Morning at Kaza: A Bright Yet Eerie Start
As the morning light filled the sky, a soft white glow bathed the mountain in front of us, slowly engulfing it as the sun rose higher. The aura was chilling, with thin air making it difficult to breathe. One of our fellow travelers felt the effects of low oxygen, so we stopped at a hospital for a quick oxygen refill.
After his recovery and a simple breakfast, we set out to explore the nearby areas of Kaza. Our convoy of vans and bikes started from the camp, full of excitement.
Setting Out from Kaza
Kaza city itself isn’t very large, but beyond its limits, the real beauty begins. As we crossed the town, we noticed a small Buddha statue perched on a mountain, almost as if watching over us and blessing us for a safe journey. It felt reassuring, a silent guardian watching as we embarked on our day.
The Road to Hikkim: The World’s Highest Post Office
A Change of Plans
Originally, we planned to start with Kee Monastery, but construction had closed the road. So we decided to head towards Hikkim. Our group split into two—bikers starting from Lagza and the car gang starting from Hikkim.
Following the Spiti River
The early turns on the road offered us glimpses of the Spiti River’s diverging distributaries. Our driver assured us that tomorrow we’d see even more of these beautiful splits, urging us to “stay calm.”
Rough Roads and Scenic Struggles
Initially, the road was smooth, though narrow, but as we progressed, we hit the roughest stretch we’d encountered yet. With our car crawling at only 10 km/h, it felt as though we were moving at a walking pace. Vegetation was scarce, with only stones and muddy mountains surrounding us. On one side of the road loomed a massive cliff, adding to the thrill of the journey.
Arriving in Hikkim: Sending Postcards from the World’s Highest Post Office
After a bumpy journey, we finally reached Hikkim, a bustling spot with happy travelers gathered at the world’s highest post box, located around 14,000 feet above sea level. A small shop nearby sold postcards for visitors to send to themselves—a local tradition that everyone seemed to embrace.
Typically not one for traditions, I instead enjoyed capturing the smiles of those writing their postcards. The energy here was on a different level, and we left Hikkim with a shared sense of joy.
Exploring the Heights: Komoc and the Highest Restaurant in the World
Our next stop was Komic, the highest village in the world. After a short drive, we reached the small yet lively village, which boasted the world’s highest restaurant, The Himalayan Nextor Kitchen.
We paused for tea, taking in the unique experience before moving on to our next destination.
Langza: The Golden Buddha in the Midst of the Mountains
A View Like No Other
Next on our route was Langza, one of Kaza’s most famous sights. As we approached, we spotted a small, golden Buddha statue standing serenely amidst the mountain plains.
The statue seemed to radiate peace, and we were drawn to it. Taking in the statue’s presence in the middle of the vast Langza Valley felt surreal.
The Iconic Kee Monastery: A Journey to the Heart of Kaza
Roads of Patience
Our final destination was the Kee Monastery, an iconic landmark for travelers in Kaza. The road was rough, but by now, we were used to the bumpy ride.
Suddenly, the monastery appeared, hiding behind a mountain, teasing us with glimpses as if playing hide-and-seek. Finally, it came into full view.
Kee Monastery: Living Up to Its Fame
Standing before the Kee Monastery was a sight we had been eagerly waiting for. The building was nestled among smaller mountains, with the Spiti River winding alongside. The setting was awe-inspiring, and the view gave us goosebumps. This was the reward for our days of travel, rough roads, and landslides—the chance to witness Kee Monastery and capture it in our memories forever.
Though the monastery’s interior was simple, the exterior view was one that every traveler should experience.
Evening Reflections: Returning to Kaza
As dusk fell, we began our journey back to Kaza. Light rain began to sprinkle down, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. We ended the day with a warm meal in Kaza, looking forward to the next day’s adventure at Chandra Tal Lake.
