards and stamps money for Hikkim; it may have limited stock.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses: UV is intense at this height.
- Dress warmly: it's windy and cold even in summer.
- Respect the monastery: remove shoes and ask before photos.
- Homestays in Langza make a magical night for stargazing, once acclimatised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of the Hikkim post office?+
About 4,400 m, though some sources give slightly higher figures.
Is Hikkim the world's highest post office?+
It's recorded in the Limca Book of Records and widely called one of the highest. The 'world's highest' title is sometimes disputed.
What is Langza famous for?+
Its large Buddha statue and fossils of ancient sea creatures from when the area lay under the Tethys sea.
Is Komic the highest village in the world?+
It's often described as one of the highest villages reachable by road; exact rankings vary.
How far is Langza from Kaza?+
Roughly 15 to 20 km by road, about 45 minutes to an hour.
Can I send a postcard from Hikkim?+
Yes, when the post office is open. Weekdays are best, as it may close on Sundays and holidays.
