Kibber is a village in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, situated at altitude of 4200 m, approx. 20 km from Kaza and a few km from Ki Monastery. It's one of the highest inhabited village in the world.
Get in
There is a daily bus from Kaza in the afternoon, returning to Kaza from Kibber early in the morning. Sometimes shared jeeps are also available.Hiring a jeep from Kaza taxi stand costs ₹600 (summer 2008).
Get around
Walking is the only option.
See
- Buddhist monastery (at the upper end of the village). A new, modern monastery.
- Old temple (in the middle of the village). There are some frescoes and a big prayer wheel inside.
- holy source (direclty above the village). Marked by prayer flags, this is the spot when the teacher of the Dalai Lama passed away in the 1980s.
Do
Kibber is a perfect place for short treks around the village, including the following:
- a 2-3 hrs walk to Chichum,. a village situated in the opposite slope, across the Parilungbo canyon. In a short time there will be a bridge across the gorge, making the walk shorter but less interesting.
- a walk to Gete and Tashigang villages.
- a hike up the Dangmachan peak (5157 m). Directly above the village. The hike is very easy, along highland pastures. The main summit is not directly visible from the village however, making the next fragments of the ascent visible only during the hike. Great views of the 6000 Chau Chau Kang Nilda and Shilla peaks.
- Trek the Parang La Pass.
Buy
There are shops with basic provisions, including bottled water, in some of the guesthouses. Otherwise not much to buy.
Eat
Some guesthouses have restaurants. Norling Guesthouse offers tasty food.
Drink
Norling Guesthouse sells beer.
Sleep
There are several guesthouses.
- Norling Guesthouse (near the entrance to the village). The best place in Kibber with a friendly owner, good restaurant and a great balcony. Rooms on the 2nd floor have bathrooms. Beer available on request. ₹150 for a basic room, ₹350 for a better one with bathroom (hot water from geyser).
- Serkong Kibber Home stay: A great source of village culture and natural living. Located in the heart of the village. Many comfortable rooms available and some of the most delicious home cooked food in Spiti and beyond.