Top Things to do in Dharamsala
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Serenely spiritual Dharamsala is home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. It’s known for its religious iconography and is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, who holds public lectures a few times a year. Once you’ve restored your spiritual energy, enjoy a picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to bask in stunning views of the Himalayas.
Restaurants in Dharamsala
1. Ayuskama Ayurveda Institute
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
Ayuskama Ayurveda Institute is a health care institution engaged in the practice, propagation, research and education of Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system of India. Ayuskama is intended to make quality Ayurveda medical care and education accessible to each and every individual, in a cost effective way. Ayuskama Ayurveda educational institute is situated in Dharamshala, and is also running an Ayurvedic clinic, Ayurvedic wellness spa in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala - the residence of H.H. Dalai Lama.
Reviewed By Verushe
First I came to Ayuskama because of health issues. Not only that Dr. Arun helped me with this, but with so much more. Since i came to Dr. Arun's clinic I knew that I want to learn from him. Pure wisdom, knowledge, kindness and honesty. I felt that I can trust him completely. After the opportunity to take an online course came... So I went for it and it was truly one of the best decisions. From experience i can say that The Ayurveda Therapist Course has the ability to improve lives. It has helped already so much! So holistic and explained in such interesting enjoyable way, that i just started to watch it again and again i am finding so many valuable things. Feel so much gratitude and can only recommend Ayuskama to all! Thank you dr. Arun and Ayuskama team.????????
2. Aryan Yoga & Reiki Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Aryan Yoga & Reiki Center has moved to Goa. It is NOT in Dharamsala, anymore. please contact through our website
Reviewed By Kyrstyer
I found Aryans classes online when I was looking for Ashtanga classes in Arambol for the duration of my short stay there. In a little over a week I learnt so much about technique, common adjustments and even more about my own body. Having just completed a YTT, I was quite gutted to have only just heard about Aryans YTT courses as he is such a patient and passionate teacher and practitioner who I was very sad to say bye to. I highly recommend Aryans classes to people at all stages in their yoga journey! Thanks and I hope to see you again soon :)
3. Thosamling Nunnery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
We are a not-for-proft Nunnery and Institute practicing in the Tibetan Buddhist Lineage. Our Nunnery is home to several ordained nuns, who teach our weekend meditation retreats. Thosamling has also recently opened its doors for women from all over the world to stay affordably for extended periods of time (5 days to 2 months) as a base for their own private retreat practices.
Reviewed By username19654
I joined Thosamling's two-month group winter retreat 'Cultivating Shamatha to Reveal Insight' from Dec. 2018 to Feb. 2019. I can only rave about the Nunnery and retreat, which provided wonderful outer conditions for cultivating inward contemplation and meditation in a supportive retreat setting. What I appreciate deeply was the opportunity Thosamling and its community gave me to focus on developing and deepening daily contemplative practice in a beautiful and nurturing setting. Without question, I hope to return and highly recommend Thosamling as a place to visit year-round as a guest, volunteer or retreatant, or even for longer term residential stays for studies and contemplative living. During retreat, we were gently awakened, early mornings, to the sound of a gong, beckoning us to gather in the beautiful temple (gompa) where we set our intentions and began our first session for the day. The opportunity to sit as a group with other retreatants and our teacher first thing in the morning was very supportive for me in terms of establishing motivation and regularity in practice. After a short one-hour early morning session, to my delight, we were often greeted and escorted outside the Temple by Queenie and Nyima, Thosamling's beautiful resident dogs of Thosamling, as we walked to the dining hall for breakfast. These two beauties somehow provided a nurturing warmth to my retreat, fueling bodhichitta practice for me. Meals, prepared by knowledgeable local staff and volunteers were tasty, nourishing and prepared with care. Daily lunch and holiday spreads were notably delicious and filling that I found myself being careful about the amounts and times I ate so as not to affect my meditations throughout the day. Planning ahead to have some fruits and nuts to snack on between meals might be helpful, allowing for light eating during meals as a support for deep meditation. But overall, the food was very yummy, and Venerable Sangmo's pastries and cakes a welcome surprise on occasion. Fred and Maya, in particular, made sure we were fed. During retreat, the temple offered a wonderful shared space for practice. We were given a relaxing daily structure and instructions, as well as freedom to join in or sit out of