In the 1960s, Western hippies set out from Europe, journeying across the heart of Asia to reach Nepal. In Kathmandu, Thamel became their main base. Later, it transformed into a paradise for backpackers. Today, Thamel is the busiest and most vibrant tourist hub in Kathmandu.
Thamel is close to the airport, with convenient transportation and a dense concentration of accommodations. From boutique hotels to budget lodgings, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. It’s also located near several major attractions, which is why many travelers to Kathmandu choose to stay in Thamel.
Beyond accommodation, Thamel’s biggest draw is shopping. As the busiest commercial district in Kathmandu, it consists of five main shopping streets—three running north-south and two running east-west—and is often called Nepal’s shopping paradise. The streets are lined with shops selling all kinds of goods.
When you first enter Thamel, you’ll find that the neighborhood exceeds your expectations. The roads are a tangled web, with countless alleys branching off the main streets. Buildings of various styles are crammed together, creating a maze-like atmosphere. As you wind your way through, it’s hard to tell where each turn will lead, and finding a specific shop can take some effort.
The shops lining the streets are filled with a variety of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu handicrafts, as well as spices, tea, shawls, clothing, crystals, and more. If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Nepal, you’re sure to leave Thamel with your hands full.
Thamel is also home to many bookstores and record shops, including the renowned Pilgrims Book House, often regarded as the best bookstore in Nepal. It offers a wide selection of foreign-language books and maps, all beautifully displayed.
Think of Thamel—where tourists and locals mix—as a gateway into everyday life in Nepal. As you weave through the lively crowds, with the hustle and bustle as your soundtrack, you might turn a random corner and stumble upon a hidden gem. Each new twist and turn reveals a new part of the map, adding unexpected surprises to your journey through Nepal.
