Thamel, Kathmandu’s most prominent tourism and entertainment district, is set to operate 24 hours a day in a safer, more organized, and family-friendly manner following an agreement between the Thamel Tourism Development Council and the Kathmandu District Administration.
The newly elected team of the Thamel Tourism Development Council held a meeting with Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Poudel, where both sides agreed to work together to develop Thamel as a 24-hour tourism destination while maintaining public safety, discipline and a welcoming environment. According to Council General Secretary Pashupati Kandel, the District Administration Office and the Council will coordinate closely to establish Thamel as a round-the-clock tourist hub. The initiative is expected to support tourism businesses and visitors while ensuring that activities in the area remain properly regulated.
Focus on Safety and Better Management
During the meeting, stakeholders discussed several issues directly linked to Thamel’s long-term management. Key concerns included peace and security, traffic management, the proper management of street-connected children and the regulation of street hawkers. The stakeholders emphasized that operating Thamel throughout the day and night requires stronger coordination among security agencies, local authorities, tourism businesses and other concerned organizations. The objective is not simply to extend operating hours but to create an environment where tourists, residents and businesses can safely use the area at any time.
Earlier Initiative to Make 24-Hour Destination
The plan to transform Thamel into a 24-hour destination is not new. An earlier initiative was launched in 2024, when then Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane announced the operation of Thamel as a round-the-clock area following efforts led by former TTDC Chairman Bhabishwor Sharma. The latest agreement indicates an effort to strengthen and institutionalize the concept through greater coordination between the tourism sector and government authorities.
Security Agencies to Be Mobilized
Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Poudel expressed the district administration’s commitment to deploying security personnel as necessary to make Thamel more orderly and secure. He also pledged effective coordination with the Thamel Tourism Development Council to address security and management challenges in the area. A stronger security presence is expected to be particularly important during late-night hours, when maintaining public safety, preventing disorder and ensuring smooth movement of visitors can become more challenging.
Council Pledges Long-Term Tourism-Friendly Environment
TTDC Chairman Rajuman Dangol said the Council has been working with various government and concerned agencies to create a peaceful, secure and tourism-friendly environment in the area. The Council has also expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the development, management and security of the area.
What 24-Hour Thamel Could Mean for Tourism?
A properly managed 24-hour Thamel could further strengthen Kathmandu’s position as a major tourism hub. The area is already known for its hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, trekking businesses, shops, entertainment venues and nightlife. Extending activities throughout the day and night could provide greater flexibility for international visitors arriving on late-night flights, tourists with different travel schedules and businesses serving the city’s growing tourism market.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on maintaining a balance between tourism activity, public safety, traffic management, residents’ concerns and responsible business operations. With the latest agreement, authorities and tourism representatives are seeking to makeit not only a round-the-clock destination but also a safe, organized and welcoming tourism center for both domestic and international visitors.
