After staying in Tabo for 3 days, we move to Kaza to explore more of Lahaul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh. Kaza being the largest town in Lahaul and Spiti district is quite populated and busy compared to the other town in Spiti Valley. Kaza is surrounded by ice-capped mountains and barren land. After we found a guesthouse, we secured our bags and rest for a while and decided to explore the town of Kaza. After realizing that there's nothing much to do here, we decided to go further to Kibber, a small town near the Ki Monastery above the town of Kaza.
Kibber lies at an altitude of 4205 meters above sea level. The road to Kibber is not a paved one but the views are amazing especially once you reach the village. The town of Kibber is claiming that they are the highest motorable village in the world. I noticed that the landscape of Kibber and the entire Spiti Valley resembles that of Ladakh. The houses in Kibber village are unique to Spiti as most of them are made of stones instead of mud or brick that they used extensively in other parts of the Spiti Valley. They say that the culture is also similar to that of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion. No wonder why Spiti Valley is also known as the Little Tibet.
While I was in Kibber, I always go out of the room during day and night to enjoy the cool weather and stare at the magnificent view of the sky. For some reason, the skies are so blue and the stars literally shine brightly at night. The architectural structures in the village of Kibber are worth to see. There's nothing much to do in Kibber though aside from trekking and mountaineering.
The usual scenes here are donkeys carrying goods, childrens carrying water that they get near the snow covered mountains, yaks and sheeps getting ready to move up and down the hills for their daily tasks in the fields. It’s so amazing to witness how the villagers live their everyday life.
I have seen animal skins lying outside the houses of Kibber (it was a common site in the many villages of Spiti). It might be a Yak fur, the locals might be either selling it or using it to protect themselves from the extreme cold climate at night.
According to the owner of the house where we stayed, the land in Kibber is very fertile compared to other town in Spiti Valley allowing them to produce sufficient amounts of foods even for trading. The economy of the village is based mainly on trade with Ladakh. They even use the barter system with Ladakh where locals often trade their Donkeys for Yaks. In preparation for winters, villagers stock food that will last for the season and during winters all of the villagers stay within their houses and use that time to knit clothes and create handicraft items.
Having a laid-back and relax atmosphere, wonderful villagers and amazing views, Kibber will always be a special place for me. I admit, I have fallen in love with this place.
Hi Bino. I’ve been amazed, really amazed, at your travel destinations. Been following your blogs and quite impressed with your adventures. Stunning photography, off the beaten path travels, superb writing — I’m a fan. Hijo, let me know when you do come up with a book!
Thanks Tita Lil! '? I’m actually planning to release a photo e-book about Northerm India. You’ll get the first copy. Promise!
Beautiful photos… I bet I’ll fall in love with the place too.
For sure, Ryan! '? Thanks!
Love the photos (again and again and again!). I’m just glad that the weather there is cool despite the obvious sunshine.
Thanks, Mica. '?
Spiti is one place I’d like to visit in India when I return to the country. That and Ladakh. I’ve always been drawn to desert-like and desolate places and your photos remind me why. Magnificent!
Paul, these places are waiting for you. '?