Kibber village in Spiti is the valley’s most populous. It used to be considered ‘one of the highest in the world,’ albeit such nomenclature is varied and difficult to validate. Kibber diaries cover everything from ancient monasteries to a cold-desert wildlife sanctuary to highland excursions. Do you want to discover its treasures? Stay at a Luxury Resort in Palampur India, which are one of the tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh.
Kibber village in Spiti is the valley’s most populous. It used to be considered ‘one of the highest in the world,’ albeit such nomenclature is varied and difficult to validate. Kibber diaries cover everything from ancient monasteries to a cold-desert wildlife sanctuary to highland excursions. Do you want to discover its treasures?
Kibber’s Background
The village’s beauty is enthralling; it is bordered by limestone rock mountains.
Kibber, with a population of less than 400 people, is home to the majestic snow leopards. The Himalayan Snow Leopard Research Center at Kibber has played an important role in the animal’s protection. Luxury Resort in Palampur India are one of the Tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh
Kibber, a town of less than 400 inhabitants, is home to gorgeous snow leopards. The Himalayan Snow Leopard Research Center at Kibber has been instrumental in the animal’s conservation.
Kibber residents make a living by farming and raising livestock. Kibber, one of the region’s high-yielding plains, is one of the few fertile regions in Spiti.
The village is well-organized, with stone buildings, a school, a post office, a primary healthcare centre, and a PWD rest house. It is led by a sarpanch (elected head of the village). Almost all Spiti settlements have wind-carved mountains and whitewashed buildings that look identical to their crimson windows and blue doors. The dwellings at Kibber, on the other hand, are distinguished by one feature. They are composed of stone rather than mud. A calm walk into the village would give you a beautiful picture of the place as you stay in a Resort in Himachal Pradesh, which are one of the Tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh.
Historical Importance
Kibber people practise Tibetan Buddhism, as do others in the Spiti valley. In reality, the area has special significance for Buddhists because Serkong Rinpoche, the present Dalai Lama’s tutor, died here in the late 1980s. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has also stated a desire to retire to Kibber.
Kibber marks the start of an ancient trade route between Spiti Valley and Ladakh via the Parang La Pass. At the legendary La Darcha festival, nomadic tribes of Ladakh’s Changthang district and residents of Spiti used to exchange for horses, yaks, and food. Every year in August, you can attend the Kaza Festival.
Location
Kibber is located in a small valley at an elevation of 4270 metres. The settlement is 20 kilometres (40 minutes driving) from Kaza.
Kibber Weather and Best Time to Visit
Summer is a great season to visit Kibber because it is less crowded. Winter snow improves the nature and beauty of Spiti Valley, but it also presents numerous problems.
The weather in Spiti is chilly and dry. The winter months are exceptionally harsh, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees in Kibber. The entire valley is blanketed in several feet of
snow, making reaching Kibber difficult this time of year. Because the Rohtang Pass is closed due to excessive snow, the Manali-Kaza route is not an option in the winter.
During the summer, the sun shines brightly, and height increases the intensity of the rays. Even if the nights are still cold enough to warrant the usage of woollens. During the monsoon season, there is little or no rain. However, rain and landslides cause obstructions and closures on the routes going to Spiti from Manali or Shimla, including the Rohtang Pass. If you want to experience all this, then stay at a Luxury Resort in Palampur India are one of the Tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh.
Kibber Attractions
Kibber’s breathtaking vistas are surrounded by green fields and limestone mountains. Kibber is the starting point for several spectacular treks, including Parang La, DanChem Peak, Gette, Chicham, and Tashigang villages. You may learn about the Buddhist tradition at the nearby Ki Monastery and the Kibber village temple.
The Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the elusive snow leopard, Ibex, and Tibetan wolf, is the most interesting element of this community.
Kibber Wildlife Refuge
This Himalayan Forest shelters various uncommon kinds of flora and fauna.
