Thamel is a commercial region located in the northern region of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, past the government district on Tridevi Marga. Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu for over four decades. Thamel is distinguished by its narrow alleys huddled with various shops and vendors. Commonly sold goods include trekking gear, walking gear, music, DVDs, handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen clothes etc. Travel agencies, small grocery stores, budget hotels and restaurants also line the streets.
There are many restaurants in Thamel that serve traditional and continental cuisine, although prices are significantly higher than in non-tourist areas. It has wide range of pubs, clubs, and nightlife along with numerous travel agencies and guest houses. There are literally dozens of hotels within Thamel. They vary from first star and dives all the way to western style. A budget room will cost you NPR 1000 or $10 per night, mid-range will cost around NPR 2500 or $25 per night.
Budget: Marco Polo Hotel- near the ecotrek on Tridevi Marga has small but clean rooms. The quietest are at the back. It costs NPR 5000 a night. Hotel Prayer Flag also offers a clean, comfortable and cheap stay in Thamel. Himalayan Travellers INN, Kathmandu Friendly Home, Mandala Suite, Red Planet Guest House etc are some of the cheap hotels ranging from $15 to $25.
Mid-Range: Yambu Guesthouse- has a very friendly staff and a good restaurant as well as a courtyard away from the street. The rooms are nice and include a TV that works when the power is on. It also has a roof area that is very pleasant to hang around in. $25 a night. Kathmandu Guesthouse- the original hotel in Thamel has a very good restaurant and varying sized rooms. The staff is friendly and the rooms are clean. The rooms start at NPR 3200 a night. Deutsch Home, Hotel Api Kathmandu Nepal, Kathmandu Boutique Hotel, Hotel Family Home, Om Tara Guest House, Hotel Gallery Nepal are some other mid-range hotels ranging from $26 to $40.