We left Kalpa early in the morning heading to Tabo, covering a distance of 163km. Distance has no relevance on our adventure, as the time taken between two points is very much determined by the road condtion rather than the distance.
Road Work In Progress Owing Rock Slides
The Long Winding Road Up The Mountain
Arriving at Spiti Valey, Welcomed By Gallant XIXI ITBP Force
The Indo Tibetan Border Police is a multi-dimensional security force that is responsible for Tibet Autonomous Region border patrolling, illegal immigration & anti smuggling, and also provide iintelligence and security for the region. This unit was established after the Sino-India war in 1962. They have been trained in civil medical management, disaster management, including nuclear, biological, and chemical disasters. This unit has been part of UN Peacekeeping mission namely in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sierra Leone, Haiti, Afghanistan, Sudan and Western Sahara.
The Khab Bridge
The first pit stop was at the Khab Bridge, where the confluence of River Sutlej and River Spiti occurs. This place is also known as the Khab Sangam. The Spiti river comes from the Kunzum Range of the Himalaya, while the Sutlej originates from Lake Rakhshastal from the West of Mount Kailash, Himalaya.
Kumar has Found the Toilet
I guess since this place has become a tourist spot, someone had decided to set up a Chai stall. Not too sure whether it is an approved business premises or not, but business was indeed brisk.
Yes, Toilet It Is
Sadly the waste from the toilet goes directly into the river. But then again that was the only toilet on sight after an ardous 3 hours of drive.
The Puppy Enjoying The Fuss
Greeja found this puppy basking in the sun, and decided to give it some attention, and the puppy definitely welcomed the attention. Had ginger tea at the Chai stall and we continued our journey.
Just to let you guys know since we were travelling near security zones, there are many police check points that we had to pass, where the police verify and record our details before allowing us to pass through. As much as it sounds like a formality but this protocol shows the seriousness of the situation in the areas we visited.
The Nako Hamlet
Tha Nako Lake
This lake has a particular significance to the Buddhist, as it is believed that Padhmasambava also known as Guru Renpoche who was instrumental in the establishment of Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism in Tibet, had meditated at this lake. His footprints believed to have embedded at the end southwest of the of the lake is venerated by Buddhist.
Dhaba for Lunch
Traditional 'Roti" Making Stove
By then all of us were dead hungry, and the above Bodh Dhaba was the closest, and we went straight for our comfort food, vegetarian Maggi instant noodles. Nothing like have a hot bowl of soupy noodles on a cold hungry afternoon. By the way in these part of the world it is also pronounce as 'Maajee' mee. *Note: I am not being paid for promoting this brand😄
After lunch our journey began to our final destination for the day....Tabo. I was dead sleepy and my head was dancing to the whims of the road. Looked behind, Greeja and Kumar were knocked out, Baldev was holding the fort with his camera, though occasionally he nodded off too.
Main Entrance to The Tabo Monastery
The Main Stupa The Kalachakra Stupa at Tabo Chos Khor Monastery
We arrived at this little village called Tabo located right smack in the Spiti Valley, a little past four in the afternoon. Tabo is located in a very arid and rocky terrain at an altitude of 10010ft (3050m). This region was originally part of Tibet. This monastery is known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas because of the painted murals and sculptures that adornes the inner walls of the monastery. (Unfortunately no photographs were allowed within the sanctum). This monastery was established in 996AD by the famous Tibetan Buddhist traslator Rinchen Zangpo. Currently this monastery is under the purview of Archaeological Survey India (ASI).
The Old Monastery Outer Wall
Another View of The Old Monastery
It was almost closing time when we entered the complex, however the care taker was kind enough to allow us extra time within the old monastery complex. As I entered into the shrine/meditation sanctum of the monastery, I had this strange feeling of being transported to another dimension. I was drawn to sit down, and I closed my eyes, and allowed this feeling to sink in. I had this beautiful experience, that I wasn't able to explain. The vibration of this place was extremely strong.
Various Chorten (Stupa) Located at The Old Monastery
Another Chorten View
There are a total of 23 Chorten at This Complex
A New Structure With a Giant Spinning Wheel
The Kalachakra Temple
In 1983 the Kalachakra Temple was built to commemorate the first Kalachakra initiation carried out by the 14th Dalai Lama His Holiness Gyalwa Rinpoche. Later in 2009 the Kalachakra Stupa was built. Kalachakra refers to the "wheel of time", which is a gospel that expounds external reality, internal reality and the enlightened reality, within the precepts of Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism.
The Kalachakra Stupa
Had a good sleep the night before, and the next morning Greeja and I woke up at 6.00am, and headed straight to the Kalachakra Temple, where we heard this beautiful Tibetan chanting going on. We actually sat outside the temple verendah, not knowing whether we were allowed to go in, since the monks were deep into their chanting. Then a senior monk gestured for us to come in and join them. The chanting was soothing and brought calmness to our state of mind. As the monks were served tea at the end, we were also offered the same, felt blessed.
Greeja and I at The Wooden-Brass Doorway of the Old Monastery
...........to be continued.
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