Climate-Fuelled Extreme Weather Threatens Spiti’s Tabo Monastery, Lamas Seek ASI Intervention

Last Updated:July 19, 2025, 08:00 IST

Increasing rainfall and cloudburst incidents in the typically dry Spiti have emerged as a grave threat to the 1,000-year-old heritage site

News18

As Himachal Pradesh reels under intense monsoon fury, the famed Tabo Monastery nestled in the Spiti Valley—typically shielded from heavy rains—now faces looming threats from erratic weather. Anticipating further damage to its age-old monument, the monastery’s head lama appealed to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for urgent restoration and a long-term climate-resilient plan to protect the ancient heritage site.

Established almost a thousand years ago in 996 CE, it is the oldest earthen Buddhist monastery in the Himalayan region to have survived the ravages of time. Often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas", it is revered for its exquisite mud-brick architecture, ancient murals, and religious manuscripts, and it remains under ASI’s protection because of its national and global heritage significance.

While the monument has so far remained intact for over a thousand years, it now faces threats from changing weather patterns. In a letter written to the ASI, the head priest Lama Sonam Kunga drew attention to the looming threat of extreme weather amid climate change. “In recent months, there have been multiple cloudbursts and associated flash floods in the Pin Valley and Shichling areas, nearly 30 km from the monastery. Given the fragile nature of this 1,000-year-old structure and the increasing frequency of such events, immediate preventive and adaptive interventions are crucial," he added.

Studies show that Spiti–Himachal’s cold desert, which typically receives less than 50 mm of rainfall, is now experiencing increasing precipitation in the form of rain, cloudbursts, as well as flash floods due to rising temperatures and melting of glaciers upstream.

A climate-resilient plan, early warnings

Speaking to News18, head lama Sonam Kunga expressed concerns over the incidents of cloudbursts and flash floods. “With its immense cultural, spiritual, and historical value, Tabo Monastery deserves proactive protection. Failure to act swiftly may lead to an irreversible loss of heritage," he added.

The letter urged ASI to initiate urgent restoration work and devise a long-term climate-resilient plan to safeguard the heritage site. It also seeks ASI’s intervention in building a preventive, temporary protective roofing over the monument and improved drainage infrastructure to avert any potential calamity during the monsoon season. “These measures would suitably protect the monument from any damage, divert rainwater, and prevent waterlogging and seepage, especially around the mural-rich interiors of the monument," the letter noted with urgency.

News18 spoke to Superintending Archaeologist Tsering Phunchok at ASI, Shimla, who acknowledged the issue. “We have completed the initial inspection at Tabo and are in the process of starting emergency restoration work soon. A more detailed conservation plan will follow," he said.

Extreme weather events

In the proposed long-term plan, the monks have also sought installation of early warning and weather monitoring systems tailored specifically for the region to prepare ahead of any such extreme weather event, as well as a localised Disaster-Risk Reduction Plan and capacity building and training for community members and monks in emergency preparedness and basic conservation methods.

Enclosed by high mountains, Spiti is normally the driest area of Himachal Pradesh, but—like neighbouring Lahaul—it is now increasingly prone to extreme weather variability. The state’s Action Plan on Climate Change noted that short-duration but high-intensity rain/snow is now being frequently observed in both Lahaul and Spiti.

Meanwhile, with the southwest monsoon just halfway through, Himachal Pradesh has already suffered damages amounting to Rs 1,000 crore, according to the state government. There have been reports of landslides and rising water blocking roads at several points in Lahaul and Spiti as well. The latest State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) report confirmed that since the onset of monsoon on June 20, the state has already recorded 22 incidents of cloudbursts, 17 of landslides, and 31 of flash floods across multiple districts, causing widespread destruction.

Srishti Choudhary

Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo...Read More

Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo...

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