If
Freak Street was the Mecca for hippies
in the 1960s, then Thamel area in the
heart of Kathmandu is the epicentre of
all activity for the backpacker tourist.
The area is full of ledges, stores, hotels,
restaurants, bars, massage parlor's and
everything else that cater to foreign
visitors. In recent years, even up market
tourists cannot do without a visit to
Thamel for its sheer mixture of east and
west. The sights and sounds of Thamel
today is as much a part of Nepal as is
Kathmandu Durbar Square. Its winding streets
and alleys, with the interspersing of
Nepali and Western life, never fails to
surprise even those who claim to have
seen it all.
Just
a stone's throw away from Narayanhity Royal
Place, the seat of Nepal's present day monarch,
Thamel is a very happening area. Most of
the Kingdom's famous trekking routes, mountains
and rivers are accessible from here since
many of the agencies that run the tours
are located in this district.
Thamel
If
Freak Street was the Mecca for hippies
in the 1960s, then Thamel area in the
heart of Kathmandu is the epicentre of
all activity for the backpacker tourist.
The area is full of ledges, stores, hotels,
restaurants, bars, massage parlor's and
everything else that cater to foreign
visitors. In recent years, even up market
tourists cannot do without a visit to
Thamel for its sheer mixture of east and
west. The sights and sounds of Thamel
today is as much a part of Nepal as is
Kathmandu Durbar Square. Its winding streets
and alleys, with the interspersing of
Nepali and Western life, never fails to
surprise even those who claim to have
seen it all. 
