Culture · Tabo, Spiti & Lahaul
The mummy of Gue, a detour from Tabo
In the small village of Gue, a shrine holds the seated mummy of a monk thought to have died in the 1500s. A half-day side trip from Tabo, or a stop on the way from Nako.
Photo: Nrr1729 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsGue lies up a side road from NH-505 near Sumdo, about 45–50 km from Tabo. In a small shrine on the edge of the village sits the mummified body of a monk in meditation posture, believed to be Sangha Tenzin, who died in the 1500s. Villagers knew of it after the 1975 earthquake broke open its tomb, and it was recovered during road work in 2004.
For the village, the mummy is an object of worship, not a curiosity. Remove your hat, speak quietly, and ask before taking photographs; some caretakers allow photos through the glass, others prefer not.
Combine Gue with your drive between Nako and Tabo to avoid doubling back. The side road climbs steeply; allow 1.5–2 hours for the detour including the visit. Carry water and snacks, as there are few shops.
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Private SUV with driver
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Saver
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Saver
Spiti village homestays: Dhankar to Langza
Shared car to Kaza, then local buses and short taxi transfers
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Signature
Gompas of Spiti, in and out by Kinnaur
Private SUV with driver, private guide
Questions
Before you book
How far is the Gue mummy from Tabo?
About 45–50 km, up a side road from NH-505 near Sumdo. Allow a half day from Tabo, or visit on the drive from Nako.
Can I photograph the Gue mummy?
Ask the caretaker. It is a sacred object for the village, and permission varies.
Do foreigners need a permit for Gue?
Gue is near the border belt where foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit. Check current status before you travel.