The Tabo caves in Spiti Valley are ancient, beautiful caves that monks used as homes and meditation spots during the cold winters in the Himalayas. These caves are believed to be over a thousand years old!The Tabo caves overlook the green Spiti River and can be seen high on the hills across from Tabo Village. You can reach them by taking a short 30-minute trek from Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley.
For centuries, monks and spiritual people have visited the caves, and they are becoming more important to the Spiti Valley. These caves are now known as one of the best places to visit in Spiti. In search of quiet, monks carved the Tabo caves into the hills. Over time, the caves were expanded to meet their needs, making them even more unique.
So, when you plan your Spiti Valley trip, be sure to include these amazing caves in your itinerary for a truly special experience in the Himalayas.
Tabo Caves from Tabo Monastery
When you see the looks and shapes of the Tabo caves in Spiti Valley, it is pretty much difficult to make out whether they are man-made or natural. As some of them have been fairly developed with the stony walls, but devoid of any embellishment. They can be easily visible from the Tabo monastery and can be beautifully seen. You will see that the floors and walls of the Tabo caves in Spiti Valley are smoother than the rest of the group. Some of them are even multi-storeyed are equipped with an assembly hall. Also, multiple rooms are mostly interconnected.
But, you will be mesmerized by the positive aura of the Tabo caves. It can be felt right after you enter here. You need to experience the sweet fragrance and aura of the place.
Each cave is like a small room with a flat ceiling and walls. The caves are interconnected by narrow passages, and some of them have multiple rooms. The walls of the caves are adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha. The caves are believed to have been used by Buddhist monks for meditation and religious rituals. Suggested read: Lahul and Spiti Guide
What to Expect Inside the Tabo Caves
Don’t expect anything fancy inside the Tabo Caves in Spiti Valley. These aren’t elaborate rock-cut temples or intricately decorated monuments – they’re simple, functional spaces. The monks who lived and meditated here didn’t need much. Inside, the caves are quiet, cool, and bare, with enough room for one or two people to sit and reflect. The walls are smooth, worn down by time and the hands of those who carved them.Some caves are connected by narrow passageways, and a few have small windows that let in natural light, creating a soft, peaceful glow. What you get inside is silence – the kind of deep, almost heavy silence that makes you aware of every breath you take. It’s easy to imagine monks, hundreds of years ago, sitting in that same silence, looking out at the same valley, and finding peace.
A Short Trek with Big Rewards
One of the great things about visiting the Tabo Caves in Spiti Valley is that it doesn’t require an all-day trek. The caves are just about a 30-minute hike from the famous Tabo Monastery, making it an easy trip even if you’re not an experienced trekker. The path is a little steep, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes, but the hike itself isn’t too challenging.As you climb, you’ll start to get incredible views of the Spiti River and the valley below. It’s one of those places where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. When you finally reach the caves, the sight of them carved into the cliffside, with the valley stretching out behind them, makes the short trek worth it.
Best Time to Visit Tabo Village
If you are planning to visit the Tabo village and ancient Tabo caves in Spiti Valley, you would prefer to go here between May to October. The weather is really pleasant and the temperature is bearable for the tourists to have fun. So, get your packages booked for the real exploration to begin in the Spiti Valley! It is the time to explore some of the ancient things you might not think of existing.
Suggested Read: Nako Village
Tips for Visiting Tabo Caves:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Caves is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and the roads to Spiti Valley are open. Winters can be extremely harsh, making it difficult to travel in the region.
- What to Carry: If you’re planning to visit the caves, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry water, as the trek can be a bit tiring. A camera is a must to capture the stunning views of the valley.
- Respect the Site: The Tabo Caves in Spiti Valley are a place of spiritual significance, so it’s important to be respectful while visiting. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid littering the area.
