Ever thought monks actually carved homes inside cliffs to survive? Tucked away in Himachal's barren hills, these rock-cut chambers have been standing for over a thousand years. Tabo Caves aren't your typical tourist attraction. They're actual meditation cells where Buddhist monks lived through brutal Himalayan winters, and the walls still show faded murals from centuries ago. Walking inside feels completely different, almost like stepping into another era.
Most travellers booking Spiti Valley tour packages often include these caves in their itinerary to experience something truly unique. These caves hold stories that guidebooks barely scratch the surface of. This blog takes you through the history hidden in these ancient chambers, how to actually reach them without getting lost, the best time to visit, and other nearby hidden spots worth checking out. Ready to see something most people never discover?
About Tabo Caves
Tabo Caves are carved into the mountainside near Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley. Tabo Caves history dates back over a thousand years, when Buddhist monks carved them for meditation and shelter. They were actively used until fairly recent times before being gradually abandoned. The complex has dozens of caves scattered across different levels of the cliff. Some chambers still have meditation alcoves, sleeping platforms, and traces of ancient paintings on the walls. The caves are still open for visitors who want to climb up and explore. Exploring these ancient chambers is among the most unique things to do in Spiti Valley. Most people combine the monastery and caves in one visit since they're close. The higher you climb, the better the views get over the valley.
Tabo Caves Information:
Tabo Caves Timings: Open 9 AM to 5 PM daily, closed Mondays
Tabo Caves Location: 50 km from Kaza near Tabo Monastery
Entry Fee: Free entry, camera Rs 30, guide Rs 200(optional)
Altitude: 3,050 metres, layers needed for biting winds
Access: 15-minute walk from parking along the river path
Best Time to Visit Tabo Caves
The best time to visit Tabo Caves would be May to October, when the weather is fairly manageable. May and June bring daytime temps around 18°C to 25°C, pretty decent for climbing up and exploring around. The months of September and October are great too, with clear skies and temperatures hovering around 10°C and 18°C. This period also happens to be the best time to visit Spiti Valley overall since roads stay open and the weather remains pleasant. Winter from November to April gets extremely harsh with temperatures often dropping to -15°C or even -25°C. Heavy snowfall blocks roads and makes the caves nearly impossible to reach. Most guesthouses in Tabo shut down during these months anyway. Stick to the warmer months unless you're genuinely prepared for severe cold and isolation.
How to Reach Tabo Caves
Getting to Tabo Caves means first reaching Tabo village in Spiti Valley. From Manali, it's around 245 kilometres and takes 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions. The route goes through the Atal Tunnel, Gramphu, Batal, and Kunzum Pass before entering Spiti. Roads get narrow and pretty rough after Batal. Buses from Manali towards Kaza stop at Tabo when running and cost around ₹400 to ₹700. Private taxis charge ₹4,500 to ₹7,000, while shared ones are ₹900 to ₹1,300 per seat. From Shimla, it's roughly 370 kilometres, taking 10 to 12 hours via Reckong Peo and Nako.
Once you're in Tabo village, spotting the Tabo Caves Spiti Valley becomes straightforward. The caves are right there on the cliff above the village. Park near Tabo Monastery and walk towards the hill base. A rough trail goes upward, taking 15 to 20 minutes. The path has loose rocks and gets steep, so proper shoes help. You'll need to climb on your own since no vehicles go up. Locals can point out the easiest route if you're unsure.
Places to Visit Near Tabo Caves
Once you're done exploring Tabo Caves Spiti Valley, there's plenty more around worth checking out. The entire region hides ancient monasteries, crystal clear lakes, and spiritual sites that rank among the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, but most travellers miss them. Here's a list of 4 incredible spots near the caves that shouldn't be skipped.
1. Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery sits right next to Tabo Caves and dates back over a thousand years. The main prayer hall has incredible murals and ancient scriptures that survived centuries. People call it the Ajanta of the Himalayas because of the artwork inside. The complex has nine temples and 23 chokhangs spread across the area. Monks still live here, and you can attend morning prayers if you are around early. Photography inside costs extra, but the intricate paintings are worth seeing. Winter months see fewer tourists, so you get more peace.
Location: Next to Tabo Caves, 50 km from Kaza
Best time to visit: May to October for open roads
Activities to do: Explore murals, attend morning prayers, photography
2. Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Monastery perches dramatically on a cliff about 32 kilometres from Tabo Caves. The monastery hangs between two valleys, and the views are unreal. It's over a thousand years old and used to be Spiti Valley's capital. The main hall has a giant statue and old Tibetan texts stacked everywhere. A steep trek from Dhankar leads to Dhankar Lake, taking around two hours. The lake stays frozen until June, and the turquoise water looks stunning against barren mountains. Reaching the monastery needs some uphill driving on rough roads.
Location: 32 km from Tabo on the cliff edge
Best time to visit: May to October for clear views
Activities to do: View Confluence, trek to Dhankar Lake
3. Nako Lake
Nako Lake sits roughly 45 kilometres away in a quiet village surrounded by willow trees. The lake is considered sacred and has a small temple next to it. You can walk around it in about 20 minutes on a narrow footpath. The reflection of mountains on still water makes for great photos. Nako village has traditional mud houses and seems untouched by modern chaos. Winter freezes the lake solid, and locals walk across it casually. Stay overnight if you want complete silence and clear starry skies.
Location: 45 km from Tabo in Nako village
Best time to visit: May to October for reflections
Activities to do: Walk the lake path, visit the temple, photography
4. Gue Monastery
Gue Monastery is around 40 kilometres away and famous for housing a 500-year-old mummy. The mummy belongs to a monk who meditated himself into death and was naturally preserved. It sits in a glass case inside a small chamber within Gue Monastery. The monastery itself is simple and small, but the mummy draws curious visitors. The surrounding landscape is stark and dramatic, with brown mountains everywhere. Very few tourists make it to Gue, so you might have the place alone. The road is decent but gets bumpy near the Gue village.
Location: 40 km from Tabo near Pin River
Best time to visit: May to October weekdays
Activities to do: See the 500-year-old mummy, explore the monastery
Conclusion
Visiting Tabo Caves takes you back to a time when monks lived in mountain walls and survived brutal winters through sheer determination. The climb might leave you breathless, but what you see inside makes every step worth it. The faded murals, meditation alcoves, and the silence inside these chambers tell stories that no guidebook really captures. Combine the caves with nearby monasteries and lakes to make your Spiti trip more complete. The entire region has this raw beauty that's hard to forget once you've seen it. Pack properly, plan for the weather, and give yourself enough time to explore without rushing. These ancient caves have been waiting for over a thousand years.
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