Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery is a historic Buddhist complex located in Tabo village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 996 CE by Rinchen Zangpo for King Yeshe-Ö, it is recognized as the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in India and the Himalayas. The site comprises nine ancient mud temples, stupas, and cave shrines adorned with millennium-old murals reflecting Indo-Tibetan artistic traditions. It remains an active center of worship and learning under the Gelug sect.

Visitors can explore a complex of nine ancient earthen temples and several stupas dating back over 1,000 years, featuring well-preserved murals and statues illustrating Indo-Tibetan Buddhist history. The site includes cave shrines along the mountain slope traditionally used for meditation and a newer Kalachakra Temple built in 1983. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the old temples to protect the fragile artwork. Basic facilities like parking and dry toilets are available, but visitors should expect limited electricity and high-altitude conditions.

Founded in 996 CE by translator Rinchen Zangpo on behalf of King Yeshe-Ö of the western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge. Renovated 46 years later by royal priest Jangchub O'd. Built as a daughter monastery of Tholing Monastery in western Tibet, it was instrumental in the second spreading of Buddhism in Tibet and served as a key cultural exchange point between Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Regarded as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' for its exceptional collection of ancient Buddhist murals and sculptures. Houses unique artwork showing local characteristics and non-Buddhist iconographic themes. Continues as an active religious institution running the Serkong School established in 1999. Represents living heritage of early Tibetan Buddhist culture and its connection with India.