Best post-mountain massages in Thamel | Nepal
LAST UPDATED: 3rd June 2024
Thamel is awash with massage and spa places and with the crazy signage and spaghetti junction of electrical wires, you can easily walk past the centres.
So if you’re a trekker looking for the best post-mountain massages in Thamel, here are some of my experiences, however, if you have any recommendations for the next time I go trekking in Nepal, do comment below!
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. It’s a social enterprise providing training and employment opportunities in massage therapy for visually impaired people.
With only 3 options on the Thamel massage menu, it makes it a lot easier to choose.
My masseur was called Ganga, “like the river” he said. He was a chatty chap and immediately put me at ease, especially by asking all the right questions about any injuries and which number of vertebrae I had in my slipped disc.
I wanted the Deep Tissue Massage and this guy has strong hands, he managed to find knots I didn’t know existed. It’s evident that he had been well-trained and for the price compared to other spas offering massage in Thamel, it’s a top deal! They have female masseurs too if that is your preference.
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
This place has a big menu of services from Ayurvedic, Swedish, Thai, Body Scrub, facials, manicures, and pedicures as well as a sauna and steam room, it’s a one-stop spa! I opted for the Nepali traditional massage, or Pinda Sweda, which is a type of Ayurvedic massage. It reduces lower back pain, depression, and anxiety and improves sleep, just what I needed.
The Nepali Traditional Massage started with a full body massage into all the muscles with extra attention to the back. The masseur even knelt on my butt and massaged me with her knees. After that, the mix of 40 herbs inside a cloth bag was applied with hot essential oils, left on certain points of the body, and massaged into the body. This is a strong rejuvenating massage that I’d be happy to repeat!
Not content with just a massage, I went for a Gold Facial, just one of the 9 available. I was told this would give me glowing skin and that it did. She even gave me a little leg massage as the cream was working its magic, she works hard for her rupees! I bartered on the price and gave it to the masseuse 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 there so I thought I’d give it a go! As my trek from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel was moved to a day later I’d have no time for a post-mountain massage in Thamel before my flight so I decided to sneak one in before. Not sure a deep tissue massage the day before trekking was the best idea!
The massage was thorough, the guy knew how to work those muscles and got the pressure just right. Herbal tea was served and the place had a serene and professional feel.
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
If you want to start booking your spa and massage in Kathmandu, you may like these options;
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!
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