Tabo Monastery: Witness Himachal's Sacred Cave Art

Introduction

Imagine a monastery older than the Dalai Lama’s lineage, filled with dusty scrolls, divine murals, and ancient caves carved into the mountains. Welcome to Tabo Monastery, often dubbed the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” for its breathtaking wall paintings and historic significance.

Located in a cold desert at 10,000 ft, Tabo isn’t just a spiritual site — it’s a living museum, holding centuries of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and Himalayan resilience.

Tabo Monastery – The Ajanta of the Himalayas

Location & Overview

📌 Tabo Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
🗺️ Altitude: ~10,760 ft (3,280 m)
🛣️ Distance from Kaza: ~50 km
Founded in 996 AD by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator and Buddhist scholar
Currently under the Dalai Lama’s Gelugpa sect

“I consider Tabo to be one of the holiest… it is the repository of the Tibetan Buddhist culture,”
— His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Historical & Religious Significance

Known as Chos-Khor Gompa (Doctrinal Enclave)
One of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas
Revered for preserving Tibetan scriptures, ancient thangkas, stucco sculptures, and murals
Hosted the Dalai Lama’s Kalachakra Initiation in 1996 — marking its 1000-year anniversary

What to See at Tabo Monastery

Old Monastery Complex

9 temples, 4 stupas, 23 chortens
Temple of Enlightened Gods — features life-size clay sculptures and cosmic murals
Assembly Hall (Dukhang) — dimly lit hall with over 30 guardian deities painted on the walls
Tara Temple, Mandala Temple, and Golden Temple

Mud Walls & Caves

Built entirely of mud and stone, preserving warmth and acoustics
On the nearby cliff: ancient meditation caves used by monks for solitude and learning
These caves offer a stunning view of the Tabo village and Spiti River

Ajanta of the Himalayas – The Murals

The monastery’s murals are likened to those at Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra
Intricate paintings depict Buddha’s life, Bodhisattvas, and spiritual symbols
The walls speak — a visual journey through Tibetan Buddhist philosophy

Unlike Ajanta, Tabo’s murals remain active in religious use, not just artistic heritage

Staying at the Tabo Monastery

Yes, you can stay in the monastery guesthouse — a truly peaceful and enriching experience.

Option	Features
Tabo Monastery Guesthouse	Basic rooms, clean bedding, attached bath, spiritual ambiance
Nearby Homestays	Local food, culture, and warm hosts

✅ Participate in morning prayers, enjoy Tibetan bread with butter tea, and talk with monks

What to Eat

Tabo is a small village with few cafes, but some hidden gems:

Monastery Kitchen – simple dal, rice, barley bread
Tabo Café – momos, thukpa, herbal teas
Norbu Kitchen – traditional dishes with apricot juice

🍑 Try the locally made apricot jam — Spiti’s natural treasure

Best Time to Visit Tabo Monastery

Month	Experience
May–June	Warm days, active monastery life
July–August	Lush landscapes, occasional rain
Sept–Oct	Clear skies, golden fields
Nov–March	Open, but harsh winters and limited access

How to Reach Tabo Monastery

🚙 By Road from Kaza (50 km, 1.5–2 hrs) or Reckong Peo (~150 km)
🛻 Part of the Shimla–Spiti circuit
🚌 Limited buses from Kaza and Sumdo
🏍️ Ideal for self-drive, bike riders, and slow travelers

Travel Tips

Photography is not allowed inside main temples — respect the rule
Acclimatize before visiting (10,000+ ft altitude)
Dress modestly inside the complex
Carry a headlamp — inner chambers are dimly lit
Bring cash — limited/no ATMs in Tabo

Best Photography Spots

Location	Shot Idea
Outside the Monastery	Sunset against mud walls
Cliff Meditation Caves	Framed view of Tabo village below
Entrance Chortens	Wide-angle Buddhist symbols
Spiti River bank	Monastery with river reflection

Summary

Tabo Monastery isn’t flashy or Instagram-famous. It whispers, not shouts. It’s where the sands of time carry wisdom instead of dust. Visiting Tabo is like walking into the past — and leaving with a deeper sense of the present.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Lahaul-Spiti District.

Planning to Visit Tabo?

Pause. Reflect. Listen to the silence.
And when you return home, you’ll carry more than pictures — you’ll carry peace.
📿 Share your journey with #TaboTales!