Nestled in the Himalayas with scenic views of various peaks and a picturesque scenery, tourists all over the world tend to flock to Nepal for the scenery, the culture, and the adventure. True enough, Nepal has cemented its place among the world’s top hiking and trekking destinations, to the point that its government had to put in place formal regulations with regard to hiking and trekking the country.
That said, there appears to be a common misconception among tourists that Nepal is all about the quaint little villages and the lush breathtaking scenery. If you are looking for some after hours fun reminiscent of big cities, Nepal also has something to offer.
Does Nepal have a great nightlife?
The answer depends on how you define “great”. That is to say – you cannot find a lot of places where you can stay until the wee hours of the morning, but there is significant nightlife in Nepal. Not to mention the fact that the Nepalis are naturally warm, hospitable, and accommodating, so you will find no difficulty in finding locals to hang out with. Also, with so many tourists flocking to Nepal especially during the peak hiking and trekking seasons, you will inevitably run into fellow tourists and travelers.
If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, then you should hang out in Kathmandu, Sundhara, Thamel, and Durbarmag. Note, however, that for security reasons, clubs and bars typically close around midnight. If you want to dance and drink the night away, however, you might want to party in Thamel or Durbarmag where clubs are open until around 3 AM.
Unfortunately, if you are looking to meet locals, Thamel and Durbarmag are not the most ideal places to visit as these spots are considered by locals to be too expensive.
What spots should you visit to experience nightlife in Nepal?
Nepal might seem like a cozy landlocked country, but its nightlife is by no means a snooze fest. That is, as long as you know where to spend the night. To help you experience Nepali hospitality in the context of great drinks, great music, and even greater company, here is a list of clubs and bars you should definitely check out in Nepal:
1) Karma Bar and Lounge
For those who really love to dance, the Karma Bar and Lounge in Kathmandu is certainly the place to be. In fact, this bar and lounge is hailed as the best dance bar in Nepal – and with great reason. The weekend scenes at the Karma Bar and Lounge are particularly noteworthy, and it is visited by locals and tourists alike. The live music performances are also much awaited, making it popular among various age groups. The bar is open from 7 PM to 2 AM, so you can certainly dance to your heart’s content.
2) Club Déjà Vu
Located in Durbarmag, Club Déjà Vu is easily one of the most popular – and most advanced – nightclubs in Nepal. This club covers a staggering expanse of 20,000 square feet, with enough seating space for around 2,500 people, two VIP rooms, and a separate lounge. The club is designed industrial style, but with high-tech equipment. Both the lighting and sound system are cutting-edge. Love dancing? You are in luck because Club Déjà vu has not one, but two levels of dance floors, with the first floor being members-only. Worried you might not be able to get a drink? Well, fret not because the club has three fully-equipped bars.
3) Purple Haze Rock Bar
Located in Thamel, the Purple Haze Rock Bar is another popular spot for tourists who want to experience the vibrance of the Nepali nightlife. This bar always has great events, and its live music performances from DJs, bands, and other performers are certainly worth seeing. In addition to being a great spot for dancing and enjoying live music, the Purple Haze Rock Bar also offers great food and drinks, so it is a must-see for the foodie as much as for the party-goer.
4) Rum Doodle
Of course, nightlife is not just about dance halls and Rum Doodle is testament to that. Awarded by no less than Time Magazine, this bar in Kathmandu is a great place for hanging out and getting a couple of drinks with friends (or fellow tourists hanging out, if you feel like socializing). This bar is particularly frequented by mountaineers, and it is easy to see why. The bar is named after The Ascent of Rum Doodle, a spoof of books related to mountaineering. In addition, its interiors are also unique, with displays of footprints of famous mountaineers. The only downside? The bar closes at 10 PM, but then you could visit it as early as 10 AM.
5) Kathmandu Durbar Square
If you are not really into dancing or drinking but still want to experience nightlife in Nepal, then just head to the Durbar Square. Open 24 hours, the Durbar Square is easily the busiest and among the most popular places in Nepal. You will meet all sorts of people while exploring the stalls at the square, and you can do a lot of shopping while in the area. Aside from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square also houses popular cafes such as the NewaChae and the Shisha Café which are both very popular for their Newari and Nepali dishes, and the Clay Pit which features Indian cuisine.
Nepal might not be able to approximate the nightclub scene in bigger cosmopolitan cities, but its nightlife is nowhere near boring. If anything, Nepal nightlife features a unique mixture of bustling city-life fun against a backdrop of cultural heritage. Plus, if you want to meet a lot of people of various nationalities on your night out, then Nepal nightlife will certainly not disappoint. With tourists from all over the world routinely making the rounds in popular nightlife spots, you certainly will not have a difficult time finding new friends and, who know, maybe a companion for your hiking adventures.
