Do you want to explore a gem that is hidden deep in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh and seems to have been frozen in time? This small village is referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” as it is located along the banks of the Spiti River. Tabo Village hosts one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in India named Tabo Monastery. The mud-brick houses, waving prayer flags and the serene environment come together to make it an ideal escape from the busy urban life. Choose the best Spiti Valley Tour Packages and visit Tabo to feel like you’re stepping into a living museum. Let us now explore the place where history, religion, and nature blend beautifully to make your trip to HImachal an unforgettable one!
About Tabo Village
Tabo Village Spiti Valley is one of the oldest and most spiritual places in Himachal Pradesh. This ancient village is surrounded by enormous mountains and quiet desert landscapes. It is one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley that is really famous for the 1,000-year-old monastery and the peaceful atmosphere around it. Tabo provides a peep into the conventional Buddhist lifestyle and is commonly referred to as the “Spiritual Heart of Spiti.”
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: Around 10,000 feet; 3,280 metres above sea level
Famous For: Tabo Monastery, ancient murals, meditation caves
Best Time to Visit Tabo Village
The best time to visit Tabo Village is between May and September when the weather is really pleasant and the roads are open for travel. The temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C during this time, which makes it ideal for exploring the ancient Tabo Monastery, local trails, and local villages in the area. Evenings are cool and breezy, while days are sunny. Spiti Valley in Winter (October to April) is all about freezing cold, heavy snow, blocked roads and thus travelling is hard. August should also be avoided because of monsoon rains that may result in landslides and slippery paths throughout the Spiti Valley area.
How To Reach Tabo Village
Reaching Tabo Spiti takes time but the journey is truly very beautiful. The village is located on the Spiti Valley route in Himachal Pradesh. It is connected by road from both Shimla and Manali. The most popular way is to travel from Shimla via Kaza which offers beautiful views of the mountains and scenic valleys. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport near Kullu (about 250 km away) and the closest railway station is in Shimla. From both places, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tabo Village.
By Air
The nearest airports to Tabo Village are Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar) at about 248 km and Shimla Airport at around 267 km. However, flight options are limited. The closest major airport with better connectivity is Chandigarh Airport (about 445 km away)
By Train
The nearest major railway station to Tabo Himachal Pradesh is Chandigarh. This connects to most major Indian cities. For a scenic journey, travellers can take the toy train from Kalka to Shimla (around 463 km from Tabo) and then continue by car or taxi to reach the village
By Road
You can reach Tabo from two routes- via Shimla through Kinnaur Valley
(around 355 km) or via Manali through Kunzum Pass (about 231 km). The roads are open mainly from May to October as winters often bring heavy snowfall. HRTC buses run from Kaza to Tabo once or twice a day. Check timings in advance
Places to Visit in and Around Tabo Village
From ancient monasteries to scenic mountain hamlets, Tabo offers a mix of spirituality and raw Himalayan beauty. Each place here tells a story- a story of faith, a story of timeless charm. Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley at Tabo Village and around that shouldn't be missed during your Spiti Valley trip.
1. Tabo Monastery
The Tabo Monastery was built in 996 CE and is one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Referred to as Ajanta of the Himalayas, it contains ancient wall paintings, manuscripts, and clay statues representing Buddhist art from the 10th century. The nine temples and meditation caves form part of this monastery, with stories to narrate on faith and history. Its mud-brick walls and tranquil surroundings make it one of the best places to visit in Tabo Village and give you a feeling of timeless peace.
Location: Tabo Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
2. Tabo Caves
Just above the village, Tabo Caves are ancient meditation shelters carved into the mountain cliffs. Monks once used them for prayer and solitude. Today, visitors can hike up a short, steep trail to explore these caves and enjoy a sweeping view of the Tabo Valley. The peaceful atmosphere, the thin mountain air, and the silence make it an unforgettable spot. It's best visited during the daylight when the path is safe and visible.
Location: Hilltop behind Tabo Monastery
Timings: Sunrise - Sunset
Entry Fees: Free
3. Tabo Apple Orchards
The cool, dry climate of Spiti makes Tabo's apple orchards truly special. Here, apples are grown with extra crispiness and sweetness, since the ripening process is so slow. A refreshing walk through the orchards at the backdrop of snowy peaks is a treat. During late summer, the whole valley looks bright with green and red apple trees. Several local families also sell fresh fruits and juices right from their farms to give the travellers a taste of the Himalayas.
