Have you ever wanted to feel like you are literally driving over thin air? In Chicham Bridge Spiti, that’s pretty much the deal! Located at such a high elevation, it involves nothing but adventure!
The Chicham Bridge is not a shortcut but a passage for every traveler in Spiti!
The feeling of coming to this bridge is out of this world! And, crossing the highest bridge of Asia isn’t for the faint-hearted! And, having said that, you must not miss out on one of the most adventurous places in Spiti Valley. So, if your idea of fun includes jaw-dropping views and some great heights, this could be your moment!
Chicham Bridge must be included in your Spiti tour package itinerary for an incredible experience like never before! You have to take this ride for a story to brag about!
Chicham Bridge Highlights
- Chicham Bridge height: 13,596 feet
- Chicham Bridge location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Best time to visit Chicham Bridge: June to October
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Things to do: Photography, sightseeing, hiking
- Entry fee: NIL
- Traveler types: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, photographers
- Known for: Asia’s highest altitude bridge, beautiful views
- Distance: Kullu airport is 235 Kilometers, Shimla railway station is 412 Kilometers
How to reach Chicham Bridge
Chicham Bridge, located in Spiti Valley and is accessible by road, by air or by railway depending on your preference and budget. Let us tell you about the three options with which you can easily reach your destination.
Traveling by road is the most common and adventurous way at the same time. The two major routes that the people take - Manali via Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass, and another is from Shimla Via Kinnaur Valley and Nako.
Both scenic routes are adventurous and challenging while driving on the narrow passages, winding and unpaved roads that also cross rivers and mountain passes. Covering a distance of around 200 Kilometers from Kaza, which is the main town of Spiti, is not an easy task, but fun for sure!
And, the distance from Shimla to Kaza is about 420 Kilometers (taking 16 hours), where you can also take a local bus or taxi to Chicham Bridge.
If you are planning to travel to Spiti by air, you can land at the Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, which is about 250 Kilometers from Kaza. This airport has flights from Delhi and Chandigarh, but they are often cancelled or delayed due to weather conditions. Also, you can even take a taxi or a bus to Manali till Kaza.
Traveling through train? Then, you need to depart at the Shimla Railway station that is connected to Delhi by the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. Enjoy the serene valleys and jaw-dropping views that can really mesmerize you throughout the way.
Suggested read: Chandratal Lake in Spiti
Places to visit near Chicham Bridge in Spiti Valley
You can also plan a day trip to the following places while visiting Chicham Bridge
One of the most revered monasteries in Spiti Valley, Key Monastery is around 1000 years old and also serves as a center of Buddhist learning. It is also the oldest training center for lamas and can accommodate around 350 lamas at one time.
As with many other monasteries in Lahaul and Spiti Valley, the iconic Key Monastery is also perched at a hilltop at an altitude of 4166m. It is also the largest monastery in Spiti Valley.
The monastery is dedicated to Lochen Tulku, the 24th reincarnation of the great translator Ltsawa Rinchen Zangpo. It is about 12 km north of Kaza and 210 km from Manali by road.
One of the most picturesque villages in Spiti Valley, Kibber is an absolute photographer’s delight.
Be it the wildlife sanctuary which is situated here, or its snow-capped mountains surrounding the entire village with lush green meadows, Kibber Village has something for everyone and is definitely worth visiting. You will find homestays here where you can spend the night and go Stargazing in Spiti Valley and even spot the Milky Way!
Another remote village in Spiti Valley, Chicham Village is a small little place which is located just adjacent to Kibber Village separated by the deep Samba Lamba Nallah and now connected by the Chicham Bridge. You can also visit a small cave which is located here in the village and go on a hiking trail to the nearby Tashigang Village, Gette Village.
Best time to visit Chicham Village in Spiti Valley
Planning to visit Chicham Bridge? The best time to experience its magic is between June and August, when Spiti Valley is in full bloom. The weather during these months is just right — clear skies, crisp mountain air, and comfortably warm days make it perfect for road trips and sightseeing. Plus, most of the roads are open and easily accessible, so getting around is a lot smoother.
That said, it’s also peak tourist season, so you’ll likely be sharing those stunning views with quite a few fellow travellers. But if you don’t mind a little crowd and want to explore Spiti at its most vibrant, June to August is the ideal window to visit Chicham Bridge.
Things to Know About the Chicham Bridge Spiti
Chicham Bridge Spiti is one of the most popular tourist spots, which you should not miss out. So, here are some facts and figures which should be well-known by every traveler who is coming here.
- Chicham Bridge was built in about Rs. 48 Crores
- The construction of the Chicham Bridge Spiti took around 14 years, from 2009 to 2023.
- It is known as Asia’s highest bridge and has now become one of the best tourist attractions in Spiti Valley.
- The Chicham Bridge was mainly built by manual labour and local materials without using any heavy machinery.
- You can even face harsh weather conditions, difficult road conditions, and a lack of resources while traveling here.
Suggested read: Spiti weather guide
