Tabo Caves

Talking about Tabo Caves, it is an impressive structure. These artificial voids have served and are still serving as dwellings for monks during the harsh winters of Himalaya. One can see these as a series of caves on the hill facing Tabo village that lies between Recong Peo, headquarters of Kinnaur district and Kaza. It is also the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti, placed away at 3500 meters above sea level.

It is present with colourful Buddhist flags flapping outside. Earlier, it was tough to make out whether these are man-made or naturally made caves.

You won't believe that some of these cavities are multi-storeyed. The wonderful Tabo Caves are just above the ancient Tabo Monastery. These were founded more than 1000 years ago. This old monastery has been excavated out by numerous caves that help as houses for monks during the harsh winters of the Himalayas.

'Tabo Caves' are magnificent caverns artificially dig out for monks and were first used as an assemblage hall. Furthermore, these caves are well noticeable from the village.

History

Being founded 1000 years ago, it served many monks, and still today some caves are used for meditation by monks. When someone meditates inside, there remain flags over the cave. However, some villagers use these caves closer to the village as toilets. Some people believe there are traces of paintings inside the caves, while others say that there is no sign of any pictures.

As per the history, it has not been absolutely cleared yet when the tradition of building such caves started. But it is accepted that the caves are ancient.

However, Tabo is not the only such caves in Spiti valley – but there are more caves upstreams as well.

The architecture of Tabo Caves Lahaul & Spiti Valley

About structure, a few of the caves are relatively well developed, and the walls and floor of the caves are smooth, while some are devoid of any embellishment. The entry of the caves is narrow and takes you to other smaller rooms or breaks outs. There is a big hole in the roof of these cafes that opens up to the sky. This usually acts as a vent for the burning fires inside the caves to keep them warm in the ruthless cold.

These caves are considered the best places for meditation. According to the monks, there is no place as peaceful as these caves for nirvana seekers. Within the caves there are various rooms, adjoining one to the other.

The Tabo caves in Lahaul & Spiti are so intriguing that many people and historians wonder why would come to this punitive and demanding environment to stay.

Below the caves was the monastery at the base of the mountain, of the same existing period. This prehistoric structure had a wide count of murals displayed on its walls by the Buddhist pantheon, in the compound and intricate strokes. It was constructed by a Tibetan ruler who rejected his throne to turn out to be a monk.

Best Time To Visit Tabo

The best time to visit Tabo caves is from May to October because the weather is pleasant at that time. Also, all the nearby tourist attractions are accessible in this period. Rohtang Pass remains open, and government buses are also available.

How to reach Tabo caves?

There are two ways to reach Tabo caves in Lahaul & Spiti.

Reach by bus

First, you need to reach Shimla which is easily connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by buses and flights. From Shimla take the bus for Kaza and reach Tabo. In case you can't find a direct bus to Kaza, change bus at Reckong Peo.

Reach Tabo by taxi or rent bike

From Shimla, hire a taxi or take a bike on rent for your trip.

Festival celebrated at Tabo Monastery

The monastery hosts the prominent Chakhar Festival dedicated to peace and happiness of people all around. The festival is celebrated every three years during September or October. Hence, visiting this place during this period is beneficial, as well as enjoyable. This festival organises major events like mask dances, songs, and traditional dishes.

Nearby attractions in Lahaul & Spiti Valley

1. Kye monastery

2. Kunzum pass

3. Pin valley national park

4. Dhankar gompa

5. Dhankar fort

6. Kaza

7. Kiber

8. Tabo monastery

9. Chandratal lake

10. Losar

11. Suraj Taal

This guide will assist you plan your visit to Tabo Cave and other attractions in Lahaul & Spiti Valley.