Kibber Village in Spiti Valley: Best Time, Things to Do & More

Introduction

Kibber isn’t your average mountain village, it’s a tiny dot on the map with a big personality! Located at 14,200 feet, high up in the Spiti Valley, Kibber is where the roads end but the magic begins. Would you love to witness stone houses, starry skies, and yaks casually strolling by like locals?

Life moves slow here, but the views? Absolutely wild. Whether you're here for the calm, the culture, or just to say you've been to one of the highest villages in the world, Kibber will charm your woolen socks off!

It is also the gateway to the famous Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare animals like the elusive snow leopard and the blue sheep. So, get this gem added to your Spiti tour itinerary to explore more about the culture over here.

Best Time To Visit Kibber Village

The Kibber weather in Spiti Valley is generally chilly and dry due to high altitude.

Summers are usually the best to visit Spiti Valley, since during summer, the sun shines brightly, and the height increases the intensity of the rays. Although the nights are still cold and chilly enough to require warm clothes. 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.

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. However, if visiting Spiti in winter sounds fun and adventurous to you then you can head straight onto it with some extra layering in your backpacks.

How To Reach Kibber

Kibber is connected to Kaza, which is connected via roadways to Chandigarh, Shimla and Manali. One can take private taxis or public buses to reach Kibber. Since most places in Spiti Valley are at high altitude, it is recommended to use private taxis for this journey as it will aid in acclimatizing to the high-altitude pressure in the area. For travelling from Manali to Rohtang Pass, a permit is also required.

Best Things to do in Kibber Village

• Visit the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary which is located close to the village and houses many snow-dwelling animals such as Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Woolly Hare, Himalayan Wolf, Lynx, Pika, Tibetan Wild Ass, and Snow Leopard. .
• Parang La Trek never disappoints trekking enthusiasts. At an altitude of 18,400 feet, it offers stunning views of Tso Moriri Lake. It starts from Kibber village and takes you through the Pare Chu river before ending in Karzok village. You will have an experience of a lifetime as you are rewarded with fantastic views of mountains, deep gorges and vast landscapes. It is one of the best things to do in Kibber Village, Spiti Valley.
• Trek to Tso Moriri Lake.Tso Moriri or Mountain Lake is the largest of the high-altitude lakes in the Changthang plateau. You will also come across rare species of flora and fauna, making the place a paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers.
• Hike / Drive to the surrounding Villages. 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. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Kibber Village.
• Chicham is about 6 kms 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.It 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 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.
• 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.

Suggested Read: 20 Things to do in Spiti Valley

Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Kibber has another surprise for you. The Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some rare and fascinating creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive snow leopard, as well as Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, and a variety of birds. The sanctuary is a paradise for photographers and animal lovers alike!

Where To Stay in Kibber?

Kibber Village is a small, remote destination in Spiti Valley, and while it doesn’t have large hotels, it does offer a few guesthouses, homestays, and basic accommodations for travelers seeking an authentic experience. Here are some options:

1. Norling Guest House

• Description: This is one of the more popular guesthouses in Kibber. It offers basic but comfortable rooms with great views of the surrounding landscape. The hosts are friendly and can help arrange treks or tours around the area.
• Facilities: Cozy rooms, homemade food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

2. Serkong Homestay

• Description: Serkong Homestay provides a cozy stay in a traditional Spitian home. The family who runs the homestay is hospitable, and staying here offers a chance to experience local culture and food.
• Facilities: Clean rooms, local cuisine, hot water, and basic amenities.

3. Snow Leopard Guest House

• Description: A simple guesthouse with basic facilities, Snow Leopard Guest House is a great choice for travelers looking for an affordable stay. It’s also a good place for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those hoping to spot a snow leopard during the winter. It could be one of the best hotels in Spiti Valley where you can book a comfy stay.
• Facilities: Basic rooms, local meals, and great insights into local wildlife.

4. Kibber Homestays

• Description: Several families in Kibber offer homestays, where you can experience local hospitality, food, and culture. These homestays provide a unique opportunity to live like a local, with basic but comfortable accommodations.
• Facilities: Homemade meals, cultural immersion, and guidance for treks or village tours.

5. Tashi Zom Guest House

• Description: Another basic guesthouse, Tashi Zom provides clean rooms with a homely vibe. The owners are known for their warmth and helpfulness.
• Facilities: Comfortable rooms, traditional meals, and assistance with exploring the nearby Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.

Things to Know Before Visiting Kibber

• Facilities: Most accommodations in Kibber are basic with limited amenities, but the experience of staying in this remote village makes up for it.
• Food: Expect simple, local cuisine made with ingredients available in the region. Barley, potatoes, and lentils are common staples.
• Booking: Since Kibber is a small village, it’s best to either book ahead or ask locals for recommendations once you arrive. Book the best hotels in Kibber village to have a good stay in the place.

These accommodations offer not only a place to rest but also an immersive experience of life in Kibber.

Suggested read: Kaza