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'Thamel' is a popular tourist destination in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. Thamel has been the epicentre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu Valley for over two decades, growing up between two of the original hotels, the Kathmandu Guesthouse and Hotel Uste. Even though it has been referred to as the "ghetto" by some, most low-budget travellers consider it a tourist haven.
Thamel is ideally-sized, ideally-located and ideally-organised to make it the perfect base from which the discovery of the 'real' Nepal can be planned. The ‘real’ Nepal is not too far away either. Some of Kathmandu's traditional, historical and cultural must-sees: Ason Bazaar, Durbar Square and Swayambhunath are a mere 10-30 minutes’ easy walk away from Thamel.
Even though through the constant influx of tourist from every part of the world Thamel still harbours a vibrant ethnic culture, practised by its core population of the Newar people who have been living here since time immemorial. In recent years, more and more local residents from other parts of Kathmandu are being attracted to Thamel’s myriad attractions and services. The “ghetto” is no longer the haunt of tourists alone and is going native indeed.
Another beautiful place is Samakhusi which is less thank a kilometre from Thamel. This is basically inside of Thamel, Thamel has many souvenir shops to offer from Khukris (special gorkha designed knife) to maadals (special Nepalese drum). From traditional Nepalese dal-bhaat (lentils and rice), momo (dumplings), chowmein and thukpa, Thamel restaurants offer many mouthwatering traditional dishes.