The 7 Best Bars of Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is not only famous for its rich culture and heritage but is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The city has a thriving bar scene, offering a wide range of choices to visitors and locals alike. From upscale rooftop lounges to laid-back dive bars, Kathmandu has it all. In this post, we’ll explore the seven best bars in the city that are worth checking out.

1. Rox Bar & Lounge

Located in the heart of the city, Rox Bar & Lounge is one of the most popular bars in Kathmandu. The bar offers a cozy, intimate setting and is known for its impressive cocktail menu. With an extensive selection of spirits, wines, and beers from around the world, Rox Bar & Lounge is a perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

2. The Karma Bar & Lounge

The Karma Bar & Lounge is a modern rooftop bar located in the trendy district of Thamel. The bar offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and is known for its innovative cocktails and tasty bar bites. The Karma Bar & Lounge is a great place to enjoy a drink with friends or to impress a date.

3. Purple Haze Rock Bar

If you’re looking for something different, head to Purple Haze Rock Bar. This iconic bar is known for its rock-themed decor, live music performances, and extensive collection of whiskeys. Purple Haze Rock Bar is a favorite among music lovers and is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city’s nightlife scene.

4. Places Restaurant & Bar

Located in the heart of Durbar Marg, Places Restaurant & Bar is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The bar offers an extensive cocktail menu and is known for its outdoor seating area, perfect for people watching. Places Restaurant & Bar is a great place to start your night out in Kathmandu.

5. Sam’s Bar

If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and cheap drinks, head to Sam’s Bar. This local dive bar is a favorite among backpackers and budget travelers. Sam’s Bar is known for its friendly staff, relaxed vibe, and nightly drink specials.

6. Jatra Bar

Jatra Bar is a quirky, colorful bar located in the trendy district of Thamel. With its eclectic decor and extensive drink menu, Jatra Bar is always buzzing with energy. The bar is known for its signature cocktails and live music performances.

7. Tamas Lounge

Tamas Lounge is a stylish lounge bar located in the Yak & Yeti Hotel. The bar offers a luxurious setting and is known for its extensive wine list and delicious bar bites. Tamas Lounge is a great place to unwind and enjoy a nightcap after a long day of exploring the city.

Conclusion

Kathmandu has a bustling bar scene, with something for everyone. From trendy rooftop bars to laid-back dive bars, the city has it all. In this post, we’ve explored the seven best bars in Kathmandu that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a romantic date spot, these bars are worth checking out.

The Insider’s Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal

Located in the heart of Nepal, Kathmandu is a vibrant and bustling city filled with history, culture, and adventure. As the capital city, Kathmandu has countless attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and local history to offer to tourists. From ancient temples to lively bars, this city has something for everyone. In this insider’s guide, we will take a closer look at the 7 best bars of Kathmandu along with other exciting places to explore.

Local Attractions

Kathmandu is a city rich in history and culture. Its many attractions offer a glimpse into the country’s past and present. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

– Durbar Square: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards dating back to the 12th century.
– Swayambhunath Stupa: Also known as the Monkey Temple, this Buddhist shrine offers breathtaking views of the city and is home to hundreds of monkeys.
– Boudhanath Stupa: This enormous Buddhist stupa is one of the largest in the world and a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
– Pashupatinath Temple: This sacred Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been a place of worship for generations of Nepalese.

Dining Spots

Kathmandu is a food lover’s paradise. The city’s cuisine is influenced by Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan flavors. Some of the best dining spots in the city include:

– Bhojan Griha: This beautiful restaurant serves traditional Nepali cuisine in a historic building.
– OR2K: This vegetarian restaurant offers Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
– Le Sherpa: This cozy restaurant serves French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
– Thamel House Restaurant: This hidden gem serves authentic Nepali food in a traditional setting.

Cultural Experiences

Kathmandu is known for its rich culture and traditions. Here are a few cultural experiences to add to your itinerary:

– Take a cooking class: Learn to make momos, a popular Nepalese snack, or other local dishes.
– Visit a local market: Explore the colorful markets in the city to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of daily life in Kathmandu.
– Watch a traditional dance performance: Head to one of the city’s many cultural centers to watch a traditional Nepali dance performance.
– Participate in a puja ceremony: Visit a local temple and participate in a Hindu puja ceremony to experience the spiritual side of the city.

Local History

Kathmandu has a rich history that dates back centuries. Here are a few historical sites to visit:

– Kathmandu Durbar Square: This ancient complex is home to several palaces, temples, and courtyards that date back to the 12th century.
– National Museum of Nepal: This museum showcases the country’s history through art, artifacts, and exhibits.
– Hanuman Dhoka Palace: This historic palace was built in the 13th century and was once the residence of Nepalese royalty.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking for a more unique Kathmandu experience, consider adding these off-the-beaten-path suggestions to your itinerary:

– Chandragiri Cable Car: Take a cable car ride to the top of Chandragiri Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Himalayan mountains.
– Everest Beer Garden: Enjoy a cold beer while admiring the stunning views of the Himalayas.
– Narayan Gopal Chowk: This square is a tribute to one of Nepal’s most famous singers and a popular spot for young locals to hang out.
– Garden of Dreams: This beautiful garden is an oasis in the heart of the city and a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

The 7 Best Bars of Kathmandu

Finally, no trip to Kathmandu is complete without visiting some of the city’s best bars. Here are 7 of the best bars to check out:

1. Rum Doodle: This cozy bar is famous for its trekker’s wall and serves a range of drinks and snacks.
2. Thamel House Restaurant and Bar: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city along with drinks and live music.
3. House of Music: This popular nightclub has live music and DJs playing both Nepali and international music.
4. Trisara: This stylish cocktail bar serves delicious drinks and has a relaxing atmosphere.
5. Purple Haze Rock Bar: This rock-themed bar has live music and a fun atmosphere.
6. Moksh Live Bar: This bar has live music every night and is a popular spot for locals.
7. The Jazz Upstairs: This jazz bar has live music every night and a cozy atmosphere.

In conclusion, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Kathmandu. This insider’s guide has merely scratched the surface of the captivating city. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, local history, dining spots, or lively bars, Kathmandu has it all.