A gompa was founded in 996 A.D. (Tibetan year of the Fire Ape) and the
initiative is said to belong to the great teacher Rinchensang Po also know
as Mahaguru Ratnabhadra.
In June - July 1996, Tabo celebrated a
millennium of its glorious existence. With breathtaking murals and stucco
images, Tabo is often called "The Ajanta of the Himalayas". And
here is art that above all, is born of religion and deep faith.
The
Tabo Monastery at a height of 3050 mts is a complex that holds 9 temples,
23 chortens, a monks chamber and an extension that houses the nuns
chamber. This core is bounded by an earthen wall and encloses an area of
6300 Sq. mts. Just short of the complex are the contemporary monastic
structures. On the sheer cliff-faces above the enclave are a series of
caves which were used as dwelling units by the monks and includes an
assembly hall. Here again, dim traces of the paintings that once adorned
the rock face are visible.