Kathmandu may be known for its temples and trekking trails, but when the sun dips behind the hills, the city puts on a different kind of show. Neon signs flicker to life, the smell of citrus and smoke fills the air, and playlists shift from chill acoustic to deep house. Whether you’re into classy rooftop cocktails, cozy speakeasies, or full-on dance floors, Kathmandu has something for every kind of night owl.
From the award-winning Barc to the ever-vibrant LOD, here are 13 of the best bars in Kathmandu — where the drinks are strong, the views are stunning, and the nights never end when you’re with the right crowd.
33°West Sky Bar
Atmosphere & crowd: Rooftop bar with great views over Kathmandu, classy but relaxed. A favourite for a sunset drink or for showing friends you know a stylish spot. Some guests mention it leans “boujee” but in a fun way.
Drinks: Solid cocktail list, good for special occasions.
Price/average: On the higher end for Kathmandu bars — think premium by local standards.
Recommended if: You want skyline views for a girls’ night or date, and don’t mind spending a bit more.
Bitters & Co.
Atmosphere & crowd: A pioneer of the cocktail-scene in KTM. Reviews highlight the plush, airy interior, tree at centre of bar, comfy seating and conversational music levels.
Drinks: Very good — cocktails crafted with attention, friendly, knowledgeable staff. “Every drink was a hit thanks to the staff’s spot-on recommendations.”
Price/average: Around US$12 per cocktail (~NPR1,600-2,000 depending rate) per one source.
Recommended if: You and your friends are into more sophisticated drinking (vs. just loud party) — good for relaxed conversation and quality cocktails.
Luxe by Karma
Atmosphere & crowd: Trendy rooftop lounge/bar, aimed at stylish local crowd and visitors. Expect good music, a bit of dress-up and speciality cocktails.
Drinks: Premium cocktails and lounge list.
Price/average: On the higher side for Kathmandu nightlife.
Recommended if: You’re heading out for a “dress-up” fun night with friends, want some lounge-vibe and cocktails.
Supper Club
Atmosphere & crowd: More club-than-quiet bar. Expect music, dancing or at least upbeat crowd. Good for going out.
Drinks: Standard club/rooftop bar fare; somewhere between lounge and full club.
Price/average: Mid-to-high for KTM.
Recommended if: You and friends want a night out with some energy, but maybe not full mega-club.
Dancing Yak
Atmosphere & crowd: Mix of local Nepali ethos meets international bar feel — live performances, folk or fusion music sometimes, a good pick for a fun, slightly different take.
Drinks: A mix of local spirits + cocktails.
Price/average: Moderately high for quality and atmosphere.
Recommended if: You like a bit of live music, want to feel a bit of Nepalese flavour in the night out rather than just “imported club”.
Barc
Atmosphere & crowd: A standout: tucked away, speakeasy style, very high quality and globally recognised. The mood is intimate, design-driven, and conversation-friendly.
Drinks: Premium craft cocktails using local ingredients (e.g., titaura, aylā), high mixology.
Price/average: Higher end; expect to pay for quality.
Recommended if: You and your friends are into premium drinks, want “something special” or a memorable bar experience rather than just “get drinks”.
BlackBird
Atmosphere & crowd: Upscale, speakeasy feel in Thamel. Warm lighting, velvet couches, relaxed yet stylish.
Drinks: Creative cocktails with good flair. Reviewers say “best cocktails I’ve ever tried” at times.
Price/average: More premium.
Recommended if: You want a classy bar-night without full club chaos; good for a slightly grown-up night out.
VUE Eatery And Cocktail Bar
Atmosphere & crowd: Rooftop eatery + bar combo, decent mid to upscale crowd. Good for dinner plus drinks.
Drinks: Cocktail menu + food pairings.
Price/average: Moderate-to-high.
Recommended if: Your group wants to combine dinner + drinks with a view.
Lord of the Drinks
Atmosphere & crowd: Big club vibe. Loud, high-energy, younger crowd, dance floor, lasers. One of KTM’s major nightlife spots.
Drinks: Creative cocktails, but very expensive; drink prices and minimum spends can be high. > “Beer 1k per can” according to Reddit discussion.
Price/average: Very high compared to standard bars in Kathmandu.
Recommended if: You and your friends want a full-on club night, are comfortable with spending, and want to dance & party.
Kibu Sky Lounge
Atmosphere & crowd: Rooftop lounge, good for views, relaxed but upscale.
Drinks: Cocktail + lounge drinks.
Price/average: Higher than average for Kathmandu.
Recommended if: You want rooftop views in a lounge setting with friends.
Sake and Feng
Atmosphere & crowd: Chic bar combining Asian-inspired menu (sake + feng?) with cocktails; sophisticated crowd.
Drinks: Asian fusion cocktails, potentially sake-based or with an Asian twist.
Price/average: Upper mid-to-high.
Recommended if: You’re into drinks with Asian flavour, or a more “lounge” vibe with friends.
The Bloom
Atmosphere & crowd: Stylish new bar, catering to trendy crowd.
Drinks: Expect quality cocktails, maybe signature items.
Price/average: On the premium side for Kathmandu.
Recommended if: You’re exploring new spots and want something fresh for your friends’ girls’ outing.
The Penthouse Bar
Atmosphere & crowd: Rooftop “penthouse” style lounge/bar — classic for a classy night out.
Drinks: Again, cocktails + lounge drinks; maybe bottle service.
Price/average: Higher end.
Recommended if: You want the works — rooftop views, sophisticated setting, good drinks, maybe celebrating something.
