Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) was established in 1989 with a group of tourism related businessman and local householder devoted to the institutional development of the tourism sector in Thamel as well as the country aiming to systematize tourism activities of this area and support in tourism industry of Nepal.
As all of us know that tourism industry of Nepal is one of the main contributors to the national exchequer, Thamel, today is the center of almost all tourist activities of Nepal. Keeping this is mind TTDC, is striving towards new goals and achievements with a new dimension and to facilitate the tourist image in Nepal.
Regarding to Buddhism, Vihar is known as quiet and peaceful place for resting purpose with educational institute or library for gaining knowledge. Commonly, there are two types of vihar. One is “Bahal” and another one is “Bahil”. Ba is those type of vihar where Chudakarma (Bratabandha) a cultural activity takes place and Bahil is those types of vihar where Chudakarma a cultural activity does not take place.
There are many Bahils in Kathmandu valley. Eg.Thabahil, Chabahil, Nabahil, Duganbahil, Marubahil, Khushibahil etc. among them Thanbahil has it’s own importance because of the existence of the holy and great epic of Buddhism “Pragyaparmita” (Buddha religious’s zenda). Most of Buddhists believe that by hearing the name of “Pragyaparmita” all difficulties and griefs will be eliminated. Next day of Janai Purnima “Pragyaparmita” is displayed for the public in Bhagwanbahal of Thanbahil. Living Goddess Kumari lso comes to Thabahil to observe “Pragyaparmita”.
In Newari language, “Tha” means upper area and “Bahil” is a kind of vihar. So, Thabahil means vihar of upper area. It is believed that the word “Thamel” was formed from the word Thabahil.
There are so many temples and monasteries which indicate importance of Thamel. It has played great role in generating national revenue. Thamel is well known for world wide tourism destination of Nepal. Thamel represents various tourism sector of Nepal. Activities of international tourism helped Thamel to develop as international level tourism destination of Nepal.
We can never forget that Thamel is the birth place of Ganesh Man Singh, Supreme commander for bringing democracy in Nepal. Thamel is a popular and significant place of Kathmandu since ancient time till now.