The superstar of this sanctuary is definitely the gorgeous snow leopard, which is tough to spot. However, sightings of snow leopards have grown substantially in the last decade, and there are now approximately 25-30 snow leopards in Kibber sanctuary. Aside from this refuge, it can also be found in Himachal’s Pin Valley National Park. Luxury Resort in Palampur India has breath-taking views as they are one of the Tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh.
Snow leopards, sometimes known as ‘grey ghosts,’ are easier to observe in Spiti Valley during the winter season. During the winter, their prey, ‘Himalayan goats,’ and other animals descend from higher altitudes to feed in the valley. Snow leopards follow their prey down the route and therefore become apparent.
The sanctuary is also home to Tibetan Wolf, Ibex, Bharal (Himalayan Blue Sheep), Tibetan Woolly Hare, Pale Weasel, Tibetan Wild Ass, and Red Fox, in addition to snow leopards. The refuge is also home to Himalayan birds such as Griffons, Bearded Eagles, and Snow Cocks.
The region is rich in endangered plant species, which are employed in the manufacturing of traditional medicines, cosmetics, and cattle feed. Some of these plants are essential components of the Traditional Tibetan Medicinal Healing System. Treks and safaris to Kibber Sanctuary are organised by local operators in Kaza town.
Parang La Trekking.
Kibber village is a starting place for the old Parang La trek. The walk can also be started from Chicham village, which is located in Kibber’s area. Parang La is a massive pass with a maximum elevation of 18,400 feet that connects the Spiti valley to Ladakh.
It was once a traditional trade route between the inhabitants of Spiti, Changthang in Ladakh, and Tibet. It is a long and challenging journey that provides spectacular views of Tso Morori Lake.
The trail begins in the meadows of Spiti’s villages, descends the Kibber gorge, and finally climbs over Parang La.
The trail then follows the Pare Chu River, which springs near Parang La in Leh near Datung.
The beauty and splendour of this trek’s landscape are beyond description. Imagine travelling two frigid desert regions, a high-altitude pass, a one-of-a-kind river, and eventually arriving at one of the world’s highest and most pristine lakes.
This is a strenuous journey in difficult terrain, so make sure you have prior experience trekking at high altitudes before attempting it. Sufficient acclimatisation and physical fitness will also be beneficial.
Homestays in Kibber and local trek organisers in Kaza can assist you with the hike and all necessary equipment. On this hike, it is best to travel in a group, ideally with local guides. Luxury Resort in Palampur India are one of the Tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh also have treks organised for groups if any.
Hike / Drive to Surrounding Villages
Walking about a location, especially mountains, is the best method to learn about it. Kibber is a piece of the bigger Spiti puzzle, which surprises you with unexpected sights at every turn.
From gorges to valleys, snow-capped peaks to green meadows, brown desolate mountains to secret ponds, luscious fields to rocky hills, there is something for everyone. You may hike or drive to Kibber’s three neighbouring settlements, Chicham, Gette, and Tashigang.
Chicham
Chicham is about 6 kilometres from Kibber. This settlement is home to Asia’s tallest (13,596-foot) suspension steel truss bridge, which spans a 1000-foot-deep valley and connects Kibber and Chicham.
Chicham is located across the Parilungbo canyon, and until this bridge was built, the only mode of transportation between Chicham and the rest of civilization was a ropeway.
Gette
Gette is more of a cluster of a few homes distributed throughout the brown mountains, green fields, and many ponds full of blue water. Gette village is roughly an 8-kilometer drive away. However, a dirt road begins here, and you must travel to reach into the settlement. The scenery and serenity are beautiful.
Tashigang
The same dirt road leads from Gette to another hidden treasure of a town called Tashigang. Yes, a village in the clouds! That’s how the locals refer to it. This community is made up of 4-5 houses, a gorgeous lake, and a lot of fields.
Monastery of Ki
The finest and oldest monastery in Spiti Valley, Key or Ki, is extremely popular with visitors. Built on a hill, like a fort, it resembles an antique castle rather than a house of worship.
