In this article we list 7 testimonials by people who participated in our Pottery Retreat. These testimonials are honest reflections of the people about how they felt during the time they spent in the retreat. It is a small initiative from our side to help you understand why you should join this retreat. We are also attaching the google link to these testimonials to help you verify their authenticity.

1. “The best part – nothing you make is templatized; they encourage you to think, ideate and create” – Rachna Panikker

If you are even remotely inclined to art and would like to try a new form and medium, Dharamkot Studio is your place. Their pottery and art retreat is 5 days of introduction to pottery and its materials. You’ll learn the basics of ceramics, you’ll meet new people and experience some local activities like guided meditation, nature walks and a small guided tour of the area – all of which are arranged as part of the retreat!

To top it all, the people here are just pure joy! They are kind, patient and amazing teachers. They start you off with hands-on experience from Day 1/hour 1, instead of a theory-first method. You will learn hand building as well as wheel throwing (basics: don’t expect to be a pro within a week, these people have taken years to master the art form) The best part – nothing you make is templatized; they encourage you to think, ideate and create. And you actually get to take back things you have made!

The studio has brilliant views with a cozy setting and the accommodation is comfortable, safe, hygienic with lovely views of the Deodhar tree forests and Mcleodganj/Dharamshala.

A shout out to all the kitchen staff for the best home-style veg food and the continuous flow of chai/coffee/ginger lemon honey.

Pragya, Prianka, Parneet, Neeraj, Sajan, Manoj, Manish and everyone else at Dharamkot Studio, thank you for making this experience so memorable. Highly recommended.

Click here to read on Google.

2. “Working with clay is the best form of meditation.” – Sanchari Bardhan

My first impression from images on the dharamkot studio’s website was of an idyllic pottery studio nestled among the lush green hills of dharamkot. My last impression from my 5 day retreat is of that and more…The studio is a warm community of artists (our instructors) working together to give us an unforgettable creative and peaceful 5 days. They managed to distil in us the basics of hand-building, pinching, wheel throwing and coiling in a short few days. The retreat is ideal for beginners interested in learning the art of clay or just looking for a retreat from city-life for a few days. Working with clay is the best form of meditation. I could honestly go on and on about this place. It has rekindled in me the love for pottery and I hope to be able to come back for a longer course soon! Thank you Pragya, Parneet, Sajan, Manish, Neeraj, Sahil & Prianka for your patience and for teaching me the art of pottery!

Click here to read on Google.

3. “Warning! – you will not want to leave!” – Sukhada Tikotekar

Our days began by waking up in rooms that open up to a valley view and often felt like living in clouds – imo its the closest one comes to living in a “badalghar”

The studio is open and beautiful! The instructors are extremely helpful and great teachers!

They were all very warm, kind and helpful and allowed us to even explore more things we each wanted to try! It’s a great beginning to a pottery journey as we learned and practised the basics and built confidence to do them on our own.

The structure of the retreat is brilliant as it gives you time to explore the beautiful dharamkot as well as enough time to learn! The inhouse food is some of the best food you’ll eat! Its the tastiest “ghar ka khana” you can imagine!

The entire staff is extremely personable and affable + will help you out with anything you need. This place has my heart

Click here to read on Google.

4. “No inhibitions on going crazy with your creativity.” – Shivani Sekar

Trying your hands at pottery at Dharamkot Studio is the best way to unwind yourself in the town of Dharamkot near McLeod Ganj. The slow yet fun life they have built in and around the studio is highly invigorating! You’ll want to keep coming back to this little slice of paradise. The instructors and hosts here have created a beautiful community of creatives. You can take up workshops, short term retreats and long intensive courses as well. Or just stroll and shop for cool artsy ceramic pieces made at the studio. I did my one month intensive pottery course here and it was more than I ever imagined learning. The teachers make sure that students learn in ways that fit them and bring out their best. I also took watercolour painting sessions which proved to be so useful in enhancing my painting skills. The learning environment was extremely fun and encouraging. No inhibitions on going crazy with your creativity. And bonus is you’ll make some amazing memories and friends! Add this to your MUST VISIT list on your trip to Dharamkot!

Click here to read on Google.

5. “To all those souls who are burnt out and want to get in touch with your creative side – take the plunge and sign up for their next retreat!” – Nazneen Ali

I went for a 5 day art retreat in the middle of December 2023 at Dharamkot studio and had an amazing experience. Starting from the initial correspondence to the coordination of the whole stay and the pottery classes themselves – the whole package was truly worth it and so well planned by the team.

