Here’s your ultimate guide to the best nightlife in Kathmandu, including bars, clubs, live music, and helpful tips for a safe and fun night out.

🍸 Top Bars in Kathmandu

1. Purple Haze Rock Bar (Thamel)

• Vibe: Kathmandu’s most iconic rock bar

• What to Expect: Loud live music, cold beer, big crowds

• Why Go: Popular with both locals and tourists, especially on weekends

• Tip: Get there early to grab a seat close to the stage.

2. Mazaaj Restaurant & Sheesha Lounge (Thamel)

• Vibe: Trendy, mixed crowd, great cocktails

• What to Expect: Hookah, dance floor, pool tables, and good food

• Why Go: A favorite among expats and Nepali youth

• Tip: Try their happy hour specials and rooftop seating.

3. Sam’s Bar (Thamel)

• Vibe: Laid-back backpacker classic

• What to Expect: Cheap drinks, travel stories, friendly crowd

• Why Go: Perfect for solo travelers looking to meet others

• Tip: Cash only and closes by midnight.

4. Shisha Terrace Café & Bar (Thamel)

• Vibe: Stylish rooftop with panoramic views

• What to Expect: Hookah, chilled beats, skyline views

• Why Go: A relaxing spot to unwind after a long day

• Tip: Great for sunset cocktails and soft ambient music.

🕺 Best Nightclubs in Kathmandu

1. Privé Nepal (Durbar Marg)

• Vibe: Exclusive and elite

• Music: High-end parties, invite-only events

• Why Go: Fancy, special occasions or VIP experience

2. Senate Club (Durbar Marg)

• Vibe: Sleek and modern

• Music: Mix of EDM, hip-hop, and commercial hits

• Why Go: Intimate setting, popular with Nepali youth

3. L.O.D. – Lord of the Drinks (Thamel)

• Vibe: Flashy and massive — think Vegas meets Kathmandu

• Music: Live acts, DJ nights, local celebrities

• Why Go: Kathmandu’s most hyped club right now

• Tip: Cover charge applies on weekends; arrive early for entry

🎶 Live Music & Chill Spots

1. Jazz Upstairs (Lazimpat)

• Vibe: Intimate jazz bar with live performances

• Why Go: Great for a quiet, cultured night

• Tip: Check their schedule — jazz nights are usually weekends.

2. Reggae Bar (Thamel)

• Vibe: Relaxed, reggae beats, dim lighting

• Why Go: Laid-back atmosphere, live bands, and reggae classics

• Tip: A good mid-week alternative to louder clubs.

🍜 What & Where to Eat in Kathmandu

Must-Try Dishes:

• Momo (Nepali dumplings) – found everywhere

• Dal Bhat – traditional rice & lentil set

• Thukpa – warm Himalayan noodle soup

• Yak cheese pizza – a local favorite

🍽️ Top 5 Restaurants in Kathmandu

1. OR2K – Thamel

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern, vegetarian, vegan-friendly

• Vibe: Artsy, relaxed, floor seating with low tables

• Why Go: Best for healthy eating and creative global dishes

• Must Try: Falafel platter, vegan chocolate cake, hummus combo

• Perfect For: Backpackers, digital nomads, vegans

2. The Old House – Durbar Marg

• Cuisine: European, Asian fusion, Nepali fine dining

• Vibe: Elegant courtyard with indoor & outdoor seating

• Why Go: Upscale yet relaxed; great ambiance

• Must Try: Pork belly, wild mushroom risotto, grilled trout

• Perfect For: Romantic dinners, upscale lunches

3. Thakali Bhanchha Ghar – Thamel/Durbar Marg

• Cuisine: Traditional Thakali/Nepali

• Vibe: Authentic, no-frills, local-style dining

• Why Go: Best dal bhat in town, cooked the traditional way

• Must Try: Thakali set (meat or veg), gundruk, buckwheat roti

• Perfect For: Cultural food experience, big appetite

4. Mezze by Roadhouse – Durbar Marg

• Cuisine: Mediterranean, pizza, grill

• Vibe: Chic rooftop, modern decor, crowd-pleaser

• Why Go: Stylish setting with great cocktails and a view

• Must Try: Wood-fired pizza, mezze platters, sangria

• Perfect For: Social dinners, sunset hangouts

5. Krishnarpan Restaurant – Dwarika’s Hotel, Battisputali

• Cuisine: Nepali fine dining (set menus from 6–22 courses)

• Vibe: Heritage dining, traditional Newari architecture

• Why Go: A culinary journey through Nepalese gastronomy

• Must Try: Traditional multi-course tasting menu

• Perfect For: Special occasions, cultural luxury experience

🌟 Tips for Enjoying Kathmandu’s Nightlife

• Closing Time: Most bars close by 11–12 PM; clubs can go till 2–3 AM.

• Transport: Use Pathao or InDrive (local ride apps) at night instead of walking.

• Dress Code: Casual in Thamel, but upscale clubs like Déjà Vu expect smart attire.

• Safety: Kathmandu is relatively safe, but avoid unmarked taxis and keep an eye on your drink.

• Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18. Drinks are cheaper in bars than in high-end clubs.

📍 Best Areas for Nightlife in Kathmandu

• Thamel: The nightlife capital for tourists and backpackers. Budget-friendly and easy to navigate.

• Durbar Marg: High-end clubs, lounges, and restaurants. A bit more polished and posh.

• Lazimpat: Local-favorite cafes, jazz bars, and a slightly quieter scene.

🛌 Where to Stay Near the Action

• Budget: Zostel Kathmandu, Firefly Guesthouse

• Mid-range: Oasis Kathmandu Hotel, Kumari Boutique Hotel

• Luxury: Aloft Kathmandu, Hotel Yak & Yeti

Book stays near Thamel or Durbar Marg for easy bar-hopping access. Use Tournami.com to compare and reserve hotels at the best price.

🍻 Final Word

Kathmandu’s nightlife may surprise you — it’s loud, lively, and full of hidden gems. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a rooftop, dancing till 2 AM, or jamming to live rock and jazz, there’s something for every mood. When the temples close, the party begins.

Ready to plan your night out in Nepal? Book your stay, flights, and local experiences now on Tournami.com.