Tabo

About

Founded in 996 CE, Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest continuously operating monastic complexes in the world — pre-dating the Potala Palace in Lhasa by several centuries. The Dalai Lama has repeatedly expressed his wish to retire in Tabo, and has performed the Kalachakra initiation here twice. The complex houses extraordinary 1,000-year-old murals, plaster sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts in nine temples and 23 caves cut into the hillside. The surrounding village of Tabo is famous for its traditional mud-brick homes, some constructed using ancient Spitian insulation techniques that keep interiors warm even when outside temperatures plunge to -30°C.

Highlights

• starTabo Monastery (996 CE) — oldest continuously active monastery in India
• starAncient cave frescoes — equal to Ajanta in artistic importance
• starMeditation caves — 23 prayer caves carved into the hillside
• starMaitreya Mud House — luxury eco-homestay, traditional Spitian construction
• starWinter Cham festival — monastic masked dances (dates vary)

Nearby Attractions

Gallery

Local Experiences

• exploreGuided tour of the 1,000-year-old monastery frescoes
• exploreMeditation in the Tabo caves at dawn
• exploreInteract with young monks at the monastery
• exploreTraditional Spitian meal at Maitreya Mud House

Food & Drink

• restaurantMaitreya Mud House restaurant — Tsampa, Thukpa, Chhurpi (yak cheese soup)
• restaurantTiger Den Restaurant (Dekit Norphel) — local home-cooked meals

Where to Stay

• hotelMaitreya Mud House — eco-luxury mud construction, (₹3,000–5,000/night)
• hotelSpiti Mountain View Mud House — (₹1,500–2,500/night)
• hotelMonastery guesthouse — basic, ₹500–800/night

Travel Tips

• lightbulbPhotography inside the monastery requires a special permit (₹100)
• lightbulbRespect the monks — no loud behaviour inside the complex
• lightbulbTabo is at 3,050 m — acclimatise before arrival
• lightbulbThe village has no ATM — carry cash from Kaza

Frequently Asked Questions

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