Image Source: Kunga Monlam
One of the highest settlements in India, Kaza is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,500 ft). The village is famous for its extremely harsh winter climate. Despite its remoteness, being a district headquarter it has all facilities like a police station, petrol pump, hospital, and government offices.
Kaza serves as the gateway to some of the world’s highest villages that are quite popular among the visitors.
* Komic—highest motorable village
* Hikkim – home to the world’s highest post office
* Langza – known for fossil finds and the Buddha statue
* These villages are within a 30–40 km radius from Kaza and must be villages for visitors.
World’s Highest Petrol Pump
The Indian Oil petrol station in Kaza is often cited as the highest functional petrol pump in the world (though some in the Leh region rival it). It operates only seasonally due to snow and accessibility.
Center of the Historic Trans-Himalayan Trade Route
Since ancient times, Kaza was once an important stop on the ancient trade routes between Tibet and India. Traders used to trade salt, wool, barley, and medicinal herbs across these rugged terrains.
Beside object culture also travels this place that even today can be seen in the architecture, food, and customs of Kaza reflecting Tibetan influence .
Home to an Underground Market Street
Kaza market is designed in such a way that all shops and stalls are built slightly below road level. A sunken layout is built to protect them from strong winds and snow during winters.
Tourists can buy local woollens, thangkas(Tibetan paintings), fossil replicas and handcrafted jewellery.
Kaza Becomes a Desert Oasis in Summer
Whole Spiti is considered a cold desert where there is a minimum chance of agriculture. But during the summer months between May and August, Kaza comes alive with poplar trees, barley fields, and colourful flowers.
The contrast of greenery against barren brown hills is striking and brief, making it a visual treat for summer travellers.
During the harvest month a special fair is organised in Kaza called the Ladarcha fair. It’s one of the biggest traditional fairs where local traders from Ladakh participate to buy and sell products.
Home to Spiti’s Oldest Mud Houses
Life in Kaza still lives in traditional mud-brick homes with flat roofs and thick walls. But the increasing popularity of kaza among tourists has given rise to modern guesthouses.
The traditional houses are still considered a better option that provides natural insulation while retaining heat during freezing winters and cool interiors in summers.
Extreme Winters with Minimal Resources
During winter (November to March), temperatures in Kaza can fall below –25°C , and it becomes largely cut off. Most guesthouses shut down; locals survive using stockpiled food, solar heaters, and dried yak dung for fuel. Winter medical emergencies often rely on Indian Air Force helicopters , as roads are impassable.
Center for Monastic Education
Kaza has a monastic school and offers Buddhist teachings in the Gelugpa tradition. Several monks from Key and Dhankar Monasteries visit or study in Kaza during the summer.
Backpacker and Adventure Base
* Kaza has become a hub for adventure tourism , with facilities for:
* Motorbike expeditions
* Treks to high passes like Parang La
* River rafting in the Spiti River
* Mountaineering routes toward the Pin–Parvati and Kunzum ranges
Despite being isolated, Kaza is now a melting pot of mountain explorers, spiritual seekers, and local tribal communities .