Thamel, Kathmandu

The vibrant tourist epicenter of Nepal, Thamel combines ancient culture with modern amenities, offering everything from trekking gear to nightlife within its maze-like streets.

Key Features of Thamel

• Tourist Hub: Center for travelers since the 1960s hippie trail
• Compact Area: About 1 square kilometer of dense shops and hotels
• 24/7 Energy: Always bustling with activity day and night
• Cultural Fusion: Traditional Newari architecture with modern businesses

What to Do in Thamel

Activity	Best Spots	Notes
Shopping	Pashmina shops, Book stores, Trekking gear outlets	Bargaining expected in most shops
Dining	Roadhouse Cafe, OR2K, Himalayan Java	Global cuisine options available
Nightlife	Purple Haze, Sam's Bar, Reggae Bar	Most close by midnight
Cultural Sites	Kathmandu Guest House courtyard, Small stupas	Hidden among the shops

Top Shopping Categories

• Trekking Gear Fake North Face and genuine local brands
• Handicrafts Thangkas, singing bowls, wood carvings
• Clothing Pashminas, hemp clothes, yak wool items
• Books Trekking guides, Buddhist philosophy, Nepali literature
• Jewelry Silver, turquoise, coral and rudraksha beads

Where to Stay

Type	Options	Price Range
Budget	Alobar1000, Zostel, Hotel Friends Home	$5-15/night
Mid-range	Kathmandu Guest House, Hotel Thamel House	$30-80/night
Luxury	Hotel Yak & Yeti, Dwarika's Hotel	$150+/night

Safety Advice

• Beware of "hashish sellers" - it's illegal and often a scam
• Use registered taxis or ride-sharing at night
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food

Getting To/From Thamel

• From Airport: 6km, 30-60min drive depending on traffic
• Taxi: NPR 500-700 from airport (use prepaid counter)
• Ride-sharing: Pathao, Indriver available
• Walking: Most Thamel locations accessible on foot

Best Time to Visit

• Mornings: (8-10am) Least crowded, best for photography
• Evenings: (5-8pm) Peak shopping and dining hours
• Seasons: October-November and March-April have ideal weather