Thamel is a popular tourist destination in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a full Wi-fi zone in Nepal. Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu for over four decades starting from the hippie movement when many artists came to Nepal and spent weeks in Thamel. Even though Thamel has been referred to as the "ghetto" by some, most low-budget travelers consider it a tourist heaven.

Its concentration of narrow streets are lined with small shops selling everything from food, and provisions to clothes, walking gear, cakes, pastries, music, DVDs, handicrafts, travel agents, and budget hotels.

The area has many very good restaurants. Although prices tend to be significantly higher than non-tourist areas, food hygiene is generally a lot better too.

Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, pubs, clubs, and nightlife along with the numerous travel agents and guest houses. All in all, Thamel is home to a wide range of audience of the Nepalese population for entertainment and employment purposes. On Wednesday, 28 September 2011, Thamel was declared a full Wi-fi zone in Kathmandu.