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Ason (also known as Asan Bazaar) is one of Kathmandu's oldest, liveliest, and most culturally rich traditional marketplaces. Located in the heart of the historic Kathmandu Valley, between Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Thamel area, Ason has been a major centre of local trade, commerce, and everyday community life for centuries.
This immersive local market walk and street food experience takes you through the narrow, bustling lanes and historic courtyards of Ason, where traditional shops, colourful spice stalls, vegetable vendors, local grocery stores, and small street food outlets reflect the vibrant character of old Kathmandu.
As you explore the market with a local guide, discover the rich flavours, aromas, and traditions of Nepalese daily life. Learn about the importance of Ason as a historic trading hub, where merchants and shoppers have gathered for generations to exchange spices, grains, traditional household goods, textiles, and other local products.
The experience is also a wonderful opportunity to sample authentic Nepalese street food. Along the way, stop at popular local food stalls and traditional eateries to taste some of Kathmandu's favourite snacks, such as samosa, sel roti, chatpate, bara (Newari lentil pancake), momo, yomari, and local sweets, depending on seasonal availability and vendors.
Beyond the food, discover the cultural diversity of Ason, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions exist side by side. Admire traditional Newari architecture, ancient temples, small shrines, and lively courtyards tucked between the market streets. Your local guide will share stories about the neighbourhood's history, local customs, traditional ingredients, and the role of food in Nepalese culture.
As you wander through the colourful market, interact with local shopkeepers, observe everyday trading activities, discover traditional ingredients, and experience the authentic rhythm of Kathmandu beyond the usual tourist attractions.
More than just a sightseeing walk, this experience offers a genuine taste of local life, combining cultural discovery, culinary exploration, and meaningful interaction with the people who make Ason one of Kathmandu's most fascinating neighbourhoods.
1. Welcome and Introduction
Meet your local guide at the designated meeting point for a short briefing and introduction to Ason's history, cultural significance, and reputation as one of Kathmandu's oldest traditional marketplaces. Learn what to expect during the walk and discover the local food culture.
2. Explore the Traditional Market Lanes
Walk through the lively and colourful lanes of Ason Bazaar, observing local vendors selling aromatic spices, grains, fresh vegetables, lentils, traditional household goods, textiles, and everyday essentials. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a marketplace that continues to serve as an important part of daily Kathmandu life.
3. Discover Ason's History and Trading Culture
Learn about Ason's historic role as a major trading hub in the Kathmandu Valley. Discover how merchants, farmers, and traders have gathered here for generations, exchanging goods and contributing to the area's rich commercial and cultural heritage.
4. Explore Hidden Courtyards and Local Corners
Step away from the busiest streets to discover traditional courtyards, small shrines, historic temples, and quieter market corners often overlooked by visitors. Learn about the Newari architectural features, religious traditions, and community life that make this neighbourhood unique.
5. Enjoy an Authentic Street Food Tasting
Stop at selected local food stalls and traditional eateries to sample some of Kathmandu's favourite street foods and Newari specialities. Depending on availability, enjoy dishes such as chatamari (Newari rice-flour crepe), bara (Newari lentil pancake), samosa, traditional local sweets, and other popular snacks.
6. Discover Local Ingredients and Food Traditions
Learn about the ingredients, preparation methods, flavours, and cultural significance behind the dishes you taste. Discover how traditional recipes have been preserved and passed down through generations of local families and food vendors.
7. Meet Local Vendors and Experience Everyday Life
Interact with friendly shopkeepers and street food vendors to hear about their daily routines, traditional trading practices, family businesses, and the role of Ason in Kathmandu's everyday community life.
8. Continue Towards Indra Chowk and Enjoy a Local Refreshment
Continue your walk towards nearby Indra Chowk, another lively traditional marketplace known for its local shops, historic surroundings, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy an optional break for traditional Nepali tea or another local drink before concluding the experience with a short walk back to the designated meeting point or an arranged drop-off, depending on your package.
Local English-Speaking Guide: Knowledgeable guide to accompany you throughout the walk and share insights into Ason’s history, culture, and traditions.
Guided Market Exploration: Walk through Ason’s traditional market lanes, discovering local shops, spice stalls, temples, courtyards, and historic streets.
Street Food Tastings: Sample selected local snacks and traditional Newari delicacies at popular street food stalls.
Cultural and Historical Insights: Learn about local food traditions, Newari culture, traditional architecture, and everyday market life.
Local Vendor Interaction: Opportunities to meet local vendors and learn about their products, businesses, and trading practices.
All Applicable Food Tasting Costs: Cost of the food samples included in the experience.
Hotel Transfers: Transportation to and from your hotel is not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.
Additional Food and Drinks: Any food, snacks, or beverages beyond the included street food tastings.
Personal Shopping: Purchases of local products, spices, souvenirs, handicrafts, or other items from market vendors.
Tips and Gratuities: Tips for the guide, food vendors, or other service providers.
Personal Expenses: Any expenses not specifically mentioned in the inclusions section.
Q1: Is the street food safe to eat?
We select trusted local vendors and freshly prepared food items wherever possible. If you have a sensitive stomach or any food allergies, please inform your guide beforehand so they can help you make suitable choices.
Q2: Are vegetarian food options available?
Yes. Several food tastings are vegetarian, including popular local snacks and Newari dishes. Your guide will help identify vegetarian options and let you know which items contain meat or other non-vegetarian ingredients.
Q3: Is Ason Market crowded?
Ason is a lively traditional marketplace and can be busy and noisy, especially during peak shopping hours and festivals. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and keeping your personal belongings secure.
Q4: How much walking is involved?
The experience involves a light, slow-paced walk through traditional market lanes and nearby streets. Most routes are relatively flat, although some areas have uneven surfaces and narrow pathways. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Q5: What food items will we get to taste during the experience?
Depending on vendor availability, you may sample local favourites such as bara, chatamari, samosa, chatpate, sel roti, and traditional sweets. The exact selection may vary depending on the day and season. Additional food and drinks beyond the included tastings are at your own expense.
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