From Bazaar to Hippie Hub: Ason & Freak Street Tour
Why we love it?
The "From Bazaar to Hippie Hub: Ason & Freak Street Tour" offers a three-hour exploration of Kathmandu, Nepal, focusing on the vibrant cultural tapestry of the city. Participants will navigate through the bustling Ason market and the historic Indrachowk, guided by a licensed English-speaking tour guide who shares insights into the local heritage and traditions. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience of Kathmandu's unique blend of commerce and counterculture, providing a glimpse into both the lively bazaars and the legacy of the city's hippie era. The combination of rich history and contemporary life makes this tour a distinctive opportunity to engage with Kathmandu's diverse atmosphere.
Inclusions
- Professional Guidance: Tours are led by a licensed, English-speaking tour guide who is knowledgeable and passionate about Kathmandu’s culture and heritage.
Exclusions
- Entrance Fees: Any charges for access to specific sites or attractions visited during the tour are not included. These must be paid by participants directly at the site.
- Meals: Lunch and other meals during the tour are not provided and are the responsibility of the participant.
- Gratuities: While not mandatory, tips for the tour guide are greatly appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.
- Travel Insurance: Participants are responsible for securing their own travel insurance to cover potential risks or unforeseen circumstances.
Itinerary
Meeting Point | PUMPERNICKEL BAKERY
We will meet at Pumpernickel Bakery
Your guide will be available 10 minutes before each meeting time with a sign "Meeting Point - Amazing Kathmandu".
Pumpernickel Bakery is centrally located in Thamel and has excellent offerings, including great coffee, all-day breakfasts, delicious cakes, and bakery items that also cater to gluten-free and vegan diets.
Asan
At Asan, the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Nepal comes alive. The square is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents, bustling with vendors selling everything from fragrant spices and vibrant textiles to gleaming kitchenware and everyday essentials. Amidst this lively marketplace stands the revered Temple of Annapurna, the goddess of grain and prosperity. Learn about her significance to the local community and witness the spiritual rituals performed by devotees.
We’ll also dive into a lesser-known yet fascinating part of the square’s history—community quarantine houses used by ancient traders. These served as a space for merchants returning from long journeys, particularly from Tibet, to isolate themselves before reuniting with family and friends, ensuring the health and safety of the community. It’s a remarkable tradition that offers insights into the wisdom and values of Nepali society.
Indrachowk
Indra Chowk, another vibrant market square teeming with life. As we navigate the bustling lanes, we’ll arrive at the famous Potey Bazaar, a place rich in cultural significance. Here, Newar Muslim artisans skillfully craft and sell stunning glass bead garlands, known locally as potey, which are traditionally worn by married women in Nepal. Beyond the beads, the bazaar offers a diverse array of goods, including cosmetics and small household items. It’s a place where every corner tells a story of Kathmandu’s multicultural heritage
Freakstreet
Our journey continues through the lively streets of New Road, a melting pot of old traditions and modern influences. As we walk, the urban energy of Kathmandu paves the way to Jhochhen, widely known as Freak Street. This iconic lane has a captivating history, especially from the 1960s and 70s, when it served as a central stop on the famed Hippie Trail.
During this era, Freak Street became a sanctuary for seekers of alternative lifestyles, spirituality, and artistic inspiration. Its fame drew some of the biggest names in the counter-culture movement, including Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison of The Beatles, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, and Allen Ginsberg. Even members of legendary bands like The Rolling Stones were rumored to have visited. Travelers were drawn to Kathmandu for its mystical allure, spiritual practices, and warm hospitality. Freak Street, with its bohemian spirit, became the epicenter of this movement.
Today, the echoes of that colorful past still resonate. As we explore Jhochhen, you’ll feel the spirit of its storied history through its quaint cafes, intriguing shops, and local charm. Discover how the government crackdown on drug use in the mid-1970s marked the decline of the hippie movement in Nepal, yet left a lasting legacy on Kathmandu’s cultural fabric.
Please Note
- When visiting holy places in Kathmandu Valley, both men and women are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of these sites.We recommend not wearing revealing clothing or sleeveless tops. Shorts are acceptable but should reach just above the knee and be modest. For women, it is preferable to wear trousers or a long skirt.
Know Before You Go
- Dress code applies
