Thamel

ठमेल

Kathmandu's hub for backpackers and outdoor gear, where guesthouses, restaurants, mountaineering shops, and thangka stalls crowd narrow lanes strung with prayer flags. It is the place to stock up before and after trekking.

Thamel is Kathmandu's most concentrated tourist district, north of the old town. It has been a backpacker base since the hippie era of the 1970s. Hundreds of guesthouses line its narrow lanes, ranging from US$10 beds to boutique hotels. The restaurants serve Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, Western food, and coffee. There are also bars and live music venues. Nepal's most complete selection of outdoor gear is here. International brands such as The North Face have stores, and many local knockoffs are sold alongside them. Down jackets, trekking poles, and sleeping bags can be bought cheaply or rented, making this the most convenient place to outfit yourself before heading into the mountains. The district is also a good place for souvenirs. Cashmere shawls, thangkas, Nepali paper products, copperware, tea, and handmade soap are all on offer, and you should bargain down to about half the asking price. Travel agencies, trekking companies, Everest scenic flights, and Chitwan safari bookings are concentrated here, so compare several before deciding. Durbar Square is a 20 to 30 minute walk away, passing through the old lanes of Asan Market. Be aware that the streets are narrow and motorbikes pass through them, so watch your step. Touts and people selling cannabis are sometimes present, and a polite refusal is enough. The district gradually quiets after 10 p.m., so take care when walking alone at night. Power cuts are frequent, so choose a guesthouse with a backup power supply.

Thamel

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