teachings, meditation sessions, and pujas held in the temple. The balance between structure and flexibly allowed me to feel guided and supported yet open to experimentation (which was encouraged) so I could find a personal balance between study, contemplation, meditation, and other activities (walks, yoga, 1 hour of daily karma yoga, rooftop sky-gazing, sleep, etc) throughout my day. Silence, mindfulness and introspection throughout all activities day and night were encouraged and cultivated. Daytime hours were, for the most part, dedicated to teachings and particularly practice, with the focus primarily on Shamatha, Vipashyana, and later in retreat, Mahamudra and Dzogchen as presented by skillful teacher Doug Veenhof. As retreat progressed, teaching time was reduced and practice time was increased. Delivery of the teachings were relaxed and clear, and the amount of practice time was abundant, allowing me, step-by-step, to cultivate relaxation, clarity and stability in my daily practice. Yippee!! Hurray! Thank you Thosamling for making this possible! As a change from the temple, I found the rooftops as exceptional "training grounds" for blue-sky gazing to cultivate awareness of awareness and to practice mindful walking and yoga asana. Outside of the temple, Thosamling's natural setting offered abundant and unique opportunities for peaceful contemplation and practice of simultaneous stillness and motion. Nestled amongst terraced fields where locals cultivate the land and a gorgeous backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the beauty of Thosamling's surroundings is sublime. On site, bamboo, citrus, bougainvillea, rose, banana bushes and trees, are only a few of the flora to enjoy while meandering the pathways through shaded picnic areas and numerous organic vegetable gardens. I loved doing karma yoga in the garden in the mornings and seeing the chickens fed. Countless exquisite birds of all sizes, colors, and shapes serenade with birdsong mantras from morning to evening and soar through the expansive sky of pristine awareness. Dusk signals a change in scenery with pristine sunsets gracefully painting a vast dreamscape on the canvas of sky, reflected on snowy mountains. I found this to be a special invitation for me to enjoy sky-gazing from the celestial rooftops on many evenings, cultivating a sense of wonder and awe as the mystery of nightfall arrived and stars began to twinkle. I loved the shared bathrooms, which were spacious and very clean. The rooms also were spacious and comfortable with large windows. I spent most of my time meditating in the temple or rooftop, but found my room very suitable as well. As there is no central heating during winter months, some people arranged for small space heaters through the office. I definitely recommend bringing a rubber hot water bottle in the winter to fill up and keep you warm when you climb into bed in the evening. As night falls, temperatures drop, so bring ample clothes for layering. I also brought a light waterproof raincoat which turned out to be helpful on a few occasions. Beyond the wonderful teachings and natural setting, it was also the dedicated and supportive people that made Thosamling special. What a pleasure it was to retreat alongside three of the resident nuns--Venerables Sangmo, Yeshe, and Yangkyi--each an inspiring example of service, compassion, and wisdom. As a wrap up, post-retreat, I loved joining some of the nuns and our retreat teacher in making rounds to regional monasteries and nunneries to deliver food basket offerings during Losar--Tibetan New Year--as well as joining a 3-day pilgrimmage to Tso Pema. If staying for a while, not to be missed is a visit to the library, a jewel atop the Temple, managed mindfully by Venerable Yeshe, who knows the books inside and out, and can help you find just what you are looking for! I could literally, spend months reading in that library! Yangkyi is another inspiration to watch. See how she takes on any task, from giving medicine to the dogs and making water bowl offerings to setting up tech systems in the Temple, with zeal and readiness. And how much I learned watching Venerable Sangmo, who would fly in and out of the Temple and cross the grounds swiftly and silently, making sure everything ran smoothly for retreat. An embodiment of giving, she would lead us through weekly pujas, tirelessly load firewood to keep everyone warm, generously bake special breads and pastries to everyone's delight and care for everyone, including Queenie and Nyima without a bat of the eye. Venerable Tenzin, staff, and volunteers were also amazing in taking care of retreatants' needs. Post-retreat, Fred in particular was so helpful in answering questions about local activities and teachings in Dharamshala and many other things. Bottomline, Thosamling opened its doors to me generously and gave me a place to take refuge during retreat. With everyday concerns of food, laundry, shopping, cleaning, etc taken care, I could focus on practice. This alone is reason to retreat at Thosamling. The rest is icing on the cake. I highly recommend Thosamling as a place for individual or group retreat or as a place to stay for only a few days, or longer term for contemplative practice and living. From Thosamling, also visit Norbolingka Institute, Queenie's Bakery, local tea gardens and terrraces for quiet walks, and regional monasteries and nunneries.
