Thamel has been one of the most popular commercial neighborhoods in Bagmati Pradesh, Kathmandu (Nepal). Narrow mazed up alleys crowded with several street vendors and bright and colorful shops mark Thamel’s signature, formerly known as Tabitha Bahal. It is known as the Kathmandu valley’s hottest tourist spot and has never disappointed its tourists in terms of cozy restaurants, magnificent temples, pubs with band’s music, or cultural monuments. Even though the prices may be a bit high but the goods are one of a kind, there is a lot of bargaining scope.
Whether you want to spend on some high-quality Pashminas (also cashmere) and Thangkas (a type of unique paintings found in Nepal) or singing bowls, clothes, and jewelry, this market has it all. The place offers lapsi, chhurpi, titaura, and Nepali tea as its specialties in terms of food. The Rice paper or the Lokta paper products in paintings, manuscripts, handbags, and many more are considered a nice souvenir from Thamel. But if you are a fan of historical souvenirs, you must bag a Khukuri, a traditional knife used by the Nepali soldiers in wars since the 18th century. Overall, the area is particularly famous for its trekking gear as it serves as a pre-base camp for mountaineers and handicrafts.
Apart from the tremendous variety of commodities to spend on, the entire area is a Wi-Fi zone, making it one of a kind as it is the first city to do so. The place also serves traditional and continental cuisines, becoming a center for Kathmandu’s nightlife and adventure. The cafes and pubs blast out loud music by cover bands during the evenings attracting both tourists and locals. And if that’s not enough, you may explore the nearby places as well such as Kwabahal, JP Road and Paknajol.
In terms of safety, the city of Kathmandu ticks the check again. The well-light tourist area is safe when it comes to walking at night, but the view is surreal. But it is advised to be cautious outside Thamel city and take care of your essential travel documents. Also, the weather remains pretty cold, so you must not forget your blazers. Entry to the market is free. It usually takes about a 20-minute taxi drive from the Tribhuvan international airport or a 15-minute drive from the Kathmandu bus station.
If you have researched enough about the place, you would not need to take a guided tour of the city as they charge huge money, which is not worth it. It would be best to visit some places when in Thamel, including the Tri Devi, Ghairi Dhara, Shiva Shrine, and the Ashok Stupa. Overall, you must check out this place at least once as this place can never disappoint any tourist with its fantastic nightlife and a never-ending variety of goods to buy along with the peace, calm, and closeness to the nature this Buddhist capital city brings along with it.
