Tabo

Nestled in the cold desert of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, Tabo is a small town that is home to one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in the country – the Tabo Monastery. Established in 996 CE, this monastery is often referred to as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' due to its intricate frescoes and stucco statues that mirror the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.

However, what truly sets Tabo apart is its remarkable complex of caves carved into the hillside, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and living quarters. These caves are an integral part of the monastery's heritage, reflecting the austerity and spiritual commitment of the monks who have resided there for centuries. The arid landscape and rugged mountains surrounding these caves provide an almost otherworldly backdrop, enhancing the site's mystique and spiritual ambiance.

The Tabo Monastery itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noteworthy for its assembly hall, which houses priceless thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings), manuscripts, and well-preserved statues. Despite being over a millennium old, the monastery continues to function as an active center of Buddhist learning and is an essential destination for scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.