Thosamling Nunnery
Thosamling Nunnery
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
19 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Qo91
1 contribution
Dec 2018 • Solo
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.
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.
Written 15 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clairerrr
Driffield, UK35 contributions
Dec 2018
I attended the Winter meditation retreat December to February this year. This is an incredible place. The view of the Mountains is beautiful and the gardens full of birdlife. This is like being with family, many volunteers from around the world, the Sangha, and paid staff make this place a haven for those seeking rest and refuge. The food is very nourishing and they try their very best to make your stay enjoyable and fruitful.
The temple is beautiful and it was a wonderful place to practice.
In these months once the sun goes in it's very cold so wrap up with many layers.
There are walks nearby and Norbulinka is a must to visit.
Of course the 2 doggies just top it all and they rule the place!
Volunteer, do a course, meditate or just hang out here and get to know yourself better.
The temple is beautiful and it was a wonderful place to practice.
In these months once the sun goes in it's very cold so wrap up with many layers.
There are walks nearby and Norbulinka is a must to visit.
Of course the 2 doggies just top it all and they rule the place!
Volunteer, do a course, meditate or just hang out here and get to know yourself better.
Written 11 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana R
Tel Aviv, Israel20 contributions
Oct 2019
I have visited the Thosamling Nunnery fro 2 days in October 2019 in a regular mid week days where no retreat occurred, just to experience the daily life in a Buddhist nunnery. I was stoned from the beauty of the nunnery and the nature surrounding it, the peaceful and kindness and feel blessed I had the opportunity to have this unforgettable experience in my journey. Will surely come back.
Written 31 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seasonedtraveler28
New England123 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
My stay at Thomsaling was just what I needed and wish I could of stayed longer. The walk through the rice paddies to get there and the rest of the world started to melt away. I felt warmly welcomed into the community immediately. Even in monsoon the grounds are beautiful with gardens and flowers. The food was incredible 😁
Very nourishing, clean and satisfyingly. All the staff are so kind and friendly. This is a really special place and so nice to unplug from the hecticness of the outside world. It close enough to do some day trips as well but I rarely felt the need to leave the property. They have great courses here too that I hope to attend in the future. Some centers like this especially in an area so close to the Dalai Lama can feel like a business but this felt like home. Highly recommend! Can't wait to go back!
Very nourishing, clean and satisfyingly. All the staff are so kind and friendly. This is a really special place and so nice to unplug from the hecticness of the outside world. It close enough to do some day trips as well but I rarely felt the need to leave the property. They have great courses here too that I hope to attend in the future. Some centers like this especially in an area so close to the Dalai Lama can feel like a business but this felt like home. Highly recommend! Can't wait to go back!
Written 24 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for you kind words - it is really nice to hear you had a good time with us. can't wait till you come back
big hug from all of us at Thosamling
Written 27 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan O
7 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Thank you so much to everyone at Thosamling for a beautiful experience. This Buddhist nunnery and retreat center is perfect for solo travelers looking to take time for themselves. I spent about 4 weeks here and experienced kindness and hospitality from all of the staff and volunteers. Thosamling is incredibly peaceful. It has a beautiful organic garden, fruit trees, flowers, a Buddhist temple, and a library full of interesting books. The area is adorned with prayer flags and bamboo trees. There is also a variety of beautiful birds that can be spotted around the area. During my stay, I was lucky enough to see a family of owls! McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot are a bus or taxi ride away, and Norbulingka is a short walk. The view of the surrounding mountains and rice paddies is gorgeous. The food (3 meals a day) is included and delicious. The sense of community at Thosamling and the friendliness of the people here makes it feel like home. I was fortunate enough to participate in the Shamatha course offered at Thosamling, and I really recommend it to anyone interested in mindfulness practices. Visit Thosamling for a peaceful environment and a chance to meet friendly people!
Written 5 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EDNA
Yehud, Israel9 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
If you want to stop the world, your hectic running around life, and step out for a while, Thosamling nunery is your destination.
Beautifully located in Himachal Pradesh in India, the endless green & vivid nature life of the Himalaya slopes, in between rice terrace & amazing mountain view. Most importantly: its pure quite, away from India (or your home) noisy pressured every day life.
On a very reasonable budget, you get a simple but big & clean room, with a terrace open to the jungle to meditate, read or rest.
