Freak Street | Kathmandu

Information

Landmark: Freak Street
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Freak Street, Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

Freak Street, officially known as Jhochhen Tole, is a historic street in the Basantapur area of Kathmandu, located immediately south of Kathmandu Durbar Square. It gained international fame in the 1960s and 70s as the epicenter of the "Hippie Trail," serving as a terminal destination for Western travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and legally available cannabis.

Visual Characteristics

The street is a narrow, stone-paved corridor approximately 300 meters long, flanked by traditional four-story Newari brick buildings. Its aesthetic is a mix of the ancient and the "retro," featuring vintage hand-painted signs, vibrant street murals-including a five-story Lakhey mask-and aging timber-framed storefronts. Unlike the modern commercial density of Thamel, Freak Street retains a more tranquil, weathered atmosphere.

Location & Access Logistics

Freak Street connects the southern edge of Basantapur Square to the Jhochhen neighborhood. It is a 20-minute walk south from central Thamel and is easily accessible from the Ratna Park bus terminal (1km east). The street is largely pedestrianized, though motorcycles and cycle-rickshaws frequently navigate its narrow width. It is a key waypoint for heritage walks connecting Durbar Square to the southern parts of the old city.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The name "Freak Street" was coined by locals in the 1960s to describe the "freaks" (hippies) who congregated there. During this era, the Nepalese government licensed dozens of hashish shops along the street. The hippie movement peaked between 1965 and 1973, ending abruptly when the government, under international pressure, banned cannabis and deported many travelers. The street subsequently entered a period of decline but has undergone a "classic revival" since 2015 as a hub for budget-conscious travelers and local artisans.

Key Highlights & Activities

Snowman Cafe: Established in 1965, this cafe remains virtually unchanged since the hippie era. It is famous for its legendary apple pie and "chai and pie" culture.

Eden Hotel: Formerly the "Eden Hashish Centre," the most famous licensed dispensary of the 70s, now operating as a renovated guest house.

Tibetan Mask Center: One of the last remaining shops specializing in high-quality, hand-carved wooden masks and ritual artifacts.

Heritage Exploration: The street serves as an entry point to the southern alleys of Kathmandu, leading to hidden Buddhist chaityas and the traditional Newari bahals.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The area is populated with budget guesthouses, second-hand bookstores, and rooftop cafes overlooking the Durbar Square rooftops. 4G and 5G cellular coverage is consistent. Unlike Thamel, businesses here are often family-run and may not always be listed on digital booking platforms. Public restrooms are available in the adjacent Basantapur Square.

Best Time to Visit

The street is best visited in the late afternoon (15:00–18:00) when the cafes are most active and the lighting is optimal for photographing the street art. For a quieter experience, the early morning (07:00–09:00) offers a glimpse into the local Newari daily life as shopkeepers open their historic shutters.

Facts & Legends

Legend states that global icons like the Beatles, Cat Stevens, and even Jimi Hendrix visited Freak Street during its prime; Cat Stevens reportedly wrote his song "Katmandu" as a tribute to the street’s welcoming atmosphere. A logistical fact: during the 1970s, the government operated special "Hippie Buses" directly from the airport to Freak Street, bypassing all other parts of the city to streamline the arrival of international counter-culture tourists.