Situated in the beautiful Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Tabo Monastery is said to be one of the oldest and esteemed Buddhist monasteries in India. This is one of the best spiritual places in India and is also referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”. Moreover, this site takes you thousands of years back with its dramatic landscapes and buddhist culture representation. This destination should be on the bucket list of all history enthusiasts, cultural buffs, and individuals seeking peace and calmness. Through this comprehensive guide, let’s learn more about this place, its offerings, places to visit, ideal time to go, and more.
About Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh was founded in 996 A.D. by the Tibetan Buddhist monk Rinchen Zangpo. This timeline makes this place one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries that is still functioning in the Himalayas. This monastery has a deep connection with the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Moreover, this place has a huge role in conserving antique art, manuscripts, and monastic traditions. One who visits here can have a sight of nine temples, stupas, monks’ quarters, and detailed wall paintings. Apart from this, the monastery has been recognized as a UNESCO tentative heritage site and has gained protection from the Archaeological Survey of India.
Best Time to Visit the Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is one of the most unexplored destinations in India, which one should surely visit. However, the ideal time to visit this place is between May and October, when the valley is accessible and weather conditions are also optimal. Also, during this season, the overall environment is pleasant during the daytime with clear skies, which allows you to indulge in key activities like sightseeing and trekking. On the other hand, winters are usually rough, with temperatures going below zero degrees. During this time, several routes are closed due to snow. Therefore, plan your visit in the summer months, which also permits you to experience local festivities and interact with the local community.
How to Reach Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley
Tabo Monastery is easily accessible via all three modes of transportation. You can choose your preferred type and reach here to enjoy its offerings. Here is a simple travel guide:
- By Air: To reach Tabo Monastery by air, know that the nearest Airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is close to Kullu, approximately 250 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tabo via Kaza.
- By Road: There are two ways to reach this monastery via road, one from Manali, other from Shimla. You can opt for the Manali-Kaza route via Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. This route is open from May to October. Secondly, you can take the Shimla route via NH-22 through Reckong Peo and Nako. This route takes a lot of time but is open throughout the year.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Tabo Monastery is Shimla. From there, you can travel by car or taxi. It is approximately 430km. An alternative option is to travel from Chandigarh and take a road trip to Tabo. This distance would be 500km.
Explore Tabo Monastery: Key Places to Visit
One can immerse oneself in a range of experiences in the Tabo Monastery. Here is an overview of some of the most enchanting places where you can pay a visit:
1. Main Assembly Hall (Du-khang)
The Main Assembly Hall is one of the key spiritual epicenters of Tabo Monastery. It is a beautiful site where walls are decorated with ancient paintings that demonstrate the early life scenes from the lives of Buddha and other deities. Moreover, one can also find carved wooden pillars, clay statues, and thangka art in the hall. It is one of the best places that give insights into the Tibetan Buddhist rituals, art, and cultures.
2. The Nine Temples
The nine temples in the monastery showcase a combination of architecture and heritage that belong to Indo-Tibetan culture. One can discover an array of religious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and statues of Bodhisattvas and enlightened beings. The Temple of Enlightened Gods (Tsug la Khang) should not be missed. Therefore, each temple is a blueprint of early Himalayan Buddhist tradition.
3. Stupas and Chortens
Stupas and Chortens are a type of sacred Buddhist monuments that showcase enlightenment and the Buddha’s presence. Although they are weathered by time, but are used by monks and visitors for ritual walking. Additionally, these are decorated with prayer flags and mani stones, which further create a meditative environment.
4. Monastic Caves
Monastic caves are a must-visit when in Tabo Monastery. These caves were once meditation centers for monks. Here, one can feel the peace and spiritual solitude. It requires a short hike to reach these caves, but the views from the top are extremely enchanting. Therefore, it is worth the climb.
5. Tabo Village
Tabo Village is one of the most peaceful Himalayan establishments where life is all about nature and tradition. Covered by barren mountains and blue skies, the village is home to mud-brick houses and locals who are kind-hearted. Here, you can experience Spitian hospitality, taste traditional foods, and learn about local customs.
Things to Do in Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery does not lag behind in offering some of the best experiences to its visitors. Here are some key activities in which you can immerse yourself:
- Attend Morning Prayer Ceremonies: Do not forget to experience the peaceful chanting and rituals of the monks at dawn. It is one of the most spiritual retreats.
- Photography: Tabo Monastery is stunning in terms of its desert landscapes, ancient architecture, and old Buddhist art and crafts. So, remember to store these memories in your camera to cherish in the future.
- Visit the Tabo Caves: Trek up the hill and see the peaceful meditation caves where monks used to indulge in spiritual activities and meditate. The caves are situated on a hike, but the climb is worth the visit. You can also have a beautiful view of the Spiti Valley from above.
- Try Local Cuisine: Try local delicacies such as thukpa, momos, and butter tea at local eateries. These are famous local cuisines that you should surely not miss.
- Stay in a Homestay: To have a deeper connection with local life and customs, you can choose to stay in a homestay rather than a commercial hotel.
Tips for Visiting the Tabo Monastery, Spiti Valley
Follow the given tips when planning a trip to Tabo Monastery. These will help you make your journey better.
- Carry Cash, as there will be no ATMs or very few. Also, most local shops and homestays do not accept cards or online payments.
- When visiting spiritual sites, dress modestly. Respect the sanctity of the monastery, especially within the temples.
- Tabo is at a high altitude (3,280 m). Spend a day or two in Kaza or Nako before heading to Tabo to avoid altitude sickness.
- Make sure to carry the right amount of warm clothes, as it will be extremely cold at night.
- Do not make fun of locals and talk politely to everyone in the community.
Conclusion
Tabo Monastery is a preserved destination that holds a lot of stories and ancient secrets. One must explore this site to dive deep into the Buddhist culture and rituals. If you are seeking a tour to this place, get in touch with a reliable travel service provider, Luxury Trails of India. Our curated packages make your entire tour hassle-free and smooth. Moreover, we will help you make the most of your journey with personalized stays, itineraries, visits, and more. Book your tour with us now and be ready to immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture.
Also Read – Ki Monastery – Lahaul Spiti (H.P.)