[2] Tabo is noted for being the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas.

[4] There are many priceless collections of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall.

The iconographic depictions are reported to be of 1042 and later, consisting of paintings, sculptures, inscriptions and extensive wall texts.

[11] During the 17th-19th centuries, the monastery and the bridge across the Spiti River witnessed historical events[6] and political turmoil in the area.

An inscription of 1837 records attacks on the Tabo Assembly Hall in 1837, which can also visually be seen by damages to some parts of the walls.

[13] Sakya Trizin and other Tibetan teachers and meditation masters have also visited the monastery and encouraged the Buddhist practice among the local people.

[13] Kyabje Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche (1914-1983) served as the Head Lama prior to Geshe Sonam Wangdui, who became the Abbot of Tabo Monastery since 1975.

His responsibilities include caring for the monastery and monks, teaching Buddhist scripture, and looking after the local community.

[4] ASI had also proposed this monastery, the only monolithic structure of its kind in North India, for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its sanctity in Trans Himalayan Buddhism.

[14] In 2002, ASI carried out replacement of the large beam, 10 by 10 inches (250 mm × 250 mm), by 4 feet (1.2 m) in length, made of Deodar, which supported the roof of the main hall of the old monastery, with a Sal timber beam as Deodor of that size could not be located.

Yeshe-Ö and his two sons when they built the monastery in 996 AD blended the provincial and regional characteristics with that of India and Central Asia.

One particular feature mentioned in this regard is the iconographic themes of non-Buddhist traditions emanating from the protectress deity Wi-nyu-myin.

The main temple is conjectured to represent the entire Vajradhatu Mandala.The monastery has a huge collection of manuscripts and Pramana texts, which were filmed between 1991 and 1998.

The entry hall has pictures of Yeshe-Ö and his two sons Nagaraja and Devaraja, the founders of the temple, on its south wall.

The mandala also has 32 life-size clay sculptures of other deities which are embedded to the wall which merge well within the painted environment.

The Protector Deity, Dorje Chenmo, originally known as Wi-nyu-nin, of the main temple was venerated in this hall.

A seated Buddha figure sitting on a throne with the base sculpted with two lions facing each other is also seen; this is a partially restored image.

Tapestries cover the walls, doors and columns, and paintings of various Buddha incarnations, starting with Siddhartha and that of the Panchen Lamas, give it a divine atmosphere.

About 50 clay images and full size busts of gods and demons are seen in the back wall of the main hall.

The Protectress deity of the monastery along with her retinue are depicted on a large panel on the east wall of the main entrance; this painting was damaged due to water seepage and has been very well restored by ASI as it provides a link to the old history of Tabo Monastery.

The iconography of this period in the temples also supports the bond that existed between the two cultures of India and Tibet.

There is a large and priceless collection of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall.

The walls of these structures are 3 feet (0.91 m) in thickness and it is the reason for its survival over the centuries of depredations and natural calamities.

Information technology, Sanskrit language and Art are also provided to students in higher grade levels.

The Indian government funds about 50 per cent of the school through a grant; the rest of the expenses are met through student fees and donations.

On this occasion, religious masked dances, songs and general festivities are the main events.