Introduction

Past the base of the Ki monastery the road climbs up to Kibber, which at 4,205 meters above sea level was, till recently, the highest permanently inhabited village in the area accessible by road; this position has been taken by the village of Komic that is somewhat higher. The road distance between Kibber and Kaza is sixteen kilometers. The village is a small one and has less than a hundred houses. This lies on top of a bare outcrop of limestone with terraced fields on the sides. There is one main street and narrow paths access the other houses as well as the couple of small basic home-stay places and hotels. The overall appearance is one of considerable neatness and order. The whitewashed stone houses have narrow vents for windows and are flat- roofed – the roofs are invariably stacked with brushwood. Quite well-equipped for a village this size and located in less than hospitable terrain, Kibber has a school, post office, telephones and television. Kibber has a small Buddhist temple that was expanded after Serkang Rimpochhe of Tabo passed away here.

Kibber was along one of the old trade routes that led into Ladakh (and Leh) over the pass of Parang La. This is still a trek route which is fairly demanding. Kibber lies along the periphery of the Kibber wildlife sanctuary which is spread over a substantial area and has a buffer zone and an inner protected area. Animals like the ibex, blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan woolly hare, Tibetan wolf, lynx, the pika and the Tibetan wild ass inhabit this. This sanctuary is also home to the rare and elusive snow leopard. The other piece of exotica that Kibber has been in the news is for the numerous fossil finds in the area around it.

Special Attributes

High altitude permanently inhabited village.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative and comfortable attire is recommended. Since these are remote areas, it is best to avoid anything too revealing. Always factor in local sensibilities.

Connectivity

Taxis and buses

Enjoyed by

People interested in culture, nature and religion.

Exposure

None indoors, but high outside. Appropriate precautions like headgear and sunscreen lotion are suggested.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February, March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

None as such, but no shoes in the temples.

Tip

Adequate acclimatization is suggested

Type of site

Village