Beyond Everest: A Tourist’s Guide to Beer and Brewery Tours in Nepal
When you picture Nepal, you likely envision soaring Himalayan peaks, ancient temples, and prayer-flag-lined trekking routes. But what about a cold, crisp beer?
For decades, a post-trek beer has been a cherished ritual, but the options were typically limited to a few stalwart local lagers. That era is over. Nepal is currently experiencing a craft beer revolution, creating a vibrant, flavorful scene that is an attraction in itself.
For the adventurous tourist, embarking on a “beer and brewery tour” in Nepal is a two-part journey: first, appreciating the iconic legacy lagers, and second, diving headfirst into the exciting new world of microbreweries and craft taprooms.
Here’s your complete guide to “do-ing” beer in Nepal.
Part 1: The Classic Pints. The Legacy Lagers.
You will find these beers in every restaurant, bhatti (local eatery), and teahouse from the streets of Kathmandu to the high-altitude lodges of the Annapurna circuit. They are the reliable, refreshing, and essential foundation of Nepali beer culture.
- Gorkha Beer: Perhaps the most famous Nepali beer, named after the legendary Gorkha soldiers. It’s a smooth, pale lager that is synonymous with celebrating the end of a long day’s trek.
- Everest Beer: Another icon, this premium lager is a go-to for many. It’s clean, crisp, and carries the name of the one thing everyone comes to see.
- Nepal Ice: Brewed by the long-standing Himalayan Brewery Ltd., this is a strong, popular choice known for its consistent quality.
- Arna: A newer player in the macro-lager scene, Arna has quickly gained popularity, especially for its “Strong” variant.
While the massive industrial breweries that produce these beers (like the Himalayan Brewery Ltd.) don’t typically offer the kind of walk-in public tours you might find in Europe or the US, they form the essential backdrop for your trip.
Part 2: The Craft Revolution
This is where the real excitement is. The “brewery tour” in modern Nepal is less about visiting large-scale factories and more about experiencing the passion of small-batch producers. This tour is about visiting the brewpubs, taprooms, and even the breweries themselves.
The Must-Visit Brewery: Barahsinghe (Yak Brewing Company)
If you want one single, definitive brewery tour experience, this is it.
- Who: Yak Brewing Company, the producers of the fantastic Barahsinghe line of craft beers. They offer a range of styles, from a clean Pilsner and full-bodied Dark Wheat to seasonal specials.
- What: This is a proper, modern brewery dedicated to craft principles.
- Where: The brewery and its attached Biergarten are located in Kurintar, Chitwan.
- The Tour: This is the ultimate tourist-friendly stop. It’s perfectly positioned for those traveling overland between Kathmandu and the popular destinations of Pokhara or Chitwan National Park. You can stop for a tour to see the brewing process firsthand and then relax in the beer garden with a fresh tasting flight and food.
The Pioneer: Sherpa Brewery
No discussion of Nepali craft beer is complete without mentioning Sherpa Brewery. They were the true pioneers, introducing high-quality, flavorful craft beer (like their flagship Sherpa Red) to a market dominated by lagers.
While they don’t have a simple public-facing taproom or tour at their main brewery, the “tour” for Sherpa beer is a quest in itself. You’ll find it on tap at the best bars, hotels, and restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Finding a pub with a “Sherpa Beer” sign is a mark of quality.
The “Taproom Tour”: Where to Drink
For a tourist, the easiest and most dynamic “brewery tour” is simply a tour of the best craft beer hubs in the main cities.
- In Kathmandu: The epicenter of the craft scene is the Jhamsikhel (or “Jhamel”) neighborhood. This trendy area is packed with cool restaurants, cafes, and bars that proudly serve local craft brews on tap. Forget Thamel for a night and head to Jhamel to drink with the local and expat crowd.
- In Pokhara: The Lakeside area is your destination. While famous for its stunning views of Fewa Lake, it’s also home to legendary venues. A stop at the Busy Bee Cafe, a Pokhara institution, is a must. Here, you can sample various local beers, enjoy live music, and soak in the traveler-meets-local vibe by a fire pit.
Part 3: The Traditional “Tour”. Beyond the Bottle.
Before Gorkha and Barahsinghe, there was Chang. A true cultural tour isn’t complete without sampling the traditional, home-brewed beverages of the Himalayas.
- Chang (or Chhaang): This is a milky-white, fermented drink most commonly made from rice or millet. It’s low in alcohol, slightly sweet, slightly tart, and served in local eateries.
- Rakshi: This is the stronger, distilled cousin of Chang, a clear spirit that packs a serious punch.
Asking for chang at a local bhatti is the most authentic beer experience you can have, connecting you with a tradition that spans centuries.
Your Itinerary Is Set
So, when you’re planning your great Nepali adventure, don’t just plan your trek.
- Start in Kathmandu with a “taproom tour” of Jhamsikhel.
- On your way to Pokhara or Chitwan, stop at the Barahsinghe brewery in Kurintar for a real tour and a flight.
- In Pokhara, hit up Lakeside and the Busy Bee to try more.
- On your trek, celebrate each day with a classic Gorkha or Everest.
- And somewhere in between, be brave and order a cup of local chang.
That is how you “do” beer in Nepal. Cheers!
