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 known 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 face 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.