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Kathmandu Nightlife

Nightlife in Kathmandu is concentrated on Thamel, which saw only minor damage in the 2015 earthquake. Another cluster of popular bars can be found at Pulchowk in Patan, which also escaped the worst in the tremors. Most bars cater to backpackers and trekkers and some have live music, but there are a handful of more upmarket establishments, mostly in the big hotels.

By law, all music in public places has to be turned off by 2200, but many bars in Thamel manage to stay open until midnight or later. There are entertainment listings sections in the Kathmandu Post (www.ekantipur.com) and The Himalayan Times (www.thehimalayantimes.com). If you want more high-brow attractions, there are several interesting cultural centres and some of the more upmarket Nepali restaurants have traditional dance shows.

Bars in Kathmandu

Jatra

A laid-back spot for a cocktail or a post-trek beer, with good bar food, international tunes on the sound system and a calm courtyard location. You can sit indoors or out in the patio, surrounded by twinkling lights.

Address: Thamel, J.P. Marg, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 1 425 6622.
Website: http://www.jatracafebar.com

Sam's Bar

This is a favourite with the locals and the relaxed atmosphere is a great place to meet new people. With a great range of alcohol at reasonable prices, rustic furniture and smiling staff, you'll feel right at home here. Drawing on the wall is encouraged at this bar, so you can leave your mark after a fun evening with friends. 

Address: Thamel, Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 1 424 8692.

Tom & Jerry Pub

A backpacker favourite – small, cosy, noisy and a perfect place to sink a cold Everest beer after weeks trekking in the mountains. There are pool tables, and a dance floor that gets going when big trekking groups are in town and feel like celebrating.

Address: Thamel, Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 980 3249 642
Website: http://www.tomnjerryktm.com

Clubs in Kathmandu

House of Music

Those in the know gather at this old-school beer house and music venue on Friday and Wednesday evenings for decent rock, reggae and R’n’B. Most of the music is targeted at a Nepali audience, which makes a nice change from the stuck-in-a-time-warp covers bands playing elsewhere in Thamel.

Address: Thamel, Amrit Marg, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 9851 075 172.
Website: http://www.houseofmusicnepal.com

Tamas Spa Lounge

By far the most sophisticated night out in Thamel, Tamas Spa Lounge offers Buddha Bar ambiance, ground-breaking cocktails and deeply cool sounds, from live music to DJ sets. Candles, flowing drapes, divans and Buddha statues create the perfect chill-out space.

Address: Thamel, Chaksibari Road, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 1 441 4395.
Website: http://www.tamasloungethamel.com

Live music in Kathmandu

New Orleans Cafe

A Kathmandu institution, the courtyard at New Orleans is decked out with large pub tables and bands play well-above-average blues and rock covers most evenings. The food is well-above-average too, but arrive early to nab a table.

Address: Thamel, Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 1 470 0736.
Website: http://www.neworleanscafektm.com

Rox Bar

The stylish bar at the Hyatt Regency often hosts live jazz, appealing to the tastes of well-heeled international drinkers, diplomats and aid organisation heads who all seem to congregate here.

Address: Boudha, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Taragoan, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 1 449 1234.
Website: https://kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/RoxBar.html

Upstairs Jazz

The only serious jazz venue in Kathmandu, this cosy bar hosts the best musicians in the valley on Wednesday and Saturday. It’s a welcome change from the noisy covers bands shaking the rafters in Thamel.

Address: Lazimpat, Narayan Gopal Marg, Kathmandu, 44600
Telephone: +977 1 441 6983.
Website: http://www.jazzupstairs.com

Classical music in Kathmandu

Dance in Kathmandu

Theatres in Kathmandu

Music and Dance in Kathmandu

Culture in Kathmandu

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