10 Fun facts about Komik, Spiti Valley

The picturesque Lahaul and Spiti Valley embrace several treasures in its vicinity and Komik is one such place, which is set beautifully amid the stunning mountains in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India.

1. Highest Village:

Komik is the highest village in Asia and is located at a height of 18,000 feet above sea-level. The beauty of this place cannot be described in words; it can only be felt and experienced with the eye. Surrounded by snowy mountains and majestic valleys, Komik attracts countless tourists who simply want to get drenched in its breathtaking beauty and charming festivity. All you need to do is come and explore the delightful vistas of this scenic valley.

2. Time to visit:

Komik can be best visited during summer from May to October as the routes from Rohtang Pass remain open at this time.

3. Population:

The total geographical area of the village is 129 hectares. Komik has a total population of 130 people. There are about 15 houses in Komik and Manali is the nearest town.

4. Network:

There is no mobile network connectivity in Komik at all, but BSNL does work here sometimes.

5. Monastery:

Komik is famous for Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist monastery. It is believed that the monastery has ‘Matrey Buddha,’ or ‘the future Buddha,’ who looks after the well being of the people of the village. It is also famous for being the highest motorable Buddhist monastery in the world, visited by bikers and travel enthusiast from all over the world. The 14th-century monastery has a fortified castle made of slanted mud walls, representing the murals, scriptures, and arts belonging to a bygone era.

6. Meaning of Komik:

It is said that even before the monastery was being made, it was already told in Tibet that a monastery in the shape of the eye of a snow cock would be built in a mountainous region in Spiti. Thus, the place was called Komik or Koumik, where ‘Ko’ stands for snow cock and ‘Mik’ means eye.

7. Festival:

For the people of Komik, their village is their world and it is indisputable because the beauty here is so evident that no one, not even an outsider would ever think of leaving this place. This cold desert village hosts many festivals throughout the year and the same can be enjoyed by tourists who love to see lamas performing Chham dance or mask dance.