Tabo Monastery is among the oldest and important monasteries in the Himalayas. High up in the cold desert of Spiti Valley, there’s a tiny village that holds one of the oldest and most peaceful secrets of the Himalayas—Tabo Monastery. Built over 1,000 years ago, this quiet, mud-walled monastery isn’t flashy or grand like some others, but it holds a magic that’s hard to explain. Step inside, and it feels like time has stopped.
Tabo is known as “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” which makes it so special, and why it should definitely be on your Spiti itinerary—even if you’re not into monasteries (yet). Let us help you with the Tabo Monastery travel guide to understand the place better.
Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, Tabo Monastery is not only a spiritual center but also a treasure of history and art. Its peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural heritage attract both pilgrims and travelers seeking a glimpse into the region’s deep Buddhist traditions. Spiti tour packages can be planned all year round because of its cool climatic conditions.
History of Tabo Monastery Lahaul
Tabo Monastery was built over 1,000 years ago, in 996 AD, by a kind and wise Buddhist teacher named Rinchen Zangpo. It is one of the oldest and most special places for Buddhists in India. The monastery is in a quiet valley called Spiti, surrounded by mountains. Inside, there are beautiful old paintings and statues that tell stories about peace, kindness, and wisdom.
Even though it is far from cities and the weather is cold, Tabo Monastery has stayed strong and welcoming for many centuries. Today, it is still a peaceful home for monks and a place where people come to learn and find calm.. It is still an important place where monks live and people come to pray and learn.
How To Reach Tabo Monastery In Spiti Valley
- By Road: The most common way to reach the Tabo Monastery Spiti is by road. You can hire a private taxi or take a bus from Shimla, Manali, or other nearby towns to reach Spiti Valley. From Spiti Valley, Tabo Monastery is approximately 50 kilometers away, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Tabo Monastery is the Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport), which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can hire a taxi from the airport or take a bus to Spiti Valley. The distance from the airport to Tabo Monastery is approximately 200 kilometres, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours.
- By Rail: The nearest central railway station to Tabo Monastery is Chandigarh Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities in India. From Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or a bus to Spiti Valley. The distance from Chandigarh to Tabo Monastery is approximately 360 kilometres, and the journey takes around 10-12 hours.
Suggested read: Lahaul and Spiti Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Tabo Monastery
Here’s a general overview of the best time to visit the Tabo village Spiti and the beautiful Tabo Monastery.
- Summer (April to June): During summer, the weather in Tabo is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is considered the best time to visit as the days are warm and the nights are cool. The weather is generally dry, and the clear skies offer excellent visibility for exploring the monastery and the surrounding landscapes.
- Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings intermittent rainfall to Tabo Monastery. The temperature during this period ranges from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). Spiti Valley in August can be a little tricky if not well-planned in advance.
While the rain rejuvenates the region’s lush greenery, it may lead to occasional roadblocks or travel disruptions. It is advisable to check weather forecasts and road conditions before planning your visit during the monsoon season.
- Winter (October to March): Winter in Tabo Monastery Lahaul is cold, with temperatures dropping below the freezing point. The temperature ranges from -15°C to 10°C (5°F to 50°F). The region experiences heavy snowfall, which adds to the scenic beauty and makes the roads inaccessible. Winter is considered the off-season, but if you enjoy the snow and are prepared for the cold, it can be a unique and picturesque time to visit.
It’s important to note that weather conditions can vary from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing and gear accordingly.
It’s important to note that the road conditions in Spiti Valley can be challenging, especially during the winter season. It is advisable to check the weather and road conditions before planning your trip and ensure you have a suitable vehicle for the terrain.
Suggested read: Offbeat Places in Spiti Valley
Tabo Monastery Spiti Festival
The Tabo Monastery Festival is a special celebration held at Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Do you know how old is Tabo Monastery and how long this tradition has been going on? So, this ancient monastery, which is over 1,000 years old, comes to life with prayers, rituals, and traditional masked dances (Cham Dance) performed by monks, one of the most popular festivals in Spiti.
The festival is an important event for the local Buddhist community, bringing people together to pray, celebrate, and enjoy cultural performances. The sound of drums, chants, and music fills the air, creating a peaceful and joyful atmosphere. Visitors can experience the rich Buddhist traditions and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayas, making it a wonderful event for anyone interested in spirituality and culture.
Nearby Tourist Spots Of Tabo Monastery
- Dhankar Monastery – A stunning cliffside monastery offering breathtaking views of the Spiti and Pin rivers.
- Pin Valley National Park – A cold desert reserve famous for rare wildlife like the snow leopard.
- Langza Village – Known for its fossil-rich hills and a giant Buddha statue.
- Kye Monastery – One of Spiti’s largest monasteries with beautiful ancient murals.
- Kibber Village – One of the world’s highest inhabited villages, famous for its Tibetan architecture.
- Chandratal Lake – A crescent-shaped high-altitude lake popular with trekkers and campers.
Travel Tips for Visiting Tabo Monastery
- What is Tabo Monastery famous for? It's a well-preserved artwork, which gives a glimpse into the amazing Buddhist culture and traditions.
- Tabo Monastery Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Tabo Monastery Entry fee: No entry fee
- Tabo Monastery Location: Tabo Village, Spiti
- Is photography allowed in Tabo Monastery : No
Tips: You cannot do photography inside the temples, and it is advised to carry your water and munchies as there are very limited resources available here.
- Required time: Approximately 1-2 hours to explore the Tabo monastery thoroughly.
- Restricted items: leather items and shoes are not allowed inside the monastery.
- Best time to visit Tabo monastery: May to October
- Nearby tourist spots: The Dhankar Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Village
Suggested read: Dhankar Monastery in Spiti Valley
Hotels Near Tabo Monastery
- The Dewachen Retreats
- Khangsar, which only has four rooms but can arrange camping at nominal charges.
- Tabo monastery guest house is also a thing that you can consider, if you want to travel in a budget. It is a ten-bed dorm plus some individual rooms. However, there is no hot water, and some rooms might have shared bathrooms as well.
Apart from that, you can find plenty of budget homestays in Spiti to stay! The hospitality of the locals and the sweet gestures would definitely mesmerize you.
Places to Eat near Tabo Monastery
Don’t expect fancy restaurants, but definitely good food! You can find several dhabas that serve you basic yet delicious food, including Indian and Tibetan! So, get ready to try some new flavors like momos and Thukpa. You will definitely be delighted with the food that they offer.
Suggested read: Dragon Restaurant in Spiti Valley
