If you search on Google about the world’s highest post, Majority of the result will tell you about Hikkim post office located in Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Most of the articles and social media posts glorify Hikkim post office as the world’s highest post office. Of course, this is the highest post office in India situated at an elevation of 4,400 m (14,400 ft) but it is not highest post office in the world.
Before I talk about the highest post office, let me tell you something about Hikkim post office. This post office was set up in 1983 and Postmaster Rinchen Chhering is managing it since its inception. It is really difficult to work here. Two postmen make 46km round-trip journey on foot each day across mountain passes to deliver mail to Kaza city.
Hikkim post office is situated at high elevation and tough conditions. But this India’s highest post office is not actually the world’s highest post office.
The China Post Office at EBC in Tibet is the world’s highest post office located at an elevation of 5,300m. This post office was set up in 2008. So, it has been running for more than 10 years now. Travelers coming to Everest base camp can send postcards to their friends and family members before starting their way to Mount Everest.
Mt. Everest attracts millions of travelers every year and most of those visit the place just Everest Base Camp. So, this post office makes sense and is really helpful for travelers visiting this Everest Base camp.
Only three officials work at this post office.
The post office has been set up in a simple green tent. It sells Tibetan stamps and you can send letters or postcards to anywhere in the world,
This place has a harsh climate, so it opens only from the end of April to August. It remains close in other months because blocked transportation system, As the place is at harsh climate area and with poor transportation condition, the fee for sending a postcard from this post office is higher as compared to other places in China. Posts sent from this post office also takes much time to reach the destination.
Even if this is not a permanent post office, this is the highest post office in the world and it should get its recognition.
Now you know what is the world’s highest post office. Next time when someone tells you about Hikkim post office being the world’s highest post office, correct them.