Tabo Monastery, located in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established in 996 AD by the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Rinchen Zangpo. The monastery complex is a collection of nine temples, numerous stupas, and several monk residences. 
 

The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, also known as the Tsuglagkhang Temple, is the main temple in the Tabo Monastery. It is a three-storied building that houses several statues of Buddha, murals, and thangkas. The temple is adorned with golden paintings that have retained their luster over the centuries. The Golden Temple is a revered place of worship and meditation for the monks and the visitors alike.

The Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall, also known as the Du-khang, is an ancient temple that dates back to the 10th century. It is a two-storied building that houses statues of Buddha, bodhisattvas, and several deities. The Assembly Hall is a significant place of worship and meditation for the monks and visitors. It is also the venue for the annual Tabo Monastery festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The Mahakala Temple

The Mahakala Temple is a small temple located within the Tabo Monastery complex. It houses a statue of the deity Mahakala, who is considered the protector of the monastery. The temple is a revered place of worship and meditation for the monks and visitors.

The Stupa Garden

The Stupa Garden is a collection of several stupas located within the Tabo Monastery complex. The stupas are unique and intricately designed, each with its own significance and symbolism. The Stupa Garden is a peaceful place to meditate and reflect on the teachings of Buddhism.

The Old Meditation Caves

The Old Meditation Caves are a collection of small caves located in the hills surrounding the Tabo Monastery complex. These caves were used by the monks for meditation and retreat. The caves offer a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and reflection.

The Contemporary Art Gallery

The Contemporary Art Gallery is a modern addition to the Tabo Monastery complex. It showcases contemporary Buddhist art and paintings by local and international artists. The gallery is a unique and fascinating place to visit for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in Buddhist art.

The Tabo Monastery Library

The Tabo Monastery Library is a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist texts, scriptures, and manuscripts. The library houses several rare and priceless texts, including the Tabo Manuscript, a collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures that is over a thousand years old. The library is a significant resource for scholars and researchers studying Buddhism and ancient Indian history.

The Tabo Monastery Guesthouse

The Tabo Monastery Guesthouse is a comfortable and affordable accommodation option for visitors to the monastery. The guesthouse offers basic amenities and a peaceful environment for a comfortable stay.

The Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh, is a significant pilgrimage destination for Buddhist history, and art enthusiasts. The monastery complex is a hub of spirituality, culture, and history, with several places of worship, meditation, and reflection. Visitors to the Tabo Monastery can experience the ancient traditions and practices of Tibetan Buddhism while immersing themselves in the serene and tranquil surroundings of the Himalayas.

Hidden facts about Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh:-

It was founded in 996 CE by the great Tibetan Buddhist scholar, translator and master, Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. Here are some hidden facts about Tabo Monastery:

1. Oldest Monastery: Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in the world, and the oldest in India. It is often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" due to its ancient frescoes and murals, which are similar in style to those found at the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2016, Tabo Monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Serial Monuments of the Tibetan plateau" along with other sites like the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
3. Rich Cultural Heritage: The monastery houses a rich collection of ancient scriptures, manuscripts, and thangkas (traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings on cotton or silk). Some of these artifacts date back to the 10th century.
4. Hidden chambers: The monastery is said to have hidden chambers and secret tunnels that lead to nearby caves and gompas (Buddhist temples). These were reportedly used by monks to escape during times of danger.
5. Solar-powered: In recent years, Tabo Monastery has embraced green energy by installing solar panels to power the monastery and its surroundings. This has helped to reduce its carbon footprint and preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Spiti Valley.
6. Tibetan Medical and Astro Science Institute: The monastery also houses a Tibetan Medical and Astro Science Institute, where traditional Tibetan medicine is practiced and taught.

Tabo Monastery is a fascinating place with a rich history and culture, and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Buddhism or ancient art and architecture.

How to travel by road to Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh and the nearest bus stand

Tabo Monastery is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh and is accessible by road from several major cities in the state.

One way to reach Tabo Monastery is to take a bus from Shimla, Manali, or Delhi to the town of Kaza, which is located near the monastery. From Kaza, visitors can take a local taxi or bus to reach Tabo Monastery, which is about 50 km away.

Another option is to hire a private taxi from Shimla, Manali, or Delhi to reach Tabo Monastery. This option offers more flexibility and convenience, as visitors can stop at several scenic spots and landmarks along the way.

The nearest bus stand to Tabo Monastery is in Kaza, which is about 50 km away. From Kaza, visitors can take a local taxi or bus to reach the monastery. The journey from Kaza to Tabo Monastery takes about 2 hours, and the route passes through several picturesque villages and landscapes.

Overall, traveling to Tabo Monastery by road is an adventure in itself, as visitors can witness the stunning beauty of the Himalayas and experience the unique culture and traditions of the Spiti Valley.

How to travel by train to Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh and the nearest railway station

The nearest railway station to Tabo Monastery is in Shimla, which is located about 350 kilometers away. However, there is no direct train service to Shimla from other major cities in India, so visitors may need to take multiple trains or make a combination of train and road travel to reach Shimla.

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a popular narrow-gauge railway that connects Kalka in Haryana to Shimla. This train journey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Visitors can take a train to Kalka from Delhi or Chandigarh and then switch to the Kalka-Shimla Railway to reach Shimla.

How to travel by air to Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh and the nearest airport

The nearest airport to Tabo Monastery is the Bhuntar Airport, located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The airport is approximately 290 kilometers away from the monastery and serves as a gateway to the popular hill stations of Kullu and Manali.

Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to the Bhuntar Airport from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Tabo Monastery. The journey from Bhuntar to Tabo takes around 8-9 hours by road, and the route is scenic and picturesque, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.

Alternatively, visitors can also reach the Tabo Monastery by taking a flight to the Chandigarh Airport, which is approximately 500 kilometers away. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tabo, which takes around 12-13 hours by road.

Overall, traveling by air to the Bhuntar or Chandigarh Airport and then taking a road journey to the Tabo Monastery is the most convenient and popular way to reach this spiritual destination in Himachal Pradesh.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the best time to visit Tabo Monastery?

The best time to visit Tabo Monastery is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

Q.2 Can visitors stay in the Tabo Monastery complex?

Yes, visitors can stay in the Tabo Monastery guesthouse, which offers basic amenities and a peaceful environment.

Q.3 Is there an entry fee to visit the Tabo Monastery?

Yes, visitors need to pay a nominal entry fee to visit the Tabo Monastery complex.

Q.4 What are some other attractions near the Tabo Monastery?

Some other attractions near the Tabo Monastery include the Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and the Spiti Valley.

Q.5 How can visitors reach the Tabo Monastery?

Visitors can reach the Tabo Monastery by road from Shimla, Manali, or Delhi. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, and the nearest railway station is in Shimla.