Tabo Monastery, Himalayan Mountains Travel Guide

4.8 (1780)

Explore the ancient Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley, a living testament to Indo-Tibetan Buddhist art, culture, and heritage for over a thousand years.

Founded in 996 AD by the Tibetan Buddhist Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo, Tabo Monastery is the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in India and the Himalayas. Known as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' for its exquisite Indo-Tibetan Buddhist art, murals, and frescoes, it's a treasure trove of Buddhist history and culture.

A brief summary to Tabo Monastery

39VM+C56, Tabo, Dhar Gangchhumi, Himachal Pradesh, 172113, IN
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Monday 6 am-5 pm
Tuesday 6 am-5 pm
Wednesday 6 am-5 pm
Thursday 6 am-5 pm
Friday 6 am-5 pm
Saturday 6 am-5 pm
Sunday 6 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tabo Monastery.

Photography is generally restricted inside the temples to preserve the delicate murals and artwork.
Maintain silence within the monastery premises to respect the spiritual atmosphere and the monks' practices.
Dress modestly when visiting the monastery, avoiding revealing clothing.
Acclimatize properly to the high altitude to avoid mountain sickness.
Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs are not readily available in Tabo.

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Getting There

Road

Tabo Monastery is accessible by road from both Shimla and Manali. The Manali route is typically open from June to October, while the Shimla route may be open for a longer duration. From Kaza, Tabo is approximately 50 km away, a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Taxis and local buses are available for this final leg. Be aware that roads can be rough, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended. Bus fares from Kaza to Tabo are approximately INR 150-200. Taxi fares range from INR 2000-3000.
Public Transport

If arriving by public transport, take a bus from Reckong Peo towards Kaza; this bus typically starts at 6:30 AM. Get off at Tabo. From Kaza, occasional buses to Tabo are available. Alternatively, shared taxis can be found. Bus fares from Reckong Peo to Tabo are approximately INR 300-400. The local bus from Kaza to Tabo will cost around INR 150-200.

Discover more about Tabo Monastery

Nestled in the serene Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Tabo Monastery, also known as Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery, has stood for over a millennium as a beacon of Buddhist heritage. Founded in 996 AD by the Tibetan Buddhist Lotsawa (translator) Rinchen Zangpo, under the patronage of the king of the Western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge, Yeshe-O, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas.Often referred to as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas', Tabo Monastery is celebrated for its remarkable collection of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist art. The monastery complex encompasses nine temples, four stupas, and cave shrines, adorned with intricate murals, paintings, stuccos, and frescoes that narrate stories from the life of Buddha, Jataka tales, and various deities. These art forms represent a fusion of Indian and Tibetan styles, showcasing the rich cultural exchange that occurred in the region.The main temple, Tsuglagkhang, is the heart of the monastery, featuring an assembly hall with a shrine area and ambulatory passage. The walls are embellished with 33 stucco Bodhisattvas sculptures and guarded by two blue deity gods at the entrance. Other notable temples include the Golden Temple (Ser-khang), once believed to be covered in gold, and the Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple (Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang), showcasing ancient wooden door frames and remnants of 14th-century paintings.Tabo Monastery served as a vital center for translation and learning, where Indian Pandits and Tibetan scholars collaborated to translate Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan, contributing to the second spreading of Buddhism. The monastery also played a significant role in integrating political, religious, and economic institutions, fostering unparalleled artistic, literary, and philosophical achievements.Today, Tabo Monastery continues to be a place of worship, learning, and cultural preservation. Visitors can explore the ancient temples, admire the exquisite murals and sculptures, participate in prayers, and experience the serene atmosphere. The monastery is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a national historic treasure, ensuring its preservation for future generations.