The cottages were comfortable and clean and looks out to a breathtaking view of the valley. The classes are relaxed and well timed and the instructors were patient and supportive of my creativity. The retreat is mixed with some other great activities other than pottery – including yoga, walks and meditation. The sound bath meditation was my favourite of the lot.

I was a bit hesitant to do this and anxious of how it would turn out but it was a much needed break from a crazy year. I impulsively booked this all alone and ended up meeting a lovely group of people and will cherish memories from this retreat forever. To all those souls who are burnt out and want to get in touch with your creative side – take the plunge and sign up for their next retreat!

Click here to read on Google.

6. “I had an amazing week learning a new skill of “Pottery” between Cedar tree hills away from hustle of city with friendly and professional Artists.” – Sweta Sojitra

It was indeed a pleasure to be a part of Creative Retreat. I had an amazing week learning a new skill of “Pottery” between Cedar tree hills away from hustle of city with friendly and professional Artists.

I would like to thank each and every team members of Dharamkot studio for unqiue experience. Special Thanks to Pragya, Hazel, Prianka and Neeraj: For being patient and making a new skill learning fun.

Thank you  Sajan: For being patient and taking care of our needs throughout our stay. For taking us for guided Hike, Nature walk, Meditation centre, Yoga, Naddi village, Monastery, patiently explaining and answering our queries.

Thanks to Manish for taking care of us for our needs throughout the retreat. Thanks to Chef Rakesh for preparing us all delicious homely meals, served with a smile by Miththu Bhaiya.

Indeed, taking lots of memories and learning. Looking forward to meet you all soon.

Until we meet again!

Click here to read on Google.

7. “A Dream Retreat in the Hills.”- Karan Sharma

There’s a serenity to be found amidst the quiet mountains, and Dharamkot Studio is where that tranquility meets the art of pottery. Situated in an idyllic setting, high in the mountains and far from the hustle and bustle of city life, this studio is truly a haven for the soul. If I could describe my 5-day retreat experience in one word, it would be “magical.”

Tucked away in a secluded, scenic spot, Dharamkot Studio offers the sort of views you’ve only dreamed of. Picture this: undulating mountain slopes, panoramic vistas, and breathtaking landscapes. The surroundings are so peaceful that you can hear your own thoughts—and perhaps, even the whispering secrets of the clay you’re about to shape.

Delectable Food
Elevating this experience is the exceptional food provided throughout the retreat. Every meal felt like an extension of the creativity I experienced during the day’s lessons. Fresh, local, and lovingly prepared, the cuisine complements the overall experience and leaves you nourished in body and soul.

Pottery Classes & Instructors: Masters of the Craft
The very heart of the Dharamkot Studio experience lies in its pottery classes. A special shoutout goes to Pragya, whose all-around efforts introduced us to the beauty of clay, handmade pottery, and artistic designs. Her comprehensive approach made it easy even for beginners to fall in love with the craft.

Prianka, a virtuoso at the pottery wheel, imparted her skills with such clarity that even the most challenging tasks seemed attainable. Her hands seemed to meld with the clay, and under her guidance, so did ours.

Dhiram—oh, what exquisite glasses he creates! Witnessing him in action was like watching a maestro at work, and the end results were nothing short of stunning.

Anton – the teacup guru, under his tutelage, we learned that making a teacup isn’t just about creating a vessel to hold liquid—it’s about crafting an experience for the user, making each sip of tea a little more special. It was astonishing to see how he imbued each teacup with a unique blend of practicality and aesthetic beauty.

And of course, a special thanks to Neeraj, who was always there to guide, assist, and help us fine-tune our skills at the pottery wheel. His subtle touches and tips made a world of difference.

A Word for the Founder
Last but not least, heartfelt thanks to Manoj, one of the founders of Dharamkot Studio. Aside from creating this remarkable space for art and introspection, he enthralled us with incredible stories that added another layer of richness to our experience.

Conclusion
Dharamkot Studio is not just a pottery retreat; it’s an experience that nourishes your artistic abilities while rejuvenating your soul. If you’re looking for an escape that brings you closer to nature and introduces you to the mesmerizing world of pottery, look no further. Your haven awaits in the mountains.

Click here to read on Google.