Himachal Diaries: Part Ten

Day Six (06.07.2024): Exploring Tabo

Tabo Caves

These are a series of ancient caves and have a fascinating history. Originally, these caves were carved out of the hillside to serve as dwellings for Buddhist monks during the harsh winters in the Himalayas. Over time, they also became important sites for meditation and spiritual retreats. The caves are relatively simple structures, carved directly into the rock face. Many of the caves offer stunning views of the surrounding village landscape. The serene environment of the caves makes them a popular spot for contemplation and reflection. Taking a short trek  is highly recommended. It's a chance to experience a unique piece of history and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this ancient site. 

We had tea-coffee break at 5:45pm. While we were relishing the hot maggi in the cold weather, few travellers went ahead for the short trek to the caves alongwith Sanket and Hrishikesh. Other went to the hotel terrace to view the surroundings. Finally Bhumi was ready to accompany me for the trek. So we immediately ran to join the group. Every hotel has a staircase leading to the caves base, from where the actual trek starts. 

We reached the first cave after walking for 15 minutes on the zigzag and elevated mud path. We joined the group, Sunil and Bhavana Mahajan and Rajesh and Meghana Dixit. It was difficult to climb for me since I was in sandals and mud was going into my feet with every step and I was slipping off. 

We meditated in one of the caves. The atmosphere inside the cave is dimlit, cool and quiet. Then we reached the elephant point. We visited small caves on the way to the elephant point. 

The landscape view was awe-inspiring and the tiredness of the climb was gone. We had to descend before sunset. 

We walked for 15 minutes and reached the hotel staircase. The descend was easier one.

It was a heart-filled day. To top it up, we had dinner at 9pm, bhaji (of pav bhaji) and the local bread with seviya. 

Post dinner we played card games. Meeta and Mehul were so enthu that they bought the playing cards from the local shop. We played the seven of heart game, called the badam satti. The main goal is to finish our cards by placing those on the table as early as possible. But the catch is that player with the seven of hearts starts the game. The other three sevens can be played as the first cards of their suits. Players play cards in sequences up and down in suit from the sevens. If a player can't play a card, they pass. The player who empties their hand first wins. We played for till 10:15pm. Since we had two card packs, it was getting tricky to put cards on the sequence. I decide to put one card, till my turn comes up, someone else has put the card already. We played three games, Mehul, Kalyani and Bhavana won respectively. Then we went to our rooms. I got my bag ready for tomorrow and dozed off.