North of Kaza, a ribbon of road winds up to Kibber, a whitewashed village on a high plateau that is one of the best places in the world to glimpse a snow leopard. Nearby, the Chicham Bridge leaps across a vast gorge — the highest suspension bridge in Asia. Together they make a short, spectacular trip into the wild heart of Spiti, and a memorable day out for anyone travelling up from the Kullu valley.
Kibber and its wildlife sanctuary
Kibber sits at around 4,270 m (14,000 ft) amid limestone cliffs and barley fields. It gives its name to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1999, a cold-desert reserve that shelters snow leopards, Himalayan wolves, blue sheep, red fox and the rare Siberian ibex. In the deep winter months, when snow pushes both prey and predator down towards the villages, Kibber becomes a magnet for wildlife photographers hoping for that once-in-a-lifetime sighting. In summer it is simply a beautiful, breathable high village with enormous views.
The Chicham Bridge
Just beyond Kibber, the Chicham Bridge connects the villages of Kibber and Chicham across a deep canyon. Opened in 2017 after nearly fifteen years of work, it stands about 4,140 m (13,596 ft) above sea level over a gorge roughly 1,000 ft deep — making it the highest suspension bridge in Asia. Before it existed, villagers crossed the chasm in a rickety iron trolley hauled by hand. Today you can walk across and feel the drop fall away beneath you.
Practical tips
- Where: Kibber is about 18–20 km from Kaza; Chicham is a few kilometres further, over the bridge.
- Getting there: Take a taxi from Kaza or self-drive; there is a limited local bus to Kibber, but a cab gives you time at the bridge.
- Snow leopards: Winter (roughly December to March) is the season for sightings, on organised spotting trips with local trackers — it is cold, hard and unforgettable.
- Best season for easy travel: June to September, when the passes and roads are open.
- Altitude: Acclimatise in Kaza first and move gently at these heights.
Getting there from Naggar
The summer route from the Kullu valley runs up past Manali, through the Atal Tunnel and over the 4,590 m Kunzum Pass to Kaza — a long, scenic day on the road. Kibber and Chicham then sit an easy morning's drive from Kaza. For winter snow-leopard trips, most travellers reach Spiti via the all-season Kinnaur road instead.
Spiti's heights are best enjoyed after a gentle start in the green valleys below. Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay in Naggar, an ideal spot to plan your Spiti route and to unwind among orchards once you are back down from the cold desert.
Fancy walking Asia's highest bridge — or watching for a snow leopard? Map out your Spiti days, respect the altitude, and let Naggar be your base at either end — book your stay and get planning.