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 that post-mountain massage in Thamel, here’s some of my experiences, however, if you have any recommendations for next time I go trekking in Nepal, do comment below!
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 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 asking all the right questions about any injuries and which number vertebrae I had my slipped disc.
So 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 massage places in Thamel, it’s a top deal! They have female masseurs too if that is your preference.
Sports Massage: 60mins 2000 rupees / 90mins 2900 rupees
Click for the location of Seeing Hands in Thamel
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 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, anxiety and improves sleep, just what I needed.
The Nepali Traditional Massage started with a fully 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 the mix of 40 herbs inside a cloth bag were applied with hot essential oils, and left on certain points of the body and massaged into the body. This is a strong rejuvenating massage which 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 it’s magic, she works hard for her rupees! I bartered on the price and gave it to the masseuse as a tip.
Traditional Nepali Massage: 60mins 3500 rupees / 90mins 4500 rupees // Gold Facial: 1800 rupees
Click for the location of Kathmandu Spa in Thamel
Deep tissue massage @ Zen Spa
Zen Spa is situated nearly opposite Kathmandu Guest House and came recommended by the staff there so I thought I’d give it a go! As my trek from Changu Narayan to Nargarkot and Dhulikhiel 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.
Click for the location of Zen Massage in Thamel
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