Government Regd. No. 116812/070/071 | Tourism License No. 1650/070

THE OLD FREAK STREET IN KATHMANDU – 60’S HIPPIE HEAVEN

freak street kathmandu nepal

Freak street, a.k.a. Jhochhen Tole, is a street located in Basantapur, southern side of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Today, Freak Street is popular location among tourists as the vibes the street carries are amazing.

From tattoo parlors, eateries, handicraft stores to the gorgeous culture it reflects, Freak Street has it all, making it an ideal location for tourists from all around the world to visit.

Also Read: NEPAL’S LIVING GODDESS: KUMARI

However, in the ’60s visited Freak Street was popular among tourists for totally different reasons. Back in the days, the ‘Old’ Freak Street was a sanctuary for hippies from all over the world, looking forward to getting their hands on legal cannabis.

In the ’60s, Hippie tourism was a big thing in Nepal, and Freak Street was the hub for them. Freak Street was jam-packed with government-licensed stores selling marijuana legally to almost everyone.

hashish
An old menu from a restaurant in Freak Street
 Source: The Kathmandu Post

Numerous pictures can also be found on the internet today, where Nepalese stores can be seen promoting their cannabis business with big boards and food menus which featured cannabis in every dish they served.

The ‘Old’ Freak Street attracted young people from all over the world, and most of them wanted to distant themselves from frustrations and drenched into the unique and fascinating culture and tradition of Nepal. Freak Street was a paradise for hippies with the Nepalese government fully supported the Hippie Tourism.

freak street
Source: Busy.org

At the time, direct transportation to Freak Street was available from the Tribhuvan Internation Airport, which showed the government’s positive attitude towards Hippie Tourism.

However, this form of tourism came to an end almost a decade later. In the early ’70s, things took a drastic turn. Under the direction of the government of USA, Freak Street’s hippies were rounded-up, and a majority of them were physically deported to India. The government even came up with strict rules regarding dress codes and appearances for tourists which made hippies feel vulnerable. By the late ’70s, the Hippie Tourism and Hippie Movement ended in Nepal Want to visit Freak Street? Take a look at our Kathmandu with Bhaktapur Tour Package.

While marijuana and hashish are no longer sold legally in Nepal, Freak Street still has some old vibes which makes it so unique. Whether you get high or not, Freak Street is always a great place to visit and hang out at.

About the author

Great Nepal Treks and Expedition welcomes you to the land of the Himalayas, where adventure and surprise await even the most casual traveler. Whether you’re interested in performing adventurous sports, exploring nature, or savoring a local culture, Nepal is a land that will take you there and beyond. Our peculiar traditions, cultures, ethnic groups, nature, biodiversity, flora and fauna, society, and various communities will fill your heart, and the selfless smiles of the Nepali people will warm your soul. At Great Nepal Treks and Expeditions, we have put together customized itineraries, from simple day tours to complex mountain treks for both beginners & professionals. We pride ourselves on being experts at taking the hassle out of traveling in the remote outback of Nepal. Our offerings can be enjoyed as planned, or we can customize any option to fit your time schedule, budget, and particular interest. Please visit our reviews page to see what travelers have had to say about their experience with us. Join us and feel the difference!

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