Tabo Village in Spiti Valley: Pristine Marvel of Indo-Tibetan Art
Tucked away in the remote Spiti Valley, Tabo Village is a destination like no other. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, this ancient village holds secrets that have stood the test of time for over a thousand years.
Imagine stepping into a place where centuries-old monasteries are carved into rugged cliffs, where the air hums with spirituality, and where each twist of the winding roads reveals a new, jaw-dropping vista. Whether you’re chasing adventure, spiritual awakening, or a rare off-the-beaten-path experience, Tabo’s surreal landscapes and rich history will ignite your sense of wonder and leave you spellbound. The Spiti Valley tour takes you through some of the most enchanting destinations in the Spiti Valley.
5 Things to do in Tabo Village
1. Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Tabo Village. This 1000-year-old monastery holds enormous significance in Buddhism. Tabo Monastery, known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas, contains various paintings, art forms, and murals depicting Buddhist religion and culture. Because of its archaeological and historical significance, the Archaeological Survey of India maintains the monastery. The paintings at the Tabo monastery are incredibly well-kept and in excellent shape, which is why people come here to see the magnificent artwork.
Kalchakara, a cultural event, was held in the presence of the Dalai Lama in 2000 and was attended by a large number of Buddhist monks and followers from all over the world. Visitors may feel the Positive vibrations at this location, where monks chant and meditate.
Suggested Read : Tayul Monastery
2. Tabo Cuisine
When visiting Spiti Valley, the cuisine is not to be missed. Tasting the food of Tobo village is an adventure in itself. Some of the most delicious dishes to try include Kiu, Chulpi, Chushi, Thukpa, and Chutrep. An aesthetically appealing aspect of dining in Spiti village is the seating arrangement, which is a tradition among the locals and tourists.
Suggested Read : Best Time to Visit Tabo Village in Spiti Valley
3. Tabo Caves
Discovering and visiting the Tabo caves in Spiti Valley is the best thing to do in Tabo village. These caves are located in and near Tabo village. There is no specific information on how old these caves are or whether they are natural or man-made. Locals claim that humans lived in these caverns many years ago to endure the severe climate.
Even today, monks utilize these caverns for meditation purposes, and they are designated with flags. These cases are old architecture marvels as they appear to be little holes, yet once within the caves, there is adequate space and enough openings for sunshine to come through.
4. Star gazing
As darkness falls, the sky gradually grows milkier. The Milky Way galaxy can be seen with the naked eye, and this location is a dream come true for astronomers and photographers and is considered the best thing to do in Tabo Village. This pollution-free sky is a sight to behold and a welcome respite for the overworked mind.
5. Eat Juicy Apples
Apple orchids are plentiful at Tabo Village in Spiti Valley. If you visit Village between August and October, you will have the opportunity to pick some of the freshest and juiciest apples in India. It is the best activity to do in Tabo Village.
The best time to visit Tabo Village
Visiting Tabo village during the winter and monsoon months is not the finest time of year. Unless you have previously visited the area, it is not suggested that you visit during these months, as the winters are extremely cold with unsettling cold waves. The terrain leading to the village is rough, especially during the monsoon season when landslides occur.
Summers are the best time of year to organize a trip to the village. Both roads from Manali and Shimla are fairly accessible during these months. The weather is good, although woolen coats and jackets will be required when the sun sets. Sunscreen, lip balms, and cold medications are essential to have while traveling here.
Suggested Read: Spiti Weather Guide, Memories In Mountains
How to reach Tabo Village
By Air: The nearest airports to Langza Village are Kullu Manali Airport or Bhuntar Airport (248 km) and Shimla Airport (267 km). However, access to other major airports is restricted from these locations. The closest major airport is Chandigarh.
By Train: The biggest railway station closest to Langza village is Chandigarh. However, you may take a toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla, which is around 463 kilometers from Tabo Village, and then plan a car journey to the village.
By Road: Tabo Village in Spiti Valley may be reached from two locations: Shimla and Manali. The direct road route from Kunzum Pass to Manali is approximately 231.1 km long, whereas the Shimla path from Kinnaur Valley is 355 km.
Tabo village distance from the major cities nearby
Chandigarh
Distance: 502 Km
Travel Time: 11 hours and 58 minutes
Kullu
Distance: 270.5 Km
Travel Time: 7 hours and 5 minutes
Manali
Distance:231 Km
Travel Time: 6 hours and 6 minutes
Shimla
Distance:466.6 Km
Travel Time: 12 hours and 30 minutes
Delhi
Distance:740.5 Km
Travel Time: 16 hours and 1 minute
Dharamshala
Distance:448.7 Km
Travel Time: 12 hours and 13 minutes
Jammu
Distance:712.2 Km
Travel Time: 16 hours and 40 minutes
Staying In Tabo Village
1. Monastry
If you are a budget traveler, lodging at the monastery appears to be the best option. The monastery accommodation is provided at extremely affordable costs. You may acquire a dormitory for as little as 1000 rupees.
2. Hotels
There are several options for staying in hotels and guest houses. These hotels in Tabo Village are conveniently located on the sides of the highway. Visitors visiting the Tabo Village may select the appropriate hotel and guest house based on their needs and budget.
3. Homestays
The best choice is to stay at a Tabo Village homestay. The reason for this is it lets you witness the lives of the people and their food. The dwellings are basic with antique buildings, and the cuisine is the most genuine. Not to be missed is the villager’s hospitality. Homestays have also become a source of income due to the increased popularity of Tabo Village.
Suggested Read : Stays in Nako
Tips To Remember When Visiting Tabo village
- Avoid visiting this place during the winter and monsoon seasons. As it shuts down entirely due to heavy snowfall. Although this location receives plentiful rain during the monsoon season, the road leading to it is unsafe owing to landslides.
- Even in summer, carry woolen clothes since nights can be chilly and windy.
- Only the BSNL connection works at this place. There is no proper network connectivity. So come prepared with a complete cut-off from the outside world.
- When traveling to village, keep your car’s fuel tanks topped, as there are no petrol pumps or even mechanics available.
Suggested Read: After Years Of Planning And Cancelling, I Finally Visited The Spiti Valley
What is Tabo Village famous for?
Tabo Village in Spiti Valley is well-known for its serene beauty and diverse ecosystems. This location has a 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery and the best monastery in Lahaul Spiti, which is of paramount significance to the Buddhist monks. There are also historic caves in and around the town that reveal the narrative of ancient inhabitants and their way of life.
What is the best time to visit Tabo Village?
The best time to visit Tabo Village in Himachal Pradesh is during the summer months of April to September. During this time of year, the temperature during the day is pleasant, but the evenings are windy with a cold breeze, requiring the use of woolen clothes. It is highly recommended to avoid visiting Tabo village in Spiti Valley during the winter season due to excessive snowfall, which entirely blocks Village Connection.
Are there any accommodations available in Tabo Village?
There are several lodging options in Tabo Village, in Himachal Pradesh. One of the most significant and affordable options is to stay in a monastery. It is available to travelers at reasonable prices. Hotels in Tabo Village are also accessible in the vicinity of the Tabo Monastery and near the highway. Visitors can also choose to stay at Tabo Village homestays, which provide a peek into how people live in India’s distant villages.
What are some activities to do in and around Tabo Village?
The best thing to do in Tabo village is to stroll and connect with the Buddhist monks and locals. Learn as you explore the lives of people in remote areas of India. Indulge in the lush vegetation of Apple orchids, and if you are fortunate enough to be in Tabo Village during the apple season, pluck the juiciest apples from the trees.