Postcrossing Blog

Stories about the Postcrossing community and the postal world

Blog > The World's Highest Post Office

  icon

When we wrote about postcards sent from an underwater postbox in Susami, Japan, we came across another record-breaking postal service: the world’s highest post office, at 4,400 metres above sea-level.

Located in India, the post office of Hikkim is a vital part of its community. Far from being a novelty like an underwater postbox, the postmaster Rinchen Chhering handles thousands of letters—in the video below he mentions that more than 1,000 letters a day get posted in the summer—to keep people in touch despite a lack of mobile or internet coverage… and the post office also handles money deposits and passports!

Check out the video to hear more about Hikkim and their record-breaking post office!

PS: Less than 50,000 postcards until postcard 60 million is registered! Have you placed your bet yet? 😊

tags: ,

39 comments so far

foysalratul, Bangladesh

This video made me realize that even today in the remotest villages the post office still plays a vital role in the day-to-day life of its inhabitants.

on
HookedonPostcards, Canada

Such a beautiful story about the Hikkim post office that reminds of the vital importance of postal services; particularly, in remote areas.
My mother was a postmistress in a rural post office. A very busy people-oriented job!
I am so moved by this story that I am going to send Rinchen Chhering a cheerful postcard. Just to say "hello"!
Below is the address for the Hikkim post office, in the event anyone else would like to send a postcard.
Cheers! Helen

Hikkam Post Office
Himachal Pradesh
PIN 172114 INDIA

on
HookedonPostcards, Canada

Please not correct spelling of the village:

Hikkim Post Office
Himachal Pradesh
PIN 172114 INDIA

on
greenskull, Russia

I ❤❤❤ Postcrossing!

on
Trans_Niqabi, United States of America

Wow!! Very cool!!!!!

on
Candy1211, Hong Kong

Very beautiful post office, eye-opening

on
simonqian, China

Maybe this is not the highest post Office in the world!In China, a post office on the Mountain Qomolangma ,at 5,300 meters above the sea-level , is probably the highest post Office!

on
mapa, Belgium

great story! Lovely working place with a lovely view!

on
ALFAVIT, Russia

Everyone don't even dissuade me, I want to be a postman oh :))

on
mysweetlife63, United States of America

How cool is that!
Thank you for sharing this story!
It is so beautiful there!

on
Prakashchandra, India

Evetest base camp in China is the highest post office in the world...
https://www.exploretibet.com/blog/the-highest-post-office-in-the-world-at-ebc/

on
Mamaduke, Australia

I am sending a special postcard from the "Land Down Under". I hope he receives many PC's for his dedication. Super story. Cheers from Colin
Post to:
Rinchen Chhering
Postmaster
Hikkim Post Office
Himachai Pradesh
Pin 172114
India

on
HaomingW, Sweden

There is a China Post service point in the northern base camp of Mount Everest (Qomolangma), which is 5200m above the sea level. But not sure whether that will also open in winter after snowstorms.

on
Knerq, United States of America

This is amazing. I think I will send him a postcard. Thank you to those who looked up the address!

on
firstdi, United States of America

Wow, just amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.

on
Nique, Canada

Letter mail is important! See how this story touched so many of us? Thank you for letting us know about The Hikkim Post Office💌

on
volvomom, United States of America

Thank you for writing about this. Amazing to see!

on
marjap17, United States of America

How amazing. It shows that sending mail is important no matter where you live. Thank you for sharing.

on
ezredax, United States of America

Amazing! Wouldn't we all love to live in a post office. :) No need to travel to purchase stamps.

on
cjf3848, United States of America

Great story!

on
sunny25, India

Wow! Thanks for sharing.

on
Shashidar, India

Woah
I am so happy to know that is in my beautiful country
Fun Fact : India also has the worlds only floating Post Office in Dal Lake in SriNagar

on
cleopatra-matta, Italy

I'm sending a postcard too! Thanks for the address!

on
NataKlv, Belarus

Thanks!!! An interesting story!!! I think this man is really so happy to bring smile on the faces of those ones who receive these letters!!!

on
kailashsharma, India

Love that place ...... situated in Himachal Pradesh...

on
Luziaceleste, Brazil

Touching story, lovely to confirm the power of written messages.

on
InTheDoghouse, United States of America

I love this story. I just wrote a postcard to him.

on
fiden, Switzerland

great story! in Europe, the highest post office is on the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland, 3466 metres above sea-level :-)

on
MarianneSF, Philippines

I wonder if there is a postcrosser from Hikkim?

on
sutan, Indonesia

Amazing story!

on
PilotOne, Portugal

What an amazing story!
Would love to visit this place someday and a send a card from there!

on
carruzzo, Russia

wonderful story! Rinchen is a man with a big heart! I like India -a fantastic country! I`m gonna send him a postcard with our best wishes.

on
laminloiza1, Finland

the man does valuable work.
love and peace

on
Flippie, Canada

Thank you for sharing this Story, I will for sure sending him post.
What a "kind" men.

on
alison41, South Africa

A fascinating story. Thanks!

on
MeggieW, Australia

Thank you for sharing this story. It is fascinating to see an active, vital post office in action and open 7 days a week.

on
xushaojie, China

I think the highest post office is in the Himalayas of China. It is located at the base camp of climbing Mount Everest at an altitude of 5,300 meters on the northern slope and is the highest post office in the world. As a Chinese, I regret not being able to receive postcards from here. If you have friends who plan to climb Mount Everest, please don't miss this opportunity.
Postal address: Mount Everest East Road, Dingri County, Xigaze City, Tibet Autonomous Region. Zip code: 858299
PS: I live in Hubei Province, China, welcome to exchange postcards with me

on
travelflea, United States of America

What a wonderful video showing a unique location, and a one-of-a-kind postmaster. That he loves his job...brought a smile to my face!

on
VERACASTEELS, Belgium

Amazing story! Wonderful place! I will send him a postcard from Belgium!

on

Back to top