Welcome to Thamel - the most exciting tourist centre in Kathmandu. Thamel is a unique combination of modern and traditional Nepal; it offers most modern services to the visitors, but without compromising its traditional character. Good hospitality is the hallmark of Thamel, in the true spirit of Nepalese tradition. As you explore and discover a wide range of services that Thamel offers, you will find that you are at home away from home.

We are committed to make your stay in Thamel most comfortable, homely and memorable. We intend to develop Thamel as a tourist centre that will be a model not only for Nepal, but for entire South Asia. We are committed to make Thamel the environment-friendliest and safest tourist centre of the region. We have come a long way in this regard since the Thamel Tourism Development Committee was established. Our efforts have continued over the years and will continue in the future. The magazine is a humble effort in realizing that goal.

From Hotel, lodges, restaurants, bars and pubs to travel and trekking agencies, rafting and tour operators and shopping centers, you will find everything in Thamel to explore a small Nepal during your journey to this beautiful Himalayan Kingdom. It is to help you explore the rare mix of modernization and tradition in Thamel that we have brought out this magazine. I hope the magazine will be your most valuable guide to explore this most exciting spot of Kathmandu and join the millions who have already done it.

We being a part of the private sector are committed to more than fulfill our share of responsibility. 

Thamel Club & Bars, Restaurants
Established in the mid-1970s with just 13 rooms, Kathmandu Guest House is the central landmark of Thamel. The success of Kathmandu Guest House led to many other hotels opening up in and around the area, along with a countless number of shops and restaurants. An area always bustling with life. The people are more or less always out to party or just “hang out”. It’s no wonder that Thamel is the hippest, most happening place in the capital. The only place in Kathmandu with any sign of nightlife, Thamel has it all-live bands, pubs, bars and the coolest hangouts. Thamel has everything that a modern tourist wants therefore the future of tourism in Thamel is secure.

Clubs & Bars
Tom & Jerry’s Pub – upstairs, opposite to Pilgrims Book Store, has been open for along time, it's noisy and has pool tables. Close by on the same side of the road is the New Orleans Cafe - a popular place to eat good food and often has live bands. In the same area is the Jump Club - a popular bar with DJ and a small dance floor. Further north is the Tunnel Club - a popular top-floor place with very loud music and open late hours. Almost opposite is Sam's Bar - a small place with good music that opens after 5 pm.

Pub Maya – Situated next to the Barnes & Nobles bookstore, this pub is open after 3 pm. Fire Club – One of the tendiest places to be seen in these days, the dance floor opens at 9 pm and stays open until the wee hours of the morning. 

Right near Yin Yang Restaurant is Paddy Foley’s Irish Pub: a very popular place, especially on St. Patrick’s Day!

Station Pub: A very popular place at one time, this bar – only pub (currently but soon to change) is open after 2:30 pm. The cheapest alcoholic drinks are rum, vodka and gin. Importer drinks are more expensive with a peg of Black Label and Chevas.

Buddha Bar – Tucked away in a corner of the lane opposite KC’s Restaurant, this bar is popular for its specialized cocktails and it’s “peaceful atmosphere” as the man-in-charge puts it. 

Restaurants
A number of restaurants in Thamel offer pirated videos or laser discs on TV's, almost as soon as they are released at the cinemas in the west. These places usually require you to eat at the restaurant and the movie is included. You'll see the movies written up on chalk boards on the pavements.

The major tourist hub that is, Thamel also has a large number of restaurants ranging from moderately expensive restaurants to the budget – priced ones.

Most restaurants in Thamel close after 10 PM and a number of bars that stays open until after midnight. Note that city laws in Kathmandu mean all music needs to be off by 10 PM and people on the street should be on their way home. Kathmandu has a couple of discos, and there are cultural shows, and 4 of west Asia's few casinos.

• KC’s Restaurant – One of the oldest restaurants in the area. The restaurant also has a bar and a garden at the back. They specialize in steak and Italian cuisine; the most popular ones being pasta and pizza, Tea and toast are the cheapest items and cheese/meat fonder being the most expensive.
• Helena’s Restaurant –This huge, six – storied restaurant with an attractive outer décor also has the highest rooftop garden in Thamel. Mousakka, steak and lasagnia are the most popular dishes. Helena’s chocolate cake is highly recommended.
• Jatra – This spacious bar restaurant has a serene garden, a verandah, an exquisite dining room and a sitting room and serves some interesting drinks such as the local Marpha Apple Brandy and imported wines and cocktails. Recommended dishes are Jatra Salad and Jatra Soup. The main courses, which are either vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
• Rum Doodle Restaurant – Located next to Hotel Vaishali, this very famous restaurant specializes in continental food. Steak, in particular is their most popular dish.
• Tantra – Restored out of a 50-year old house, Tantra offers pork, lamb and chicken delicacies with vegetarian selections as well. A popular Friday night hot spot, this restaurant offers a whole lot of entertaining events as well.
• Gourmet Vienna / Old Vienna – This popular restaurant has two sections – the fast food section and the restaurant. The most recommended dish in the fast food section would be Kathmandu Fried Chicken served with chips and bread roll. The restaurant mainly focuses on Australian cuisine.
• Fire and Ice – Definitely the place with the best pizzas in town, this chiefly Italian serving restaurant also has Italian imported ice cream.
• Kilroy’s – Located at Jyatha, this restaurant with the famous chef Thomas Kilroy serves a variety of cuisine from Nepali to continental to Indian to Balti and seafood as well. Kilroy’s also offers a well stocked bar with and excellent rang of wine.
• Yin Yang Restaurant & Bar – Started in 1970, the Ying Yang Restaurant is among the oldest in Thamel. They serve authentic Thai oldest in Thamel. They serve authentic Thai food cooked by a Thai chef. The ingredients are mostly imported from Thailand itself. Their delicacies include Po-Pia Thod (Thai spring rolls), Tom Yam Kung (spicy prawn soup), Nam Tok (meat salad) and Phad Neua Naman (fried meat in oyster sauce), which deserves a mention.
• Villa Everest – Established in the mid-80s, Villa Everest was the first restaurant specializing in Korean cuisine in the valley. Located opposite GAA Hall, this is also a guesthouse.