Tabo Monastery
historical • 10,760 ft
Overview
Location
Tabo, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
10,760 ft
Best Time
May to October
Visiting Hours
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
Free (Included)
Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 AD, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest continuously operating Buddhist monastery in India. Often called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas,' the monastery complex is famous for its simple mud brick structures that house ancient wall paintings, frescoes, and clay statues of Buddhist deities. The artwork is exceptionally preserved due to the cold, dry climate. The monastery stands as a monumental center for Buddhist study and is highly revered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Responsible Travel & Etiquette
Remove your shoes before entering the dark prayer halls and temple chambers
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the historical mud temple rooms to protect the ancient frescoes
Walk around the stupas and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction
Maintain absolute silence and do not touch the ancient murals or statues
FAQs
Why is it called the Ajanta of the Himalayas?
It earned this name because of the ancient, detailed frescoes and clay sculptures inside its dark mud chambers, which resemble the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.
Are there caves nearby?
Yes, the Tabo caves are located on the cliffs overlooking the monastery, where monks used to meditate.
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