Best Post-Mountain Massages in Thamel, Kathmandu Nepal

After days of trekking in Nepal, sore muscles, aching legs and a stiff back can quickly become part of the experience. Finding the right massages in Thamel can make all the difference when your body is crying out for some recovery time. From deep tissue treatments that tackle stubborn knots to traditional Nepali therapies using herbs and oils, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The challenge is knowing where to go. Thamel has massage and spa centres in abundance, many easy to miss among the busy streets, colourful signs and tangled electrical wires. After a trek, you want somewhere professional, good value and, most importantly, capable of working on muscles that have just carried you through the Himalayas.

Having tried several massages in Thamel after trekking in Nepal, I’ve shared my personal experiences below. From a social enterprise supporting visually impaired massage therapists to a traditional Nepali treatment and a powerful deep tissue massage, these are the places I found worth considering for some much-needed post-trek recovery.

Best Massages In Thamel

Deep Tissue Massage @ Seeing Hands

I was looking forward to trying this unique concept called Seeing Hands after my Everest Base Camp disappointment.

Seeing Hands is a social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities in massage therapy for visually impaired people. And with just three options on the massage menu, choosing what to have was straightforward.

My masseur was called Ganga, “like the river”, he told me. He was a chatty chap and immediately put me at ease. He also asked all the right questions about injuries, including which vertebrae were affected by my slipped disc. Definitely a good start.

I went for the deep tissue massage, and Ganga had seriously strong hands. He found knots I didn’t even know existed and worked through them with impressive precision. It was clear that he had been well trained, and for the price, I thought it offered excellent value compared with other places offering massages in Thamel.

Female massage therapists are also available if you prefer.

What You Need To Know About Seeing Hands

Sports Massage: 60mins 2000 rupees / 90mins 2900 rupees

• Click for the location of Seeing Hands in Thamel, not far from Kantipur Temple House 
• Check reviews of Seeing Hands

Traditional Nepali Massage @ Kathmandu Spa

Kathmandu Spa has a huge menu of treatments. You can choose from Ayurvedic, Swedish and Thai massages, body scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures, plus a sauna and steam room. Basically, you could lose an entire afternoon here.

I opted for the Traditional Nepali Massage, also known as Pinda Sweda, a type of Ayurvedic treatment using a blend of herbs and warm oils. After several days of trekking, it sounded like exactly what my tired body needed.

The treatment started with a full-body massage, with plenty of attention given to my back and aching muscles. Then things got interesting. At one point, the therapist knelt on my bum and used her knees as part of the massage. Not something I was expecting, but surprisingly effective!

Next came a cloth bag filled with a mixture of 40 herbs. Combined with hot essential oils, it was applied to different points around my body and worked into my muscles.

This is not a gentle, fall-asleep-and-forget-where-you-are kind of massage. It is strong, warming and definitely leaves you feeling like your muscles have had a proper workout of their own. I’d happily go back for another.

Because apparently one treatment wasn’t enough, I also went for a Gold Facial. There were nine facials to choose from, but I was promised glowing skin, and who am I to argue?

The therapist even threw in a little leg massage while the cream worked its magic. She definitely worked hard for her rupees, so after bartering on the price with the receptionist, I gave the difference to my masseur as a tip.

What You Need To Know About Kathmandu Spa

Traditional Nepali Massage: 60mins 3500 rupees / 90mins 4500 rupees // Gold Facial: 1800 rupees

• Click for the location of Kathmandu Spa in Thamel
• Check reviews of Kathmandu Spa

Deep Tissue Massage @ Zen Spa

Zen Spa came recommended by the staff at my hotel, so I thought I’d give it a try.

My trek from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel had been moved to the following day, which meant I wouldn’t have time for a proper post-mountain massage before my flight. Naturally, I decided to squeeze one in before the trek instead. Was a deep tissue massage the day before hiking a great idea? Probably not. Did I do it anyway? Of course.

Thankfully, the massage itself was excellent. The therapist knew exactly how to work through tight muscles and got the pressure just right. It was thorough without being unbearable, which is always appreciated when someone is digging into muscles you’ve been using to climb mountains.

Herbal tea was served afterwards, and the whole place had a calm, professional feel. If you’re looking for a solid deep tissue massage in Thamel, Zen Spa is another one worth considering.

What You Need To Know About Zen Massage

• Click for the location of Zen Massage in Thamel – you’ll find it nearly opposite Kathmandu Guest House.
• Check reviews of Zen Spa in Thamel

What To Do In Thamel

Whilst you are in Thamel, you should explore the area. Thamel is a cool place for shopping for an upcoming trek, or souvenirs. 

For the cultural experience, there are plenty of tours in and around Kathmandu to choose from. Thamel is the starting point of most tours in Kathmandu, Try to visit all 7 UNESCO sites in Kathmandu including the Pashupatinath Temple at sunset.

BEST THAMEL MASSAGE- PIN FOR LATER!