Head Count: around 500

The Skinny: Some say Tabo is the future retirement home for the Dalai Lama, but Taboites seem to scoff at this notion. The town sits in a stunning valley on the banks of a muddy river.

What Thar Be: One of Tibetan Buddhism's oldest and most sacred monasteries is here in Tabo, built by Rinchen Zangpo (The Great Translator) in the tenth century on his trip through present-day Spiti and Lahaul. Across the highway are some meditation caves that are fun to climb around in, especially if you like really steep cliffs covered with loose rock.

Digs: There are plenty of cheap guest houses in Tabo, and the gompa even has rooms for rent for those monastic-minded folk.

Vittles: Local restaurants are the best bet, actually the only bet, for food in Tabo. Two ar three in the vicinity of the monastery serve cheap momos and good breakfasts.

Hooch Factor: There's a little bottle shop up on the main highway but prices and selection could be better.

Navigability: There is once again no need to drive within the town, as it's corners can all be reached in a few minute's walk.

Sliding In and Out: A nice, relatively flat road winds on to Kibber, passing the impressive Dhankar and Key gompas.