In the heart of Spiti Valley, lies Tabo Monastery - a thousand-year-old treasure often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”. With mud walls, ancient murals, and prayer halls glowing under butter lamps, this monastery is one of the best places to visit in Spiti .
No wonder most Spiti tour packages make Tabo a must-visit. In this blog, we are diving deep into Tabo Monastery Spiti Valley, the history, how to reach, and why this little monastery in the middle of nowhere is the beating heart of Spiti Valley.
Tabo Monastery: Highlights
Best-Selling Spiti Valley Packages
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, some beautiful old paintings and statues 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 Valley 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 the Spiti Valley. The distance from Chandigarh to Tabo Monastery is approximately 360 kilometres, and the journey takes around 10-12 hours.
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 Spiti 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.
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.
Places to Visit Nearby Tabo Monastery
1. Dhankar Monastery
Clinging to a cliff high above the Spiti and Pin rivers, Dhankar Monastery feels surreal! Inside, you will find age-old murals, scriptures, and statues that whisper stories of Buddhist heritage. Step outside, and the stunning views of the valleys below will leave you spellbound, a sight that makes Dhankar one of the most dramatic monasteries in Spiti Valley.
Location: 36Q7+R29, Sichling-Dhankhar Gompa, Dhankhar, Himachal Pradesh 172113
Distance from Tabo Monastery: 31.6 Kilometers.
2. Pin Valley National Park
It is a famous paradise for nature lovers, this park is home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex. With its vibrant landscapes and hidden villages, Pin Valley is ideal for trekkers and adventurers.
Location: XVXJ+RX4, Kaza Valley, Himachal Pradesh 172117
Distance from Tabo Monastery: 35-40 Kilometers
3. Key Monastery
Key Monastery - The largest monastery in Spiti, it is a spectacular sight with its fortress-like structure. It’s a hub for Buddhist learning and offers mesmerizing views of the valley.
Things to Do in Tabo Monastery
- Walk Through Ancient Prayer Halls – Step inside the 1,000-year-old mud-walled halls glowing with butter lamps and feel the peaceful aura that makes Tabo special.
- Admire the Murals & Frescoes – Often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”, Tabo is famous for its exquisite Buddhist paintings and wall art.
- Experience Monastic Life – Join monks in prayer or meditation and soak in the calmness that defines this sacred space.
- Stay in a Monastery Guesthouse – For a unique experience, opt for simple accommodations inside or near the monastery and live the local way.
Travel Tips for Visiting Tabo Monastery
- Best time to visit Tabo Monastery is from May to October.
- No entry fee is charged, donations are welcome.
- Book hotels or homestays in Spiti early, as options near the monastery are limited.
- Roads can be rough, consider a Spiti tour package for convenience.
- Dress modestly and stay quiet inside the monastery prayer halls.
- Photography is restricted in some areas; always ask before clicking.
- Carry warm clothes, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for the trip.
- Stay hydrated and move slowly due to Spiti’s high altitude.
- Support local businesses by trying nearby cafes and handicraft shops.
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
