Nepal may be famous for its mountains and momo, but its beer scene quietly punches above its weight. Over the last two decades, Nepal has built a small but distinctive brewing culture—mixing international-style lagers with local ingredients like rice, millet, and Himalayan water.
If you’re visiting Nepal and want to taste the country through its beer, here are the best local beers to try, what they taste like, where to find them, and what you should expect to pay.
Everest Premium Lager
Brewery: Everest Brewery (Nepal)
Style: International pale lager
Alcohol: ~5.0%
What it tastes like: Clean, crisp, lightly malty with mild bitterness. Very approachable for first-time visitors. Think of it as Nepal’s version of a classic European lager.
This is the safest choice if you normally drink Heineken, Carlsberg, or Budweiser.
Where to find it
- Almost every restaurant and bar in Kathmandu
- Thamel, Patan, Pokhara, Bhaktapur
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
Price - Local restaurant: NPR 350–500 (USD 2.5–3.8)
- Tourist bars: NPR 500–700
Gorkha Premium Lager
Brewery: Gorkha Brewery (Carlsberg Group Nepal)
Style: Strong lager
Alcohol: ~5.5–6.0%
What it tastes like: Stronger and slightly sweeter than Everest. More body, more alcohol warmth, and a bit heavier on the palate.
Popular among locals who prefer a stronger buzz with fewer bottles.
Where to find it
- Widely available nationwide
- Common in local bhattis (local bars)
- Easy to find in Pokhara and Kathmandu
Price - Local restaurant: NPR 300–450
- Tourist areas: NPR 450–650
Tuborg Nepal
Brewery: Gorkha Brewery (licensed brewing)
Style: Pilsner / Export lager
Alcohol: ~5.0–5.5%
What it tastes like: Crisp, slightly bitter, refreshing. Very similar to Tuborg brewed in Europe, but slightly lighter in body.
Great with spicy Nepali food.
Where to find it
- Thamel, Lazimpat, Jhamsikhel
- Most mid-range and high-end restaurants
- Popular in clubs and live music venues
Price - NPR 400–600 depending on venue
Barahsinghe Craft Beer (Must-Try for Beer Lovers)
Brewery: Barahsinghe Brewery, Kathmandu
Styles: Pilsner, Hefeweizen, IPA, Porter
Alcohol: 4.5–6.5%
What it tastes like: This is Nepal’s flagship craft beer brand.
- Pilsner: Clean, floral, light bitterness
- Hefeweizen: Banana, clove, soft wheat body
- IPA: Citrusy, hoppy, bold bitterness
- Porter: Chocolate, coffee, roasted malt
Comparable to good European craft beers.
Where to find it - Barahsinghe Brewery (Jhamsikhel, Patan)
- Craft beer bars in Thamel & Lalitpur
- Some upscale hotels
Price - Brewery taproom: NPR 450–650 per pint
- Bottles in bars: NPR 600–800
Sherpa Beer
Brewery: Nepal Ice Brewery
Style: Strong lager
Alcohol: ~5.0–5.5%
What it tastes like: Light body but with a noticeable alcohol kick. Mild sweetness, low bitterness.
A common choice for budget travelers.
Where to find it
- Local bars and guesthouses
- Trekking routes (often available in Lukla, Namche, Pokhara)
Price - Cities: NPR 300–450
- Trekking areas: NPR 600–1,000 (transport cost increases price)
Nepal Ice
Brewery: Nepal Ice Brewery
Style: Light lager
Alcohol: ~4.5–5.0%
What it tastes like: Very light, easy-drinking, low bitterness. Designed for hot weather and long drinking sessions.
Not complex, but very refreshing after a long day of sightseeing.
Where to find it
- Everywhere in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Popular in rooftop bars and hostels
Price - NPR 300–500
Yeti Craft Beers (Small-Batch Local Brand)
Brewery: Yeti Brewery (Kathmandu area)
Styles: Pale Ale, Red Ale, Wheat Beer
What it tastes like: Experimental, slightly rustic, but interesting. You may notice more grain-forward flavors and less filtration.
A good option if you like trying small local breweries.
Where to find it
- Selected bars in Thamel & Patan
- Occasionally at beer festivals
Price - NPR 500–750
Where Foreigners Should Go for the Best Beer Experience
- Barahsinghe Brewery – Best craft beer in Nepal
- Everest Irish Pub (Thamel) – Wide selection of local beers
- LOD / Purple Haze – Popular nightlife with local and imported beers
Pokhara - Busy Bee Café – Local beer + local vibe
- Rolling Stones Rock Bar – Great for Gorkha and Tuborg
- Craft beer spots near Lakeside
Trekking Routes - Namche Bazaar, Lukla, Jomsom often stock: Everest, Sherpa, Nepal Ice
Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Check the seal: Always make sure bottles are properly sealed.
- Altitude effect: Alcohol hits harder at high altitude—drink slower in trekking areas.
- Cash only: Many local bars don’t accept cards.
- Legal drinking age: 18+, but rarely checked.
Final Recommendations
If you only try three beers in Nepal, try:
- Barahsinghe IPA or Hefeweizen – For real Nepali craft beer
- Everest Premium Lager – Classic national beer
- Gorkha Strong – To experience local drinking culture
Nepal’s beer scene may be small, but it’s honest, affordable, and surprisingly diverse. For many travelers, sharing a cold Everest or Barahsinghe after a long day in the Himalayas becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Note: Prices vary by city, season, and altitude. Trekking regions can charge 2–3× city prices due to transport costs.
