Explore Tabo Monastery (996 CE), one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in India.
Admire exquisite murals, paintings, and ancient scriptures.
Scenic Himalayan village along the Spiti River.
Gateway for treks to nearby caves and villages.
Unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist culture and Spitian lifestyle.
Nestled at about 3,280 meters in the cold desert of Spiti Valley, Tabo is among the most spiritually and historically significant villages in Himachal Pradesh. Its jewel is the Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 CE, which houses ancient murals, thangkas, and statues depicting Buddhist pantheon figures. The monastery’s art has earned it the title “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” and it continues to be a living center of learning for monks.
Beyond its monastery, Tabo charms travelers with its stark landscapes of rugged mountains, the Spiti River flowing below, and caves carved into nearby cliffs where monks used to meditate. Visitors can walk through the narrow lanes of the village, stay in homestays, taste local Spitian cuisine, and soak in the high-altitude silence. Tabo is also a convenient halt between Reckong Peo/Kinnaur and Kaza.
| Location | Google Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Lahaul and Spiti |
| State/UT | Himachal Pradesh |
| By Air | The nearest airport is Shimla (~365 km) or Bhuntar near Kullu (~390 km); both require a long drive through Kinnaur to reach Tabo. |
| By Train | The closest railhead is Shimla (narrow gauge) or Kalka (~430 km, broad gauge); from there, road travel is the only option. |
| By Road | Tabo lies on NH505, about 155 km from Reckong Peo and 50 km before Kaza. HRTC buses and shared taxis regularly ply between Peo and Kaza, stopping at Tabo. |
| By Type | Village |
|---|
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