In the heart of the Himalayas lies a village that is like a sparkling jewel amidst the snow-capped mountains. Komic, Himachal Pradesh nestled in the lap of nature, is a place where time stands still and the air is as fresh as the first breeze of spring. This village is like a canvas painted with vibrant colors, where every corner tells a unique story. As they say, “Yahan ka mausam apne aap mein ek kahani hai” (The weather here is a story in itself). The roads of Komic are like the twists and turns of a gripping thriller, while the people are as warm and welcoming as a loving family.
What makes Komic even more special is that it is the highest village in the world connected with a motorable road. At an altitude of 4,587 meters (15,050 feet) above sea level, Komic in Himachal Pradesh is a place where you can touch the sky and feel the clouds. The journey to this remote village is an adventure in itself. With the road snaking through the rugged terrain and offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. But once you reach Komic, you will be rewarded with an experience that will stay with you forever.
When to Visit:
The best time to visit Komic is between June and September when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The winter months can be quite harsh, with heavy snowfall making it difficult to access the village.
“Yahan ke mausam badalte rehte hain, lekin yahan ki khubsurati hamesha kayam rahegi.”
(The weather here may change, but the beauty of this place will always remain.)
How to Reach:
To reach Komic, you can take a flight to the nearest airport in Kullu, which is around 220 km away, or you can take a bus or taxi from Manali. Keep in mind that the roads leading to the village are quite challenging, so it is advisable to hire a local driver who is familiar with the terrain.
Charges for Travel and Accommodation:
When it comes to charges for traveling, it depends on your mode of transportation and the number of days you plan to stay. A round trip by taxi from Manali can cost anywhere between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, while a one-way bus ticket can be as low as Rs. 300. As for accommodation, there are a few guesthouses and homestays in the village that offer comfortable rooms and basic amenities. The charges for a night’s stay can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500.
What to Eat:
One of the highlights of visiting Komic is trying the local cuisine. The village is known for its traditional dishes such as momos, thukpa, and chhang. These dishes are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are bursting with flavors. You can also try some of the organic fruits and vegetables that are grown in the village. Don’t forget to try the famous butter tea, which is a staple in the region.
Places to visit?
“Yeh Spiti ki shaan hai, yahan ke pahadon ki rooh hai.”
(This is the pride of Spiti, the soul of these mountains.)
Komic Monastery:
This is an ancient Buddhist monastery located on a hilltop in the village of Komic. It is a beautiful structure with intricate carvings and murals, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery is also home to a collection of ancient artifacts, including rare manuscripts, thangkas, and statues. Visitors can attend prayer sessions and interact with the monks to learn more about their way of life.
Langza Village:
It is a small village located about 8 km from Komic. The village is famous for its fossil-rich mountains and scenic beauty. The fossils found here are believed to be over a million years old, and visitors can see them embedded in the rocks. The village also offers breathtaking views of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak, which is one of the highest peaks in the region. Visitors can take a leisurely trek to Langza, which takes about 2-3 hours, and explore the village’s ancient temples, stupas, and monasteries.
Hikkim Post Office:
This post office is the world’s highest post office, located at an altitude of over 4,400 meters. It is a small post office that serves the surrounding villages, and visitors can send postcards from here as a souvenir. The post office is run by a local postmaster who can provide visitors with interesting insights into the daily life of the villagers. The journey to Hikkim is quite an adventure, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys along the way.
Kibber Village:
It is a picturesque village located about 20 km from Komic. It is known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The village is home to several ancient monasteries, including the Kibber Monastery, which is a beautiful structure with intricate carvings and murals. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of animals such as snow leopards, ibex, and Himalayan wolves. The sanctuary also offers trekking and camping opportunities for adventure enthusiasts
Tashigang Village:
It is a small village located about 10 km from Komic. It is known for its traditional way of life, and visitors can experience the local culture by staying with a homestay family. The village offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place for hiking and photography. Visitors can also explore the nearby Tashigang Monastery, which is a beautiful structure with intricate carvings and murals.
Chicham Bridge:
It is a unique structure located about 15 km from Komic. It is a suspension bridge that connects the villages of Chicham and Kibber, and it offers breathtaking views of the Spiti Valley. The bridge is quite narrow and hangs high above a deep gorge, making it a thrilling experience for visitors.
Key Monastery :
This monastery is an ancient Buddhist monastery located about 20 km from Komic. It is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in the Spiti Valley and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can attend prayer sessions and interact with the monks to learn more about their way of life.
Pin Valley National Park:
The park is located about 30 km from Komic and is a beautiful destination for nature lovers. It is home to various wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and musk deer. Visitors can explore the park on foot and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and scenic views.
“Jab tak Spiti ke iss khoobsurat nazare hai, tab tak zindagi ek khwaab ki tarah hai.”
(As long as these beautiful views of Spiti exist, life is like a dream)
As I bid farewell to Komic and its breathtaking beauty, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the many incredible experiences I had here. From exploring ancient monasteries to witnessing rare fossils and breathtaking landscapes, my journey to Komic had been nothing short of a Bollywood movie. The rugged mountains and pristine valleys had captured my heart and soul, and I knew I would carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.
As I boarded the bus back to Shimla, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing for the simplicity and purity of life in the Spiti Valley. It was as if I had left a part of my heart behind in this magical place.
And as I looked back at Komic one last time, I whispered, “Komic, you may be small, but you have a heart as big as the mountains surrounding you. I will return someday, to once again immerse myself in your breathtaking beauty.”
