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Chicham Bridge strung across the deep gorge of the Samba Lamba stream
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0

Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge is a suspension bridge across the deep gorge of the Samba Lamba stream, at about 4,145 m, just past Kibber and about 20 km from Kaza. It opened in 2017 and is often called Asia’s highest bridge, though that claim is debated.

By Chhobyang Singhe · Checked by Divyansh Sood · Last checked

Getting there

From Kaza, take the road up past Key Monastery and on through Kibber. The bridge is a short way beyond the village. From Spiti Villa it is about 9 km.

What it’s like

The bridge spans the gorge of the Samba Lamba stream, cut deep into the plateau. Before it opened in 2017, people from Chicham village crossed the gorge in a trolley hung from a cable. Now it carries a road, and the walk to the middle and back is the reason most people come.

The wind in the gorge is strong and cold even in summer. Hold on to hats and phones, and keep children close to you.

Good to know

  • Most people see Key Monastery, Kibber and Chicham together in half a day.
  • Beyond the bridge, the road runs on to Chicham village.
  • In winter, the road from Kibber depends on the snow. Ask in Kaza or at the villa before you set out.

Best months for Chicham Bridge

Saffron: the easiest months. Best time to visit Spiti · Is Spiti open now?

Spiti Villa’s cottages in summer, along a gravel path below bare mountains

From our door

Spiti Villa is on Kibber Village Road, just below Key Monastery and 12 km from Kaza: 32 rooms, a glass-walled restaurant, and oxygen on site if the altitude catches up with you. Open all year.

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Nearby

Quick answers

How high is Chicham Bridge?

About 4,145 m above sea level, over a gorge roughly 1,000 ft (300 m) deep. Published figures vary a little.

Is Chicham Bridge the highest bridge in Asia?

It is often called that, and it is certainly one of the highest. The claim is a travel-industry one, not an official record.

How far is Chicham Bridge from Kaza?

About 20 km, past Key Monastery and Kibber. It fits easily into a half-day loop from Kaza or from Key.

Sources

  1. Chicham Bridge East (photo and description), Timothy A. Gonsalves, Wikimedia Commons
  2. Key Monastery, Spiti: how to reach, timings and where to stay, Himalayan Brothers, October 2026
  3. Chicham Bridge, Spiti Valley: Asia’s highest bridge, JustWravel
  4. Road distances from OpenStreetMap, routed with OSRM, checked 14 November 2026