Kathmandu is the city of beauty, culture, and entertainment. Exploring this magnificent city is like an adventure in itself. And, if you don’t know where to start from, Thamel is the right way to go.
The list of things to do in Thamel is endless. From colorful markets to cultural heritages, Thamel has everything you need or want to explore. You get a taste of everything that Kathmandu has to offer in the city.
It is the perfect place to hang out and chill with friends. You can find flavoury cafes, bakeries, and restaurants here. Although the site is mostly crowded, you can enjoy a peaceful massage and re-energize yourself.
Thamel is quite famous for its lively night-life. Some fantastic clubs, pubs, and bars are there where you can party and have fun. They even have live music and guest singer performances as well!
So, if you don’t know where to start or need further information, read along. Thamel has a whole lot of stuff waiting for you.
Cafes and Restaurants in Thamel
Wanna grab a cup of your favorite coffee? Or do you fancy a lavish dinner?
Head out towards Thamel!
Several cafes, baristas, and bakeries offer you some of the best coffee flavors. You can add some freshly baked items for your breakfast or enjoy your morning espresso. Also, the historical site has a fantastic atmosphere, which makes it a perfect place to sit and relax.
Also, the area is quite famous for hotels and restaurants, serving a wide variety of stuff to taste. Some western-inspired restaurants and hotels offer different cuisines like Chinese, Italian, European, and whatnot.
Besides, some places offer authentic Nepali cuisines like Dal Bhat and Dhido Sisnu. Having native foods is something you shouldn’t miss when in Thamel. We highly recommend you try some Thalaki and Newari food items. All in all, it’s the perfect place to dine and enjoy a quality meal.
Nightlife in Thame
Spending some hours partying in Thamel is something you shouldn’t miss. Having a few drinks with your mates and grooving to the music is always refreshing. Multiple places that you can visit offer a colorful night party.
Thamel’s nightlife is quite famous throughout Kathmandu Valley. There are different bars, clubs, and pubs that make the night alive. Some places are unique for party music, while others have live performances by local or even national artists. Rock music, disco nights, dance beats; all create a cozy atmosphere for the perfect night out. You can also try a karaoke in some lounges if you wish to.
Huge crowds throng famous clubs and discos. So, if you don’t mind a lot of people, they’re perfect for you. Most busy days are during the weekends. Yet, if you don’t like huge crowds, you can find a few less crowded places as well. There are places where you can have a few drinks and listen to some peaceful acoustic performances.
Finding such bars is no problem, at least a couple of these nightclubs are at every gully. All of them open till the late hours, and you’ll quickly find taxis or cabs to return. But make sure you have enough cash, the nightlife in Thamel is not cheap. If you’re looking for having a quality time, you’ll spend some money.
Shopping in Thamel
If you wanna take anything as a memento or souvenir of your visit to Nepal, you should not forget shopping in Thamel.
People, especially tourists, shop at Thamel for many stuff. You’ll find almost every type of Nepali spices here. Whole seasonings, ground spices, or packaged spices; the decision is up to you. Tea is also a popular item of Nepal, and you’ll find a wide variety of tea to grab.
Or, if you love the Nepalese architecture, you can buy wooden carved statues, frames, toys and others. Nepal is quite famous for hand-crafted stuff, so you’ll find these kinds of things in such a shop. The most popular ones include stuffed toys, puppets, and masks.
Likewise, Nepal is quite famous for Thangkas– a unique type of painting done over a canvas or Nepali paper. You’ll find shops selling such traditional art, and if you’re lucky enough, you may even see someone painting it.
People also shop around for clothes. Fabrics like Pashmina, Dhaka are some of the most sold items at Thamel. Pashmina shawls, scarves, and Dhaka Topi (Nepali cap) are some stuff you should check out while shopping here.
Prepare for a Trek
Most visitors travel to Nepal to experience trekking journey to the Himalayas. If you’re one of these people, you’ll find everything you need in Thamel.
Nepal is ideal for sincere adventure seekers. There are short and easy treks for beginners to try. Also, if you’re an experienced trekker, you can give long and challenging treks a try. Some of the most famous treks include,
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek
These are only a few mentions. You can choose one of many, and go on the journey suitable for you.
Thamel has several licensed and well-trusted companies customize treks as per your needs. They manage the whole itineraries, hire experienced guides, book rooms, and all. In short, they do all for you.
Also, if you want to buy some trekking equipment and gears, visit Thamel.
Multiple high-end stores to budget-friendly shops facilitate your needs at the top-notch quality and reasonable pricing. You shouldn’t compromise on quality with stuff like proper sleeping bags, boots, rucksacks, and down-jacket while trekking in Nepal.
Yet, if you’re tight on budget, you can even rent some stuff from different stores here. Some stores rent quality sleeping bags, trekking poles, down jackets, and other stuff. You can return the things after you complete the trek.
Spa, Massage, and Therapy
Thamel is the perfect place if you need a relaxing and rejuvenating massage session. Many spas, massage, and therapy centers help you ease stress and fatigue. These centers are also ideal for trekkers after completing their long and strenuous journeys.
Besides, they have jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths. Taking a day off and relaxing in these centers helps you prepare for the upcoming adventures in Nepal. Some people also enjoy a session of holistic therapies in Thamel.
Also, if you’re looking for a beauty salon or parlor, you’ll find it at Thamel. Experienced people run several salons and parlors. You can try a different haircut or even get your nails trimmed. You can search for such places online, or simply wander around the area until you find one.
Explore Thamel
One thing you should consider is to explore this magnificent place. Wandering through the gullies and observing the lifestyle is another experience.
The place also is one of the best places to have Nepali street food. The famous Momos, Syabale, Sekuwa, and Chhoila, are must-try foods here. Make sure yo head out during the evening, the best time for snacking around the streets in Kathmandu.
Also, you can visit places like Garden of Dreams and temples like Bhagwan Bahal, Bhagwati Mandir along with many other sites. For an overall sightseeing tour, you can try visiting all the cultural and traditional heritage of the area.
Apart from these, just strolling down the busy streets and observing the place is another fantastic experience. Thamel is a place of wonders, and you don’t know what you might stumble upon.
Other Things to Do in Thamel
- Try some indoor activities like wall climbing, snooker or pool.
- Send some gifts back home via courier services from Thamel.
- Buy a book from some of the popular bookstores.
- Venture out with a camera and take a lot of photos.
- Give painting or drawing classes a shot. Or, even take a cooking class.
Things to Know
- You may encounter scammers here and there. It’s best to ignore such people.
- Always keep your stuff safe. The gullies are mostly crowded, and anything can happen.
- Some shopkeepers are quite irritating and try their best to make you buy something. Simply continue walking along if you’re not genuinely interested.
- There are a lot of beggars and kids who come up to tourists and ask for money. Never give such people money. Instead, you can buy them a small snack. Most of these guys waste money in intoxicants and other useless stuff.
- Buying and selling things like marijuana and drugs is strictly prohibited in Nepal.
- Always have a map with you, the streets are quite confusing.
- You can always bargain for a better deal.
- Although there are police at almost every junction, stay alert and safe during the night-time.
Final Say
Thamel is like a perfect place for any tourist to start knowing about the country. You get to see a bit of everything; the people, their lifestyle, the markets, and busy streets. Trying out some of these things to do in Thamel will make you fall in love with the place.
The place is quite renowned for everything it has to offer. Just by exploring the busy streets of this place, you see and observe a lot of new and unique things about the country.
So, have you ever been to Thamel?
