The vibrant tourist hub of Kathmandu with trekking shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels along narrow alleyways.

About Kathmandu City Centre (Thamel)

Thamel is the beating heart of Kathmandu's tourism scene, a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with trekking gear shops, bookstores, restaurants, and guesthouses. For decades, this neighborhood has served as the base camp for Himalayan expeditions and the starting point for treks to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley.

The area pulsates with energy from early morning to late night, offering everything from Nepali dal bhat and momos to international cuisine, rooftop bars, and live music venues. Thamel's shops sell everything needed for mountain adventures, from down jackets to trekking permits, often at negotiable prices.

Beyond the commercial bustle, Thamel sits within walking distance of Kathmandu Durbar Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Garden of Dreams (a neoclassical garden oasis), and the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) visible on the hilltop to the west.

Nearby Landmarks

Garden of Dreams Kathmandu Durbar Square Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Thamel Chowk

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost NPR 700-1200 (~$5-9)
Time 20-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost NPR 500-800 (~$4-6)
Time 20-40 minutes

Terminal arrivals exit

Step-by-Step Directions

Use the pre-paid taxi counter at arrivals for fixed rates. Ride-hailing apps like Pathao and inDrive also available. Local buses are very crowded.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi NPR 700-1200 (~$5-9) 20-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare NPR 500-800 (~$4-6) 20-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Pre-paid taxis from the airport operate 24 hours. After 10:00 PM, metered taxis outside the terminal become scarce and negotiate higher fares. Most hotels and guesthouses in Thamel offer airport pickup for $5-10 if arranged in advance. Ride-hailing apps like Pathao and inDrive work in Kathmandu but may have limited availability late at night.

Luggage Tips

Thamel streets are narrow and often unpaved or under construction, making rolling suitcases impractical. A backpack or duffel bag is strongly recommended. If you have large luggage, have the taxi drop you as close to your hotel as possible, as vehicle access to inner Thamel is restricted. Most guesthouses offer free luggage storage for trekking departures.

Accessibility

Kathmandu presents significant challenges for wheelchair users. Thamel streets are narrow, uneven, and often lack sidewalks. The airport has basic accessibility features but assistance is limited. Wheelchair-accessible hotels exist but are rare in central Thamel. Consider staying in Lazimpat or Naxal for more accessible accommodation options. Pre-arrange airport assistance through your airline.