The vibrant streets of Thamel came alive with color, music, and cultural pride as the Thamel Street Fest, New Year’s Eve 2026, was successfully organized by the Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) at Tridevi Marg, in front of the Employees Provident Fund (Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh) Building.
The program officially commenced with the national anthem followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional panas, marking an auspicious start to the celebrations. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Khyam Tiwari, Chairperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 26, alongside the Chairperson of TTDC and other distinguished guests.
Food stalls were set up from 10:00 AM, while the grand evening celebration featured a series of cultural and musical performances, drawing large crowds of residents, business owners, and both domestic and international tourists.
Strong Participation from Tourism Community and Visitors
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from Thamel-based entrepreneurs, hoteliers, restaurateurs, shop owners, and travel professionals, along with a significant number of foreign and domestic tourists. The event provided a lively platform for celebrating Nepal’s rich culture while reinforcing Thamel’s image as the country’s most dynamic tourist hub.
Chairperson Dhurba Adhikari Addresses Sector Challenges
Chairing the program, Mr. Dhurba Adhikari, Chairperson of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, highlighted the difficulties faced by tourism entrepreneurs during 2025, citing political instability and recent youth-led protests that adversely affected tourism activities.
He expressed optimism for the coming year, stating that 2026 would be dedicated to revitalizing tourism in Thamel. He affirmed that the setbacks of 2025 would not continue and pledged collective efforts to make 2026 a stronger, more stable, and more productive year for Nepal’s tourism industry.
Advisor Calls for Government Support and Policy Reform
Former Chairman of the Thamel Tourism Development Council and Member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and TTDC Advisor Dr. Ram Sharan Thapaliya extended New Year wishes and stressed the importance of government accountability towards tourism entrepreneurs. He urged the government to formulate tourism policies only after consulting industry stakeholders and recommended the formation of a dedicated task force to listen to entrepreneurs’ concerns and address sectoral challenges.
Dr. Thapaliya emphasized that tourism is one of Nepal’s most independent sources of income, requiring minimal imports while significantly contributing to economic growth. He further called on the government to prioritize tourism in the upcoming national budget and work towards making 2026 the most prosperous year for tourism, benefiting both entrepreneurs and the nation.
TAAN Chairperson Emphasizes Rebranding and Infrastructure Management
Mr. Sagar Pandey, Chairperson of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), emphasized the need to rebrand Thamel and enhance its global image. He identified three key areas requiring urgent attention:
- Effective Vehicle and Traffic Management
- Enhanced Security Measures
- Stable and Transparent Marketing and Pricing Practices
He stated that improvements in these areas would significantly increase tourist arrivals and enhance visitor satisfaction in Thamel and beyond.
Ward 26 Commits to Making Thamel More Pedestrian-Friendly
Chief Guest Mr. Khyam Tiwari, Chairperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 26, reaffirmed the ward office’s commitment to improving traffic flow and pedestrian mobility in Thamel. He announced that 2026 would be recognized as a “working year” for Thamel, with a concrete roadmap already in place.
He assured tourism entrepreneurs that the ward office would collaborate closely with local stakeholders to implement planned infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing tourist footfall and ensuring a safer, more walkable, and more welcoming environment.
A United Vision for a Stronger Tourism Year
The celebration concluded with collective New Year 2026 wishes from all dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and participants, reflecting a unified commitment to revitalizing Thamel and strengthening Nepal’s tourism industry.
The Thamel Street Fest 2026 not only marked the arrival of the New Year but also reaffirmed Thamel’s position as Nepal’s tourism heartbeat, setting a hopeful tone for growth, cooperation, and innovation in the year ahead.