The Ki monastery is around 14 kilometres away from Kaza. However, if you want to visit it during your stay in Kibber or on your way back from Kibber, it is around 8 kilometres away and can be included with your return travel from Kibber.
Monastery of Kibber Village
The local monastery of Kibber village is extremely important to Buddhists since it was founded by the illustrious Serkong Rinpoche, the current Dalai Lama’s master of argument. He spent his final days at this monastery and died there in 1983.
Observing the Sky / Stars
A night at Kibber will reward you with breathtaking views of the sky. Kibber is an excellent location for astrophotography and stargazing. The altitude and remoteness of Spiti valley provide many magical sites to gaze at the Milky Way or millions of stars, and even certain planets, with bare eyes. The experience is incredible and will leave you dumbfounded. The stunningly bright sky has made it a popular night-photography and sky-gazing destination.
How to Contact Kibber
Kibber does not have rail or air service. It is connected by road to the nearest town, Kaza.
By Car or bus
Kibber is around 30-40 minutes (20 km) distant from Kaza. Every evening around 4 p.m., a local bus departs Kaza for Kibber and returns to Kaza the same day.
A bus network connects Kaza to Manali, Shimla, and Chandigarh. Buses from Shimla and Chandigarh arrive in Reckong Peo, from whence you must catch another vehicle to Kaza.
Another option is to drive from any of these places all the way to Kaza.
If you are driving yourself to Spiti Valley, you will need to obtain permission to cross Rohtang Pass.
Taking the Train
Joginder Nagar, 364 kilometres from Kaza, is the nearest train station, which is a narrow-gauge station that receives trains from Pathankot broad gauge. Kibber’s nearest major railway station is Chandigarh, which is 500 kilometres away from Kaza.
By Air
The nearest international airport is Chandigarh, while the nearest domestic airport, Bunter (Kullu), has minimal flight service.
In the event of train and air travel, the continuing journey can be conducted by cab, self-drive, or bus.
Taking a drive near the Spiti River
Kibber Accommodation
Stay in Spiti like a Spitian! Because Kibber is one of the most well-known settlements in Spiti Valley, it boasts a variety of home-stay alternatives. Given the remoteness of the location, there are no expensive hotels. Here are a few suggestions for places to stay:
What to Consume
Fresh food prepared from locally farmed ingredients is the best form of food, regardless of cuisine. That is exactly what you get in Spiti Valley, including Kibber. Local crops such as peas, potatoes, and barley taste finest here.
Itinerary Suggestions
I always recommend staying in a location for at least one night to fully immerse yourself in it. If time is limited, Kibber can be added to your Spiti itinerary as a short journey from Kaza while seeing Langza, Hikkim, Komic settlements, or Ki Monastery.
The First Day | Kaza to Kibber
From Kaza, take a rental car or automobile in the morning, or the daily bus in the afternoon.
If you leave Kaza early in the morning, you can stop by the Ki monastery on your way to Kibber.
Visit the village monastery, take a walk across the countryside, and meet the students of the Kibber school (if possible)
Hike to Chicham, Gette, and Tashigang, or drive there.
You are welcome to return to Kaza in the evening.
Alternatively, spend the night at a home-stay and take advantage of their hospitality.
If you’re interested in astrophotography, give it a shot. Or simply gaze up at the night sky.
The following day, return to Kaza.
The additional itinerary for exploring Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is provided below.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary | Days 2–4
If you want to embark on a snow leopard trail, you must head to the sanctuary’s innards and look for the famed animal. Take a local guide along for the trek.
Conclusion
Kibber is a tourist-friendly, moderately developed settlement in Spiti Valley. It boasts motorable road access, homestays, friendly people, and much to see and do. You could also stay at a Luxury Resort in Palampur India as it is one of tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh
Do you want to go on a hike through a high-altitude forest and meet its inhabitants? or are you looking for a dose of old Buddhist treasures? Kibber should then be on your Spiti itinerary.
I hope that this comprehensive Kibber guide will assist you in properly planning your journey and making it unforgettable.