Tabo, Spiti Valley: Riding Into History, Silence & Sacred Caves
Tabo is a small ancient village nestled in the heart of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, known for housing the oldest continuously operating Buddhist monastery in India — the Tabo Monastery. Located at an altitude of 3,280 meters, this remote hamlet near the Indo-Tibet border offers stark beauty, spiritual energy, and caves once used by meditating monks.
Whether you’re a rider, trekker, or cultural traveler, Tabo serves as a peaceful retreat amidst the barren, high-altitude desert of the Trans-Himalayas — a place where silence speaks louder than sound.
A spiritual detour in the Himalayas through monasteries, meditation caves, and desert landscapes.
My Ride to Tabo – A Story from the Road
It was one of the most thrilling and beautiful days I’ll remember from my Himalayan travels. After spending a quiet night at Kalpa, I kickstarted my Royal Enfield and began riding toward Tabo, excited to finally enter Spiti Valley — a destination that had lived in my imagination for years.
The landscape began to shift — from pine-green forests to barren, mystical terrain. I was alone on the road, riding alongside the Sutlej River, the Enfield’s thump blending with nature’s silence, making it feel more like meditation than movement.
Somewhere near Nako, my journey paused — a landslide blocked the road. I waited two hours, observing the power and patience the mountains demand. Eventually, the route cleared, and I entered Nako, a quaint high-altitude village known for its lake and monastery. After a brief stop and a warm chai, I continued.
Before reaching Tabo, I made a short detour to Gue Village, home to the mysterious mummified monk Sangha Tenzin. Preserved in a glass enclosure, the monk’s presence felt peaceful and timeless — as if watching over the valley silently for centuries.
The final stretch to Tabo was calmer — golden light over brown ridges, the wind whispering Spiti’s age-old tales. By 5 PM, I arrived in Tabo and checked into a humble homestay
Exploring the Ancient Soul of Tabo
In the soft light of dusk, I made my way to the legendary Tabo Monastery — founded in 996 AD by Yeshe-Ö, the King of Guge, and the translator Rinchen Zangpo. Often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas“, the monastery is filled with ancient murals, clay statues, and frescoes, protected for over 1,000 years.
What fascinated me most were the meditation caves on the cliffs overlooking the village. It’s said monks would retreat here in complete silence for months. As I climbed up and looked back at the valley, a deep sense of quiet and clarity washed over me.
That evening, under a clear Himalayan sky, I felt both small and content. Riding solo, seeing places like Gue and Tabo — it all made sense in that moment.
How to Reach Tabo
- By Road (Most Common):
- Delhi → Shimla → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo
(~750 km total, best done over 2–3 days). - Manali → Kunzum Pass → Kaza → Tabo
(More scenic but rougher route, open May–Oct only).
- Delhi → Shimla → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo
- Via Public Transport:
- Take a bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo.
- From Peo, shared cabs go to Nako, Gue, and Tabo.
- Note: Roads beyond Peo may have limited transport; plan buffer time.
- By Air (Nearest Airport):
- Bhuntar (Kullu) or Shimla Airport → Continue by road.
- No direct air/train connectivity to Spiti.
Best Time to Visit Tabo
- May to October:- Best time – roads are open, weather is dry and views are clear.
- July–August:-Avoid monsoon – occasional landslides on Shimla-Kinnaur route.
- November to April:- Harsh winter – roads may close due to snow, extremely cold.
Things to Do in Tabo
- Explore Tabo Monastery:-
- Built in 996 AD; marvel at ancient murals & paintings.
- Often called “Ajanta of the Himalayas”.
- Visit Meditation Caves:-
- Hike up to caves where monks once meditated in silence.
- Amazing sunset view from above.
- Take a Detour to Gue Village:-
- See the 500-year-old mummified monk.
- Peaceful village with deep spiritual vibes.
- Interact with Locals at Homestays:-
- Learn about Spitian culture, food, and language.
- Photography / Sketching:-
- Desert landscape, monasteries, and quiet corners make it ideal for slow creators.
