Preneeta Sharma

Nestled at an elevation of 15027 feet above sea level, the “Eye of a snow cock” is one of the remote village that lies in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Bounded by snowcapped mountains and majestic valley, “Eye of a snow cock” (Komic) is also  fame as the Highest village in the world connected with a motorable road.

Nearly with 150 population, in komic village you can visit Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery and a restaurant which is might be running by the villager.

In Komic village,the Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery is one of the monastery which is the houses the ‘Maitreya Buddha’ (Future Buddha). People believe that the Maitreya Buddha looks after the wellbeing of the Villagers. The 14th-century monestry has a fortified castle made of slanted mud walls, taking you back to the yesteryears through the beautiful murals, scriptures, and arts.

In fact, the village actually derives its name from the monastery as years ago it is in the shape of an eye of a snow cock. Today, the village is home to about a dozen houses, one monastery and has a population of around 150, includes the monks. The intersting of the monestry is its roof where one can find more than 15 tata sky dish. Moreover, the monastery is blessed with t Unspoiled scenery, lush surroundings, snow-covered peaks, and barren landscapes.

Near, the monastery you will find the World Highest Restaurant, where you can have pranthas, thupkas, tea, coffee and maggie.

STORIES BEHIND ITS EXISTENCE 

Komic village people narrates different stories about its existence. Some says that centuries back, monks at the monastery decided to shift the monastery lower down near Hikkim Village to deal with the extensive drought.

However, it is believed that the statue of Mahakaal refused to move the ground despite several efforts. The entire monastery was moved, and only a monk resided beside the statue to pray.

But around 1975, an earthquake reduced the new monastery to ruins. The ruins are still visible when you’re traveling from Hikkim to Kaza. But the Mahakaal statue in the old Komic monastery still held its ground despite the massive earthquake. Hence, monks re-shifted the monastery back to Komic in religious beliefs of the sacredness of the place.

HOW TO REACH

Generally, Komic village and Spiti valley, can be reached by two routes – one via Shimla  another via Manali.  The road towards Komic and Spiti valley via Shimla is a little rougher than Spiti Valley via Manali. Therefore, the most preferred route to Komic village is via Manali.

However, the route from Shimla allows for a more gradual climb, allowing you to acclimatize better. But, regardless of the choice of the route, you should complete the entire circuit and witness the beauty of Manali, Kinnaur, and of course, Spiti in the journey. The nearest major town to Komic is Kaza, which is the center place of Spiti Valley.

Places to stay in Komic

There are a couple of basic homestays but the best one is near the monastery itself, which will happily serve great food for your tummy and your thoughts! It is quite a delight, and the owners are super kind and beautifully happy folks. There are a couple of rooms at the monastery as well, which will cost you around INR 50-100 per day.

Food Options

In the Komic village, there is one restaurant named as world highest restaurant. Here you can have all kinds of teas and coffees, which will delight your heart!

The views are stunning, and they make lip-smacking food.

BEST MONTHS TO EXPLORE

If you want to explore Komic village and near places, the best are summer months. During the winter months, i.e., November to March, the village is completely cut off from the rest of the world. All this is thanks to excessive snow and road blockages. The winter months are harsh, with temperatures falling below -30 degrees Celsius.Thus, April to mid-May becomes the beginning of the season. This time is when the snow starts melting, and several roads become functional from Kaza to Losar. However, you should note that the road from Kunzum Pass towards Manali becomes operational from June onwards.

So best time is from June to September yo explore this barren land.

Experience the soulful melody of Komic once in your life!!