Location: Around Tabo Village, Spiti Valley
Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
4. Mud Village
Tabo to Mud village is at a distance of just 8 km. The Mud Village, also spelt as "Mudh", is the last village in the Pin Valley. Surrounded by tall peaks and endless silence, it is known for its raw beauty and warm locals. The village also forms the base for the Pin-Parvati Pass Trek and Bhabha Pass Trek. Visitors love walking up and down the narrow lanes, speaking to monks, and watching the golden light fall over the mud houses.
Location: Pin Valley, about 8 km from Tabo Village
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fees: Free
5. Dhankar Monastery
Perched on a cliff, the Dhankar Monastery is around 31 km away from Tabo and presents one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Spiti. It stands at the meeting point of the Spiti and Pin rivers, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The monastery is over a thousand years old and still has ancient Buddhist scriptures and statues in it. The view of the valley below makes it a definite stopover on the way to or from Tabo.
Location: Dhankar Village, 31 km from Tabo
Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 (approx.)
6. Nyingmapa Monastery
Located not far from the main Tabo Monastery, Nyingmapa Monastery is a quiet place famous for traditional Buddhist teachings and old thangka paintings. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect-one of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is surrounded by prayer wheels and varicoloured flags that fly gently in the wind. Its calm atmosphere and simple charm make it one of the top monasteries to visit in Spiti, which is a nice stop for travellers who would like to learn something about local Buddhist life.
Location: Near Tabo Village, Spiti Valley
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
7. Chogskhor Monastery
A short walk from Tabo Monastery, Chogskhor Monastery is this temple complex, built in traditional Tibetan style, where monks have meditated and studied scriptures for centuries. The monastery is embellished with ancient murals, prayer flags, and stone carvings depicting deep Buddhist symbolism. This quiet environment and old-world charm make it a wonderful place to sit and soak in the spiritual aura of Tabo.
Location: Near Tabo Village, Spiti Valley
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Top Things to Do in Tabo Village
Tabo is all about experiencing the quiet rhythm of life at Spiti. From peaceful prayers to starry nights, the village beckons you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Here are some of the most rewarding things to do in Spiti Valley at Tabo Village :
1. Meditate at the Monastery
Take a while to meditate amidst the ancient Tabo Monastery, where silence prevails in the air and soft chants whisper around the walls. Being one of the most popular Things to do in Tabo Village , this will be a surreal experience that grounds you and connects you with your inner self. The peaceful energy of this thousand-year-old monastery makes it an ideal spot to relax your thoughts and deeply feel the spiritual side of Spiti Valley.
2. Go For Village Walks
Walk gently along Tabo's quiet lanes, lined by mud-brick homes with fluttering prayer flags. You'll see locals going about their lives, yaks grazing nearby, and monks heading toward the monastery. These are the simple walks that touch your heart and give you a true view of how people live in one of India's most peaceful mountain villages, hemmed in by dramatic desert scenery.
3. Attend a Buddhist Prayer Ceremony
If you happen to visit during the time of prayer, attend the morning or evening chanting session with the monks. The rhythmic prayers and the sound of drums create an atmosphere so powerful yet peaceful. It's a great way to experience Buddhist traditions and feel the calm spiritual energy that makes Tabo Village best among Spiti Valley Villages to Visit on Your Next Trip
4. Try Local Spitian Food
Enjoy traditional Spitian dishes at small local cafés-thukpa or noodle soup, momos, and butter tea are the specialties. These meals are humble but full of flavour, made with mountain-grown ingredients and warm hospitality. You can experience the warmth of sitting near a stove with a bowl of steaming hot thukpa and talking to locals for a true taste of life in Himachal Pradesh's cold desert.
5. Go Stargazing at Night
When the sun goes down, Tabo's night sky transforms into a sparkling ocean of stars. With no city lights, the Milky Way appears bright and clear. Lie back, feel the cool mountain breeze, and watch shooting stars glide across the sky. More than an activity, stargazing here is a magical reminder of how peaceful and vast the Spiti sky can be.
6. Enjoy a Photowalk
Tabo is a photographer's paradise, with golden cliffs, ancient murals, and smiling locals in their traditional costumes. Take an early morning or a sunset photography walk as this is the time when the light hits the valley perfectly. Every corner of the village has a story to be told, and capturing these moments lets you take a little piece of Tabo's timeless beauty back home.
Conclusion
The village of Tabo is one of those places where one gets the feeling that nothing has changed with time. Surrounded by dry, golden mountains of Spiti Valley, Tabo Village offers a perfect mix of beauty, culture and calm. Every moment feels special here- be it exploring the ancient monastery, watching starry skies or tasting local food. Tabo carries centuries of wisdom and warmth, which stays long even after one leaves. If you are searching for a quiet, meaningful travel experience in the Himalayas, Tabo is the place to be.
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