Tabo Village in Spiti Valley: Pristine Marvel of Indo-Tibetan Art

Tabo Village, located at an elevation of around 3,280 meters, provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding Himalayan scenery, rocky mountains, and beautiful valleys. Tabo village has kept its ancient mud-brick houses and peaceful environment alive, making it a favorite destination for spiritual seekers, cultural devotees, and nature lovers.

Tabo Village in Spiti Valley is blessed with the ancient Buddhist Monastery, which dates back over a thousand years, is the world’s oldest running monastery, and is also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.” 

​​Tabo caves in Spiti Valley are a half-hour trek from the Tabo monastery. Tabo caves are historically magnificent caves that functioned as living and meditation locations for monks during the severe winters of the Himalayas. 

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.

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, Thupa, and Chutrep. An aesthetically appealing aspect of dining in Spiti village is the seating arrangement, which is a tradition among the locals and tourists.

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 Tabo 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.

Tips To Remember When Visiting Tabo village

• Avoid visiting this place during the winter and monsoon seasons. As it entirely shuts down owing 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 Tabo 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