Tabo is a small town located in Lahaul and Spiti in Himanchal Pradesh. The town is located on the banks of Spiti River in a valley which is shaped like a bowl. Located at an altitude of 3300 meters the town is famous for Tabo Monastery. Tabo monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the region and was established in 996 CE. The monastery was constructed by Tibetan Buddhist named Rinchen Zangpo (Mahauru Ramabhadra), who was the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge that time. The monastery is now under protection of Archaeological survey of India.
Summer: 15°C to 26°C
Winter: -10°C to 0°C
Monsoon: 5°C to 20°C
Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is located at an altitude of 3050 meter amidst arid and rocky landscape. It houses the large number of Buddhist documents and scriptures, along with beautiful paintings and Buddhist statues. The Monastery is managed by Archaeological survey of India.
The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple
Often known as the Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang, it is an ancient temple, which is located within the Tabo Monastery complex. It was constructed in the first 100 years of the main monastery as it professed by the wooden door frame. The temple is known for its 20 ft tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which is also called as the ‘Laughing Buddha’ or the ‘Buddha of the Future’.
The Golden Temple
It is one of the renowned temple of the Tabo Monastery complex. It is said to have been once covered with pure gold. The temple was renovated by Sengge Namgyal, a king of Ladakh in 16th century. It is known for its magnificent murals that cover its walls and its ceilings.
The Mystic Mandala Temple
It is also called as the Initiation Temple, which is embellished by ‘Mystic Mandalas’. Another major attraction of this temple is large painting of the Vairocana, a spiritual son of Adibuddha which covers the wall facing the door. The image of the Vairocana is encompassed by eight Bodhisattvas.
The Temple of Dromton
It is one of the most popular temple located within the Tabo Monastery complex. It is also called Brom-ston Lha-khang. The Temple of Dromton built during the period of 1008 - 1064 A.D by Dromton, was the chief disciple of the Buddhist master Atiśa.
The Large Temple of Drom
It is second largest temple in the complex of the Tabo Monastery, which is often known Brom-ston Lha-khang. The temple contains several wall paintings, the wooden planks in the ceiling are beautifully decorated.
The Temple of the Enlightened Gods
Also called Tug-Lha-khang, which is characterised by its large assembly hall, a sanctum, and a vestibule. The Temple of the Enlightened Gods is in Tabo Monastery complex. The walls of the temple are embellished with paintings which displays the life of the Lord Buddha.
The Chamber of Picture Treasures
It is also situated within the Tabo Monastery complex. It is the art gallery which displays an exclusive collection of Tibetan style paintings.
Stupas
There are various stupas near the temple complex of which four have paintings in its interior. Among them two of the stupas are dated to the 13th century, based on the paintings.
Places to Worship:
Places of Entertainment:
Tabo is a small and beautiful hill town, hence there is no Malls and multiplex are available here.