Where Is The Highest Post Office In The World?

India is no stranger to hidden gems and unique places that continue to attract tourists from around the globe. Located in the remote village of Hikkim in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, stands yet another hidden gem— the world’s highest post office. 

Over the years, this post office has become a popular attraction for travelers from all over the world. The post office was inaugurated in 1983 and since then it has been a lifeline for the local villagers, connecting them to the outside world. 

For them, The Hikkim Post Office is not just a place to send or receive letters. The place has become a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the unique challenges of life in one of the most remote regions in the world.

Here Is The World’s Highest Post Office 

The Hikkim Post Office is a letterbox shaped post office situated at an altitude of 4,440 meters (14,567 feet.)

It was inaugurated by Vandita Kaul, the Chief Postmaster General of the Himachal Circle, Indian Postal Department in 1983. 

The creation of this post office was a significant achievement and equally important for the locals. Due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions, Spiti Valley remains largely cut off from the world for several months every year. The post office offers a small connection to the outside world in such times. 

Rinchen Chhering, the postmaster since the post office’s inception, has been at the heart of this operation. Being the only postmaster Hikkim has had till date, he has served his duty with unconditional commitment to his community. Chhering was selected from 3 shortlisted candidates as he was a fast runner, owned a bicycle and was also the most educated of the 3. 

He comes from a simple family that, like others from the village, works in agriculture and animal husbandry for a living. Chhering has followed the same routine since 1983. He starts his day sorting through letters then begins his journey to Kaza to deliver the mail to nearby villages. He also takes care of the souvenir shop that is a part of the letterbox-shaped post office. 

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Chhering takes immense pride in providing this service to his community and is a well-respected figure for both locals and visitors alike. Till today, he has dedicated his routine to working in this remote post office even under harsh weather conditions. 

Hikkim is very remote and the journey there is not for the faint of heart. Travelers must navigate through rough weather conditions, thin air and treacherous terrain to reach this remote peak. But for those who like to discover such hidden gems, the allure of getting the world’s highest post office photos is a powerful draw. 

Visitors often write letters on postcards there and send it to their loved ones. These letters come with a unique  “World’s Highest Post Office, Hikkim” stamp. These postcards are truly a unique memento that also make the perfect souvenirs. 

The letters dropped in the letterbox are first taken to Kaza on foot or by mule. From there, these letters then go to Reckong Peo, Kalka before reaching Delhi. From Delhi, they make their way to their final destinations across the world. 

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Facts About Hikkim And Its Post Office

The world’s highest post office is situated in a small, picturesque village in the Spiti Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The village is truly isolated and home to just a few hundred people. They heavily rely on the post office for communication with the outside world. 

Here are some interesting facts about Hikkim and its post office: 

• Hikkim is the highest inhabited location in India.
• Hikkim has a population of around 150 people, most of whom follow Buddhism. 
• Fossils dating back to millions of years ago are also famous in Hikkim. These fossils that primarily consist of marine creatures like ammonites, corals, and trilobites are from a time when the Himalayas were under the sea and The post office is at an elevation of 4,400m which is 14,567 feet above sea level.
• The mail from Hikkim is collected and transported by foot or mule to the nearest motorable road, which is about 2 kilometers away.
• Hikkim was once the record holder for the World’s highest polling station as well, but later Tashigang took over it.  
• The post office processes around 15-20 letters everyday and holds savings accounts for around 50 people.

Despite the challenges the post office faces, their service remains efficient. They are open everyday from 9am to 5pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, despite their long journey from Hikkim, the mails often reach their destination within a week.

The Hikkim Post Office continues to be a popular attraction for several reasons. Its status as the world’s highest post office is the most obvious reason for curious travelers to visit this unique piece of history. 

Additionally, the post office has also become a symbol of human endurance. People visiting often experience a striking contrast between the cold environment and the warm hospitality of the villagers, with Chhering himself embodying this spirit.

Moreover, in an age where digital communication has taken over the world, places like the Hikkim Post Office offer a nostalgic experience. Sending a postcard from the highest post office in the world is a small connection to a simpler time. It is a physical reminder of the power of human connection, even in the most remote corners of the globe.