Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge is one of the most popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Spiti Valley, in the Lahaul and Spiti district, and holds the title of being the highest suspension bridge in Asia. The bridge stands at an altitude of about 13,596 feet (4,145 meters) above sea level and connects two Himalayan villages – Chicham and Kibber. Below the bridge lies a deep gorge known as Samba Lamba Nallah, which drops nearly 1,000 feet. If you love adventure and amazing views, Chicham Bridge is one place you should not miss on your Spiti trip.

The bridge was built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and was inaugurated in August 2017 after about 15 years of construction work. Before the bridge was built, the people of Chicham village had no proper road connection to the outside world. They used a manual ropeway to cross the deep gorge – which was both dangerous and difficult, especially in winter. The Chicham Bridge changed all of that. It reduced the journey between Kibber and Losar by around 40 kilometers and gave the people of this remote area a safe and reliable road connection.

Today, the bridge has also become a popular destination for tourists, bikers, and photographers visiting Kaza and Spiti Valley. It is about 19 kilometers from Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley.

Quick Information – Chicham Bridge, Spiti Valley

Why is Chicham Bridge Famous?

Chicham Bridge is famous as the highest suspension bridge in Asia. But it is not just the height that makes it special. The whole experience of seeing and crossing this bridge in the middle of the open Himalayan mountains is something that stays with you long after the trip is over.

• Highest suspension bridge in Asia – at 13,596 feet above sea level, no other suspension bridge in Asia is built this high
• Deep gorge views – the Samba Lamba Nallah gorge below is nearly 1,000 feet deep, giving you a canyon-like view from the bridge
• A real engineering achievement – built by BRO in one of the most difficult and rocky areas in India
• Prayer flags all around – Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags wave on and around the bridge, giving it a peaceful and spiritual feel
• Part of the famous Spiti Valley circuit – the bridge is a key stop on the road from Kaza towards Losar and Chandratal Lake
• Great for bikers and photographers – the bridge and the valley around it are a favorite spot for motorcycle riders and people who love taking photos of nature

Chicham Bridge Entry Fee and Timings:

There is no entry fee to visit Chicham Bridge. The bridge is open to all visitors free of charge. It is a public road bridge and there are no gates or ticket counters. You can stop here at any time of the day. The bridge is open for vehicles and pedestrians throughout the day.

Best Time to Visit Chicham Bridge:

The best time to visit Chicham Bridge is from May to October. During these months the roads are open, the weather is clear, and you can safely drive from Kaza to the bridge without any trouble. The skies are usually clear in September and October, which makes it a great time for photography.

The bridge and the roads around it are closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and ice. The road from Kaza to Losar, which passes near the bridge, is also part of the route to Chandratal Lake via Kunzum Pass – this stretch too is open only in summer. If you are planning a full Spiti Valley circuit from Manali via Rohtang and Kunzum Pass, the ideal window is May to early October.

Places to Visit Near Chicham Bridge:

• Kibber Village – 3 km - One of the world's highest inhabited villages, wildlife sanctuary, snow leopard territory
• Chicham Village – Just across the bridge - Traditional Spitian village, local life
• Kaza – 19 km - Main town of Spiti Valley, monasteries, hotels, services
• Key Monastery (Ki Gompa) – 14 km - Oldest and largest monastery in Spiti, stunning hilltop location
• Komic Village – 40 km - One of the world's highest motorable villages, Komic Monastery
• Langza Village – 32 km - Famous for Buddha statue, marine fossils at high altitude
• Dhankar Monastery – 53 km - Dramatic cliff-top monastery overlooking Pin Valley
• Tabo Monastery – 100 km - Over 1,000 years old, UNESCO tentative list, called the Ajanta of the Himalayas
• Chandratal Lake – 77 km via Losar and Kunzum Pass - Beautiful high-altitude lake, camping
• Kinnaur (Kalpa) – 170 km via Nako - Apple country, Kinner Kailash views, monasteries

Chicham Bridge is usually visited as part of the Spiti Valley circuit. Most travelers come from Kaza and combine the bridge with Kibber, Komic, and Langza villages in a single day. Those doing the full circuit from Manali can continue from here towards Losar and Kunzum Pass. Travelers entering Spiti from the Shimla side via Kinnaur Valley also pass through this region.