Thamel is a famous tourist district in Kathmandu, characterized by its five main streets and numerous smaller alleys. Visitors often find it an exhilarating blend of sensory experiences, which can either lead them to seek solace in their hotels or draw them further into its lively atmosphere. Most first-time travelers to Nepal typically end up in Thamel after a taxi ride from the airport. The area is filled with tour agencies, trekking guides, shops for outdoor gear and clothing, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars, all catering to the country's primary industry: tourism. Whether you love it or dislike it, Thamel offers a unique experience that showcases many aspects of its vibrant charm.
Thamel- A Major Tourist Hub
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Histry of Thamel
While Thamel is often seen as the heart of Kathmandu for tourists, it is also one of the oldest parts of the city, originally called Tabitha Bahal. The area's architecture features traditional Newari design, reflecting the heritage of the valley's earliest inhabitants. Many visitors may stroll past Thamel's numerous temples, monasteries, and shrines without realizing their significance. Among these, Bikramsila Mahadev, known as Bhagwan Bahal in North Thamel, stands out as the first monastery in the region. Although believed to be over 1,000 years old, it houses manuscripts that date back 3,000 years. Further south, Maitripur Mahabihar Bahal is another early monastery built by the Newari community.
How to get to Thamel
Reaching Thamel from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is quite easy due to its proximity. Taxis or private transport are the quickest and most convenient options for traveling to or from the airport. Many hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators provide transportation directly to their accommodations in Thamel. Thamel itself is compact, with designated taxi parking areas at Narshing Chowk and J.P. Road. Rickshaws are more commonly used for transport from the heritage area near Kathmandu Durbar Square than from other parts of the city. The main tourist bus stop is located just outside Thamel in Sorhakhutte, offering morning services to Chitwan and Pokhara, along with afternoon drop-off options. The main bus terminal in the Kathmandu Valley is situated in Ratna Park, which is a 20-minute walk from Thamel.
Navigating the streets of Thamel can be tricky for newcomers
Navigating the streets of Thamel can be tricky for newcomers, as street names are often limited and the area resembles a maze of disorganized pathways. A helpful strategy is to use junctions (chowks) as reference points when searching for restaurants or hotels. Thamel doesn’t have defined boundaries, but knowing the center can help prevent getting lost amidst the bustling streets and traffic. The center of Thamel is marked by the junction near three mini supermarkets, known as Chaksibari Chowk, which is one of the designated "pedestrian areas." From here, you can head south along Chaksibari Marg toward Durbar Square. To the southeast, you’ll find the bustling Narshing Chowk and Thamel Marg, where the pedestrian area ends. This is where motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles frequently enter. Heading south will take you to J.P. Road and further to Thahity Chowk, leading to Durbar Square. If you choose the eastern road from Narshing Chowk, you'll pass Tri Devi Marg, home to various trekking stores, eventually reaching Kantipath, Durbar Marg, and the old royal palace.
If you turn left (north) at Hot Breads, you’ll encounter Kathmandu Guesthouse and Sam's Bar, leading to another junction. From there, a left turn takes you to Satghumti (Seven Corner Street), where you'll find a mix of trekking shops, coffee houses, and eateries. Continuing further north will lead you to the neighborhoods of Paknajol and Kaldera, and eventually to Sorhakhutte, the morning tourist bus stop for Chitwan and Pokhara. This route also serves as the pathway to Swayambhunath Monkey Temple. Despite the chaotic signage, this unique atmosphere is what gives Thamel its distinct character and worldwide fame. The lack of clear signs can make it challenging for tourists to locate landmarks, adding to the adventure of exploring this vibrant area.
Best Trekking Stores in Thamel
Thamel is home to numerous trekking stores, making it impossible to list them all, as many open and close each year. Among the official retailers, the "real" North Face store is located opposite Fire & Ice on Tri Devi Marg, while a Columbia store can be found just before Tri Devi on the same street. These stores sell authentic merchandise, but be aware that prices are comparable to those in your home country.
Next to the North Face store, you’ll find several other outlets offering well-known brands like Mammut and Black Yak, which can also be on the pricier side. Additionally, there’s a two-story Korean trekking store near the south entrance to Mandala Street that offers reasonably priced gear. For those looking for budget-friendly options, many stores sell locally produced products that are good quality at lower prices. The stores in Thamel are generally spacious, making it easy to browse and quickly find what you need. The largest trekking outlet is located around the corner from J.P. Marg along Thamel Marg.
Where to Eat and Drink in Thamel
One of the prime attractions in Thamel is its diverse culinary scene. Thamel serves as a major hub for world-class cuisine, offering everything from authentic Nepali dishes like dal bhat to Italian, Mexican, Indian, and Chinese fare. The area is filled with numerous restaurants, pubs, bars, and coffee shops where you can find something to suit your taste. There are many cozy cafés perfect for enjoying a good book or catching up with friends. Don’t miss the chance to try delicious local specialties such as gundruk dhido and dal bhat.
Himalayan Java: Renowned for its Nepalese coffee, this café offers delicious pancakes, pastries, and hearty breakfast options. You can find Himalayan Java on Mandala Street.
Roadhouse Café: If you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizza, Roadhouse Café is an excellent choice. Known for its beautiful ambiance, it also offers great coffee and hot chocolate. There are several branches throughout Kathmandu, with one conveniently located near JP School Road in Thamel.
Fire and Ice: Famous for its traditional Italian stone-baked pizzas, Fire and Ice also serves refreshing drinks, desserts, and ice creams. You’ll find it on the main street to the left before entering Thamel.
Hankook Sarang: This Korean restaurant is known for its spicy dishes, which come with soup, rice, kimchi, salad, and green tea. Famous for its authentic flavors and great value, Hankook Sarang also offers special dishes like kimbap and bibimbap. Its charming garden dining area adds to the experience. You can find this delightful restaurant at Chaksibari, Thamel.
Taste of Mo Mo in Thamel
Thamel offers a wide array of attractions for tourists and travelers, with Nepali cuisine being a standout for its distinct and flavorful dishes. Among the most popular are Nepalese momos, the local take on dumplings. Typically filled with steamed vegetables or meat, the dough-wrapped morsels are either steamed or fried to perfection. Momos are commonly served with one or two dipping sauces, often made from tomatoes or fermented vegetables. Nepali condiments, which can be quite spicy, frequently feature raw chili and garlic. These delicious dumplings have become Nepal's unofficial national dish due to their widespread popularity and rich taste.
Attractions and Activities Starts and Ends in Thamel
In addition to its vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife, Thamel serves as the starting and ending hub for a wide range of adventure activities, from day trips to multi-day excursions. Numerous registered adventure travel companies in the area offer various cultural and extreme adventure tours. It's also within walking distance of major cultural sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Garden of Dreams, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
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