Night life in Thamel 
Slowly gaining its lost glory

Suvekchya Pant

Thamel is perhaps the place that received the biggest blow from the insurgency. The once lit streets, crowded restaurants and hubs, music blaring from discos somewhat faded after the onset of emergency. The shops, eateries and curio stalls were hit the most, with the decline of tourists affected their livelihood.

The once ‘happening place’ in town was left to represent something close to a ghost town, with shops closing early and the security personnel regularly patrolling the area. However, now this scenario is slowly changing. It seems, after the cease-fire, the place is regaining its lost glory.

Youngsters and foreigners alike can be seen strolling down the streets, catching a moment of relaxation during the evening after a long day at work or sightseeing. The nightlife, which was famous to Thamel, hints at coming back.

Some favorite hangouts like Helena’s, Himalayan Java, Bamboo Club, Station Pub, Irish Pub and Rum Doodle have experienced the once crowded atmosphere slowly returning. Even the Nepali crowds are slowly returning to Thamel to catch a Friday night drink with friends.

"I have come to Thamel today after a long while," said Sujan Shah, a Chartered Accountant. Like Sujan, many office goers are starting to throng the pubs and restaurants of Thamel much to the delight of the owners.

Similarly, the slow increase in foreigners can also not go unnoticed. Foreigners can be seen sipping a hot cup of coffee at the crowded Himalayan Java or dining at Rum Doodle.

"We came to Nepal a few days ago after the cease-fire," said Gloria Hamilton from Yorkshire in London, as she sipped coffee at Helena’s. "So, far we are having a great time."

The cease-fire has brought on a sense of long wanted security in this country which has in turn gradually increased the tourist flow. And – Thamel being the place of the tourists, is feeling the positive effects of the cease-fire. The rickshawallas, who pull foreigners around Thamel, can now be seen operating till late in the night. They too, feel that those happy days are returning. But, despite the increase in people, Thamel still has a long way to go before it reaches those past days.

"All we can do is hope that the peace is long lasting," says the a Helena’s, ,."Its been tough surviving for the past year."

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