There were also direct bus services to Freak Street from the airport and borders, targeting the hippies looking for legal smokes.

Freak Street was a hippie nirvana, since marijuana and hashish were legal and sold openly in government licensed shops.

[1] A young restless population in the west, seeking to distance itself from political and social frustration, had first-hand contact with the culture, art and architecture, and lifestyle that attracted them to Freak Street.

[citation needed] The government imposed strict regulations for tourists regarding dress codes and physical appearances.

Old Freak Street's history and prime position in the heart of Kathmandu still make it a popular destination among the locals.