Heritage under threat: Climate change puts Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley at risk

Nestled in the cold desert landscape of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the ancient Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”, is facing a growing threat to its survival due to the changing climate. Local residents and representatives have expressed deep concern over the continuous deterioration of the nearly 1,000-year-old mud structure and its priceless wall paintings, urging authorities to take timely conservation measures.

A significant meeting was recently held in Tabo village to address the alarming condition of the monastery. The meeting brought together village representatives, monastery authorities and officials from the Archaeological Survey of India from Delhi and Shimla. Discussions focused on the urgent need for structural protection, scientific conservation and the adoption of modern techniques to safeguard this globally significant heritage site.

The monastery, built primarily from rammed earth, has historically survived in the harsh but dry climate of Spiti. However, residents say that the weather pattern has changed drastically over the past few years. The region, traditionally known as a cold desert receiving minimal rainfall, around 4 to 5 centimetres annually two decades ago, has recently witnessed heavy downpours.

These sudden and intense rains are damaging the fragile mud architecture of the monastery. The outer structure has started eroding, while the priceless murals and wall paintings inside the temples are gradually decaying due to moisture seepage. Locals fear that without immediate protective measures, the monastery could suffer irreversible damage.

Community leaders from the three villages under Tabo panchayat, including Nambardars Tashi Chhering, Kunsal Bodh and Sonam Yeshe, along with the chief lama of Tabo Gompa and representatives Rajender Bodh, Yash Bodh, Raj Kumar and Sonam Lundup, participated in the meeting. They highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate-related challenges and stressed the need for concrete and swift action.

Residents have suggested installing a protective roof structure over the monastery complex to shield it from heavy rainfall. According to them, such a measure could help preserve the delicate mud walls and the world-renowned murals that define the spiritual and artistic identity of the monastery.

Chhewang Tandin, a member associated with the monastery, emphasised the importance of cultural heritage, quoting Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey: “A person without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” He said the monastery is not only a religious site but also a living symbol of the region’s history and identity.

Founded in 996 CE by the Tibetan Buddhist translator Rinchen Zangpo under the patronage of the Guge kingdom’s ruler Yeshe-Ö, the monastery is considered the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist institution in the Himalayas and India. Over the centuries, it has served as an important center for Buddhist learning, attracting disciples from across India and other parts of the world.

The monastery complex today consists of nine temples, decorated stupas and cave shrines. Its walls are adorned with ancient frescoes and murals dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, depicting stories from the Buddhist pantheon. It also houses rare manuscripts, thangka scroll paintings and sculptures that represent the rich heritage of Trans-Himalayan Buddhism.

Despite surviving natural calamities, historical invasions and even the devastating 1975 earthquake, locals say the monastery now faces a new and unprecedented challenge of climate change. While restoration work was undertaken after the earthquake and a new assembly hall was constructed in 1983, experts believe modern conservation solutions are now required to protect the fragile heritage.

The monastery also holds global spiritual significance. The Dalai Lama conducted the Kalachakra ceremonies here in 1983 and again in 1996, drawing thousands of followers.

Local residents hope that with timely intervention from the ASI and heritage conservation experts, this millennial monument, considered the soul of Spiti’s cultural and spiritual heritage, can be preserved for future generations. Without urgent action, they warn, the priceless murals and mud structures that define the identity of Tabo Monastery could gradually be lost to the changing climate.

Guarding the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'

- Perched in the stark cold desert of Spiti, the nearly 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, famed as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”, is confronting an unexpected threat from climate change

- Once protected by Spiti's dry weather, the fragile mud-built monastery is now facing damage from sudden and intense rainfall. Moisture is seeping into the ancient temples, slowly eroding mud walls and endangering priceless 10th and 11th century murals

- Residents and monastery authorities have urged urgent scientific conservation and protective roofing to safeguard this priceless heritage site. Preserving Tabo is not just about saving a monument. It is about protecting the cultural and spiritual soul of Spiti for generations to come