Tabo is one of the most important monasteries in the Tibetan Buddhist world, and is planned as the place where the current Buddhist Lama will retire. It was built in 996 A.D. by the great translator, Ringchen Zangpo.

The gompa has 9 temples, 23 chortens, a monk's chamber and a nun's chamber. There are several caves adorned with fine frescoes and contemporary structures. There is a thangka painting school nearby, founded by the Dalai Lama.