Vipassana in Ladakh: Mahabodi or Temisgam?

debala

Hello IMers,

I'm planning to do the 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in early July. I'm registered for it in Dharamsala (where I am now), but as I'm going to be in Ladakh at the end of June I'm considering doing the course up there instead.

My question is: There seem to be two Vipassana centers in Ladakh, one in Temisgam and one at a place called the Mahabodi Meditation Center. Has anyone been to either of these locations? What are they like as far as cleanliness and general environment?

Finally, I'm going to be in Rishikesh in the middle of July, so I'm also considering the Vipassana in Dehra Dun. If anyone's been to that one I'd love to hear about it.

Please note that I'm not looking for advice as to whether or not to do Vipassana, as per several other threads on this site. I'm just looking for information about the locations in Ladakh and Dehra Dun.

Thank you!

davidp80

Hi Debala,

I spent a total of about three weeks at the Mahabodhi Center and loved every minute of it. It's a nice, large campus with sweeping mountain views, a community of young monks, hygenic food, and good accomodation. Lots of service related projects going on there too. Meditation caves built into the mountainside if you're really feeling ascetic! You can stay as long as you like - visiting is not just limited to retreat times like other Vipassana centers. There's a nice meditation hall that you can use 24 hours a day for yoga or meditation.

The one thing is, when I was there, there were no 10 day courses happening. Just several, short, 3 day courses. You may want to look into this.

Highly recommended. Could you tell me about the center in Temisgam. I haven't heard of it.

-Dave

debala

Hi Dave,

Thanks for this great info about Mahabodhi! I'm heading up to Leh tonight, so I'll go there in person to check it out and see what they're offering in the way of courses. It sounds like a wonderful and beautiful place. I keep hearing people say how positive an experience Vipassana was for them, so part of me wants to do it to know what that experience is like. But there's no saying I can't spend time at both places.

The Vipassana in Temisgam (95 km outside Leh) is oddly not listed on the main Vipassana website (www.dhamma.org). A fellow traveler told me about it. I called the contact person today and I'm now registered for a course starting in early July; there are two courses every month. The man I spoke with was very friendly and his English was excellent.

Contact info:
Dr. Tashi Thinkis (? -- I'm not sure if I have his surname correct)
Mobile: 09906986655
ladakhvipassana@yahoo.co.in
In Temisgam, 95 km west of Leh

Dr. Thinkis said there's a small office for Vipassana in Leh, and they can provide directions there. But he also said if I email him, he'll reply with directions.

Thanks again,
Debbie

voyager61

Hi! I'm not a Vipassana meditator but my girlfriend was the manager of the first ever 10 days Vipassana course in Temisgam,if I'm not mistaken.. The conditions in those times(2004) were still quite primitive,but in the end everybody seemed to be happy because it's a kind of magical place at the end of a small valley and the atmosphere was indeed good. Probably it is much better organised now. For info I think you can contact Ancient Tracks trekking agency and the manager Visuddha,they have a website and the shop is next to the eco shop in Leh straight in the center.