Hidden Treasures of Tabo Monastery: A Journey into Ancient Buddhist Culture

Image : Vivek Sharma

Tabo Monastery, also known as Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 3,280 meters and is one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in India. It is also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas, as it is home to some of the oldest and most valuable Buddhist artwork in the world.

Tabo Monastery was founded in 996 CE by the great scholar and translator Rinchen Zangpo, also known as Mahaguru Ratnakarashanti, who was a key figure in the spread of Buddhism in the western Himalayas. The monastery complex consists of nine temples, several stupas, and other structures. It is believed to be the oldest monastery in India and the second oldest in the world. The main temple of the monastery is the Chamba Lhakhang, which houses a statue of the Buddha, along with two other statues of Padmasambhava and Vairocana.

The highlight of the monastery is the Tabo Main Temple, which is adorned with exquisite murals and sculptures. The temple is a nine-story building that is said to represent the nine planets of the solar system. The murals inside the temple depict various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and iconography, as well as the history of the monastery itself. The artwork is considered to be among the finest surviving examples of Tibetan Buddhist art.

Another notable feature of Tabo Monastery is its extensive collection of scriptures, which includes rare manuscripts and woodblocks. These texts cover a wide range of subjects, from Buddhist philosophy and ethics to history, astrology, and medicine.

Tabo Monastery has also been a center of Buddhist scholarship and education for over a thousand years. Many famous scholars and teachers have studied and taught at the monastery, and it continues to be an important destination for pilgrims and students of Buddhism.

Visitors to Tabo Monastery can experience the rich history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism by exploring the complex and attending prayer ceremonies. The monastery is open to visitors year-round, although it is particularly popular during the annual Tabo Monastery Festival, which takes place in late July or early August and includes traditional dance performances and other cultural events.

In summary, Tabo Monastery is a magnificent cultural and spiritual center that offers a glimpse into the rich history and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art, culture, and religion of the Himalayan region.

Best Places to stay at Tabo Monastery

Here are some of the best places to stay at Tabo Monastery:

Tabo Monastery Guest House: The guest house is located within the monastery complex and offers comfortable accommodation with basic amenities. The rooms are simple, but clean and have attached bathrooms. The guest house also offers delicious vegetarian meals.

Norling Guest House: This guest house is located just outside the monastery complex and offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, and the guest house offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Tabo Retreat: This is a luxury resort located a few kilometers away from the monastery. The resort offers well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a spa. The resort also offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.

Tashi Delek Guest House: This guest house is located in the heart of Tabo village, just a few minutes walk from the monastery. The guest house offers clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Snow Lion Guest House: This guest house is located on the outskirts of Tabo village, and offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, and the guest house also offers a restaurant serving Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisine.

All of these accommodations offer a unique and comfortable experience, and provide easy access to the monastery and the surrounding area.

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Best ways to reach Tabo Monastery

There are several ways to reach Tabo Monastery, and the best mode of transportation depends on your location and travel preferences. Here are some of the most common ways to reach Tabo Monastery:

By Road: The most common way to reach Tabo Monastery is by road. You can take a taxi, a bus, or drive your own vehicle. The nearest major town to Tabo is Kaza, which is well connected to other cities in the region. From Kaza, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Tabo Monastery. The roads leading to Tabo Monastery are scenic and offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

By Air: The nearest airport to Tabo Monastery is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is about 250 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Tabo Monastery. Another airport is in Shimla which is around 365 km away.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Tabo Monastery is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is about 350 km away. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Tabo Monastery.

Trekking: If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also reach Tabo Monastery by trekking. There are several trekking routes that lead to Tabo Monastery, including the famous Spiti Valley Trek. The trek is a moderate one and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Overall, the best way to reach Tabo Monastery depends on your travel preferences, time, and budget. If you are traveling from far away, taking a flight and then a taxi or bus is the most convenient option. However, if you have time and enjoy the journey, taking a road trip to Tabo Monastery can be an unforgettable experience.

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