This Exotic Village Hidden In The Himalayas Should Be Your Next Stop!

The Himalayas are a magnificent region embellished with small villages, snow-capped mountains, and minimum foot-fall. In some of these villages, barter is still a prevalent money exchange custom. Kibber is one such village which is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. 

Kibber Facts and Figures

Located at 4,270 meters above sea level, it is the highest inhabited village with 77 houses with 366 people only. There are 187 men and 179 women in the town. 

Regional Highlights 

A feature of this village is the similar-looking houses. The architecture is pretty unique here. The apartments are all built with stone and similar patterns and barring the conventional building materials and bricks. Due to the lack of transportation material, the raw materials are taken from the neighbouring villages. The similarity of houses enhances the beauty and outlook of the town. 
It may be remotely placed, but it is well established with hospitals, high school, post office, telegraph office, and community television.

Transportation 

The nearest city from Kibber is Leh in Ladakh, which can be reached only in three days through Paran. Travellers would be curious to explore this exotic village but touring and travelling here would not be secure. There is a regular bus service that plies to Kibber only during the summer months from Kaza, the nearest town. Otherwise, one will have to bank on expensive modes like SUVs to the village. 

Alternative Transport
The other mode of transport available is a shared taxi which is accessible all round the year. Locals walk down to Jibber because transportation is expensive when buses don't operate. Locals are also aware of the short cuts through the hills. 

Best Time to Visit

If you want excellent transportation facilities, the best time to visit Jibber is between June to October. One can get a bus to the village. 

Kibber Attractions 

The main attraction of the town is the Kibber Monastery and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. The monastery is flanked by paintings, other artworks, and manuscripts. The Sanctuary is renowned for its medicinal plants. Healers use them for these plants to brew remedies for various diseases over centuries. The beauty of the town also lies in the limestone rocks. 

Parang La Trek: For trekking enthusiasts, Kibber is a place to be as the splendid route of Parang La Trek will never disappoint you. At an altitude of 18,400 feet, it offers stunning views of Tso Moriri Lake. It starts from Kibber village and takes you through Pare Chu river before ending in Karzok village. You will have an experience of a lifetime as you are rewarded with fantastic views of mountains, deep gorges and vast landscapes.

Trek to Tso Moriri Lake: Tso Moriri or Mountain Lake is the largest of the high altitude lakes in the Changthang plateau. You will also come across rare species of flora and fauna making the place a paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers.

Other Attractions 

If you wish to take a detour from your visit to Kibber, assume to the nearby attractions. They are worth a visit. Key Monastery which is located at a distance of 8 kilometres from the village is a notable attraction dedicated to Buddhist learning and a religious training centre for Lamas. Take a tour of the steel bridge above a 1000 feet deep gorge located at Chicham which is said to be Asia's Highest bridge at around 4 meters above the sea level. 

Tashigang

Another village to visit is Tashigang which is the highest village in Spiti Valley bearing only four homes which are constructed typically in Tibetan style. Along with Tashigang, club your detour to Gette which is another village known for its unmatched serenity. You can get adventurous by trekking to the destination. This village deserves a detour from Spiti Valley. It's an offbeat travel experience that one must undertake. Avoid the region during winters so that you don't get stranded due to transport issues. 

When are you heading to Kibber? Let us know in the comments below.