Tabo Monastery: The Ajanta of the Himalayas
Explore the ancient Indo-Tibetan art and spiritual heritage of Tabo Monastery, a continuously operating Buddhist enclave in the Himalayas.
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 stunning frescoes and Indo-Tibetan Buddhist art, the monastery houses nine temples, stupas, and cave shrines.
A brief summary to Tabo Monastery
- 39VM+C56, Tabo, Dhar Gangchhumi, Himachal Pradesh, 172113, IN
- +919418963082
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Visit between May and October for accessible roads and pleasant weather.
- Dress modestly as it is an active religious site.
- Photography is restricted in some inner areas to preserve the ancient artwork.
- Acclimatize to the altitude to avoid mountain sickness.
- Engage with the monks to learn about the monastery's history and traditions.
Getting There
-
Road
Tabo Monastery is accessible by road from Kaza via NH-505. Taxis and buses are available from Kaza to Tabo, which is approximately 48 km away. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Occasional buses also operate on this route. Taxi fares typically range from INR 1500 to INR 2000.
Discover more about Tabo Monastery
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dare The Himalayas
62.9 km
Explore adventure at Dare The Himalayas, where breathtaking views and thrilling activities await you in the heart of Himachal Pradesh's majestic mountains.
Lenak La
82.0 km
Explore the stunning landscapes of Lenak La Mountain Pass, an unforgettable destination in the heart of the Himalayas, perfect for adventure and nature lovers.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tabo caves
0.3 km
Explore ancient meditation caves in Spiti Valley, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Spiti Valley
36.9 km
Discover Spiti Valley: A Himalayan desert paradise with ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.
Pin Valley National Park
48.3 km
Discover the raw beauty of Pin Valley National Park: a cold desert ecosystem, home to snow leopards and ancient Buddhist culture in the Himalayas.
The Khirganga National Park - Himachal Pradesh, India
68.3 km
Discover Khirganga National Park: Himalayan beauty, hot springs, trekking trails, and diverse wildlife in Himachal Pradesh.
Kamru Fort
74.0 km
Explore Kamru Fort in Kinnaur's Sangla Valley: An ancient Himalayan capital with stunning views, rich history, and unique Kinnauri culture.
Kunjum La ཀུན་འཛོམ་ལ།
77.9 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas and spiritual aura of Kunzum La, the high-altitude gateway connecting Lahaul and Spiti Valleys.
KheerGanga Waterfall - Half way
83.5 km
Discover the serene beauty and spiritual significance of KheerGanga Waterfall in the heart of the Himalayas.
Chandra Taal
84.1 km
Discover the enchanting Chandra Taal, a high-altitude lake in Himachal Pradesh, where stunning vistas and serene beauty await every traveler.
Kutla Glacier Point
84.1 km
Discover Kutla Glacier Point: Trek through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes for a serene escape and panoramic mountain views.
Tosh Waterfall
87.0 km
Discover Tosh Waterfall: A serene escape in the Himalayas with stunning views and refreshing cascades near Tosh village.
Great Himalayan National Park
88.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Chhota Dara
89.4 km
Discover Chhota Dara: Breathtaking Himalayan views and serene landscapes await on the Gramphu-Batal-Kaza Road, a haven for nature lovers.
Samundar Tapu
90.6 km
Discover Samundar Tapu: A serene Himalayan escape with breathtaking views, trekking adventures, and untouched natural beauty near Chandratal Lake.
Barshaini Waterfall
92.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Barshaini Waterfall in Himachal Pradesh, a tranquil escape amidst lush forests and majestic mountains.
Hanle River
96.9 km
Experience the serenity and beauty of Hanle River in Ladakh, a remote paradise that blends nature's wonders with rich cultural heritage.
Essential places to dine
Worlds highest restaurant
30.1 km
Experience culinary excellence at the world's highest restaurant while enjoying breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The Himalayan Cafe
32.6 km
Experience authentic flavors at The Himalayan Cafe in Kaza – where local cuisine meets breathtaking mountain views.
Himachali guide cafe and cottage
88.0 km
Experience authentic Indian flavors amidst stunning Himalayan landscapes at Himachali Guide Cafe and Cottage.