4. Body Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By aarong362
Best massage in the area! Wow! He’s a master. Anand really understands the subtly of a wonderful massage experience.
5. Holistic Massage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 198 reviews
The Holistic Massage Centre, is located within Ladies Venture hotel in Mcleod Ganj and is run by Shammi Kumar- an experienced and knowledgeable masseur. Massage techniques include Ayurvedic, Swedish, Tibetan and all with elements of reflexology and acupressure. Shammi also gives courses to those interested to learn, which are flexible and comprehensive.
Reviewed By AndyandSofiatravel
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our couple’s massage at Shami’s Holistic Ayurvedic Massage Centre. He was extremely hospitable, welcoming, and attentive to our needs. He met us on the street to make sure we didn’t get lost :) He had two of his talented staff assigned to each of us. He set us up in a warm room with bamboo walls, relaxing music, and the scent of essential oils. My Ayurvedic massage was the best massage I’ve ever had. My wife’s deep tissue massage was skillful, deeply therapeutic and personally tailored. We got tea and a nice chat with Shami when it was over. We highly recommend!
6. Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Mukticoco
I had several massages with Mitter in October 2016 and in October 2018. The best full body massages ever received (I'm myself trained in ayurvedic massages)!Mitter is gifted with great professional skills and his presence and attentiveness are of high quality.On the top of that Mitter gives from his heart.Not only was I blissed out, but my body was becoming more fluid and more flexible and a specific pain disappeared.A total gift to myself!Visit Mitter for a treat and a wonderful experience which will last for a long time.Corinne Mukti
7. Bhagsu Yoga Institute
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Located in the heart of Bhagsu, north of McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, Bhagsu Yoga Institute offers a tranquil setting for Yoga practice. With a view of the valley, and clouds enveloping the mountains, you enter a calm and relaxed state, even as you struggle to stay upside down in a handstand. A little off the main street, the walk to and from the centre is just as soothing.
Reviewed By 259mariangelesl
Attending the 200 hours yoga teacher training course conducted by Omji at the Bhagsu Institue is an experience I can only recommend. This yoga training is a perfect insight in the physical, mental, and spiritual practices of yoga. Omji is an experienced and inspiring yogi, with the ability to translate yoga philosophy into situations in the here and now. He spreads love and enthusiasm in his classes, and invites to practice yoga creating awareness within you, as well as with the physical postures on the outside. I also had the privilege to learn the Reiki method of natural healing from him, and learned crystal and singing bowls healing practices. Omji is an experienced healer with a calming positive energy and an amazing intuition that he applies during his teachings. As a rebirthing therapist, he also conducted me through a rebirthing experience. Getting to know Omji and attending his classes has been an extremely inspiring experience for me. He encourages to develop a deep awareness of how we live, interact and react to the world, showing the value of calming your mind and ego, in order to gain inner clarity. He is an inspiration to work towards oneself, and achieve inner peace and compassion for all, wherever we go, whatever the challenges of life are. So if you can, take the chance to attend his teachings and enjoy his classes!
8. Dorjee's Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Dorjee Spa offers a unique combination of personalized, holistic Tibetan restorative therapies, Pranic healing sessions, diversified massage offerings, and a wide variety of beauty treatments. I provide both male and female clients a relaxing and nurturing atmosphere conducive to balancing and revitalizing their mind, body and soul. Conveniently located at Pema Thang Guesthouse on Pride Surya Hotel Road, opposite Hotel Bhagsu, my oasis is just steps away from the hustle bustle of McLeod Ganj. To book an appointment call or sms +91 9816393673 or message me on Facebook: Dorjee Spa (see my reviews). I am a Tibetan entrepreneur with 5 years' professional spa therapy experience, including working in three 5-star hotels in Delhi. Let me provide you with the ultimate client experience using my healing hands to melt away your exhaustion, as well as your aches and pains, and recharge you with positive energy.
9. Urjam Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
URJAM Spa provides cure to above health problems with prior consultation with well-qualified & experienced Ayurvedic Doctors, under whose direction & supervision,the whole treatment is processed till end. The therapeutic treatments are done by the experienced hands of Ayurvedic Therapists from Kerala. All the therapeutic accessories from raw herbs to medicated oils
10. Yavana Massage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
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