Top things to do in Tabo

Founded in AD 996, and retaining five sub-temples dating back over 900 years, Tabo Gompa is reckoned to be the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monastery in India. Don't expect the towering, colourful struct…

Shaded by a parachute canopy held high on a prayer pole, Kunzum Top sits amid flowers in the walled yard of the Sonam Homestay, which is also a good budget place to stay. It specialises in local and Tibetan food, wi…

Tabo's most quintessential traveller cafe provides pitas, pizzas, lemon chicken and superb hummus along with Indian and Tibetan fare and so much more. It's set in a yard of hollyhocks and prayer flags, almost next t…

A number of small caves, whose openings are easily visible on the hillside just above the main road, were once part of the old monastery complex. Access is a steep 200m walk starting up the steps opposite the Vijay …

A new but very much traditionally styled extension to the old gompa's Zal-ma is nearing completion and will eventually house a museum of the monastery's collected treasures including artefacts and historical photos.

To enrich your knowledge of Tibet and Buddhism, discover this great little reference library hidden away upstairs within the monastery guesthouse building. Most is in English.