You also get exquisite food. Three meals, cooked in the nunery kitchen, every day with local ingredients from the herb & vegetable gardens as well as daily fresh locally made supply brought from Sidhpur, the village near by.
You can walk around away from roads, cars & buses horns in the nature. You can meditate solely. You can drive easily (half an hour by taxi or bus) to Dharmasala & Mecloed Gang or walk to Norbalingka Tibetan preservation institute 15 min walk to Sidhpur.
You can also talk to the kindest nuns or even ask for a "private meditation guidance" session, or hang arround with most interesting volunteering people or guests from arround the world, each one with his/hers personal life story.
And eat, of course, the best fresh homely vegetarian (or vegan or gluten free or dairy free) delicious food morning, noon & evening.
Don't miss this experience. You owe it to yourself.
Beautifully located in Himachal Pradesh in India, the endless green & vivid nature life of the Himalaya slopes, in between rice terrace & amazing mountain view. Most importantly: its pure quite, away from India (or your home) noisy pressured every day life.
On a very reasonable budget, you get a simple but big & clean room, with a terrace open to the jungle to meditate, read or rest.
You also get exquisite food. Three meals, cooked in the nunery kitchen, every day with local ingredients from the herb & vegetable gardens as well as daily fresh locally made supply brought from Sidhpur, the village near by.
You can walk around away from roads, cars & buses horns in the nature. You can meditate solely. You can drive easily (half an hour by taxi or bus) to Dharmasala & Mecloed Gang or walk to Norbalingka Tibetan preservation institute 15 min walk to Sidhpur.
You can also talk to the kindest nuns or even ask for a "private meditation guidance" session, or hang arround with most interesting volunteering people or guests from arround the world, each one with his/hers personal life story.
And eat, of course, the best fresh homely vegetarian (or vegan or gluten free or dairy free) delicious food morning, noon & evening.
Don't miss this experience. You owe it to yourself.
Written 4 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gill W
Auckland, New Zealand55 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I have just done a 3 day Shamatha meditation retreat at Thosamling, and really enjoyed it. The setting is lush and tranquil, the facilitation of the meditation by Ani Tenzin was skilful, and l learned a lot in the question and answer sessions. The food was absolutely delicious, and the view of the mountains from the roof of Nyima building was stunning. All in all l would thoroughly recommend this retreat.
My only criticism would be that l feel the recommending of any human contact in the Noble Silence is maybe a step too far for some participants and that the occasional smile is OK.
My only criticism would be that l feel the recommending of any human contact in the Noble Silence is maybe a step too far for some participants and that the occasional smile is OK.
Written 13 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oceanwave
1 contribution
Sept 2019 • Solo
Thosamling is beautiful but i would not recommend the 3 day weekend retreat. Out of concern for others who might attend the teacher was not experienced enough to instruct and answer many questions, which is essential for a beginner course. She is however compassionate and caring. The organizer Maya was very hurried to get us to leave and write positive reviews after. She showed no real respect to us as we came out of silence and was not talking out of awareness or compassion. It really felt so much about money and business at the end. The facilities are wonderful and valley absolutely stunning so coming here would be recommended only a personal retreat for or with specific teachers.
Written 3 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hello this is maya, and I am truly sorry that this was your experience . I had absolutely no intention of trying to make you feel not welcome or not being appreciated. my previous experience is that usually at the end of the retreat it is the participants who are in a hurry to get their phones and leave , and it is their wish to go through the check out procedure in the fastest way. if that made you feel unwelcome I truly apologize. that was never my intention. I do not ask or expect positive feedback. on the contrary the aim of the feedback is to allow the participants to express what was good and what needs improvement. so I do take your feed back here very seriously and once again all I can do is offer my apology it was never the intention to make you feel rushed ,or unwelcome.
Written 5 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Drolkar
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
I attended the two month Shamatha retreat in November 2018. Thosamling is the perfect place for a long retreat. The staff are welcoming and mindful to keep the silence, the food crazy delicious and the atmosphere is serene and beautiful. I hope to return very soon.
Written 25 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MBrst
2 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
In December 2018 I spent 5 weeks at Thosamling Nunnery, for a 1-month retreat. If you ever look for a place to do your own retreat or join a scheduled retreat, Thosamling Nunnery is the place to be! You're perfectly looked after with good food, nice rooms and very caring nuns to take care of you!
Written 20 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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