3 reviewed party hostels · from €4.63/night · Hostelworld rated
Kathmandu’s nightlife isn’t about massive clubs or all-night raves: it’s about small bars, cheap drinks, and meeting travellers in hostel courtyards or on rooftops. Thamel is the centre of it all, where backpackers gather after treks or before flights. Streets like JP Road and Mandala Street are packed with places serving £1 beers and live music until midnight.
The hostel scene here is cheap and social. Dorm beds start at 30p a night, and places like **Bed and Pillow Hostel** mix basic comforts with a bar downstairs. Most nights, you’ll find groups playing cards, swapping travel stories, or heading out for a pub crawl. It’s low-key but lively, especially if you’re into conversations over shots of local rum.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Yakety Yak Hostel, nestled in the heart of Kathmandu's vibrant Thamel district, is the ultimate party destination. Designed for fun and built with care, it features a lively bar, sunny terrace, and ample communal spaces for endless entertainment. Dive into the heart of the action and make unforgettable memories at Yakety Yak.
If you are a passionate traveller or a digital nomad, this is the right place for you. The hostel features huge common areas with cosy furniture and laid back atmosphere. There is also a nice co-working area, game room, open garden movie theatre, and a lovely coffee shop. Great staff will provide you with useful tips and free city maps for your adventure.
Great social hostel, highly recommended for backpackers and young travellers. Great common areas are always crowded with guests. There is a vibrant on-site bar with a wide selection of drinks and happy hour deals. Lots of activities are organized every day like hiking, walking tours, movie nights, local culture classes, cycling, and much more.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A guided crawl through Thamel’s best bars, led by a local. The tour hits 4-5 spots, including **Sam’s Bar** and **Purple Haze**, with a free shot at each stop. It’s a good way to meet people if you’re travelling solo. The crawl starts at 8pm and lasts around 4 hours.
How Kathmandu's nightlife zones break down
The backpacker hub of Kathmandu. Narrow streets packed with hostels, bars, and trekking shops. JP Road and Mandala Street are the main drags for nightlife, while Tridevi Marg has quieter cafés. It’s chaotic but convenient: everything you need is within walking distance.
A quieter area north of Thamel, popular with expats and long-term travellers. It’s home to **New Orleans Café** and a few upscale bars. The streets are cleaner, and it’s a 15-minute walk from Thamel. Good for a low-key night out.
A throwback to the hippie era, this street near Durbar Square is quieter than Thamel but has a few hidden bars. It’s a 20-minute walk from Thamel, and the crowd is older, with more long-term travellers. The vibe is relaxed, and drinks are cheap.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A grungy spot on JP Road with live bands most nights. The crowd is a mix of travellers and locals, and the music leans toward rock and blues. Beers cost £1.50, and the place fills up by 9pm. If you’re lucky, you might catch an open mic night: bring your guitar if you’ve got one.
A rooftop bar with a chilled vibe, tucked inside the Garden of Dreams. It’s pricier than most places in Thamel (cocktails £4), but the setting is worth it. Go early to grab a seat: it gets busy by 7pm. Great for sunset views and quiet conversations.
A backpacker institution on Mandala Street. Happy hour runs from 5pm to 8pm (£1 beers), and the place is always packed. The crowd is mostly travellers, and the staff don’t mind if you stay all night. Try the ‘Sam’s Special’ cocktail: it’s just rum and Coke, but it’s £2 and strong.
A two-floor bar with live music every night. The ground floor is a café, but the real action is upstairs, where bands play everything from reggae to Nepali folk. Entry is free, and beers cost £1.50. It’s a 10-minute walk from Thamel, but worth it for the local crowd.
Not a bar, but a must-visit for late-night eats. Their wood-fired pizzas (£4) are legendary among backpackers, and the place stays open until midnight. Grab a slice and a beer, then head to a nearby bar. It’s on Tridevi Marg, a five-minute walk from Thamel.
A rare find in Nepal: an actual Irish pub. It’s on Chhetrapati, a 10-minute walk from Thamel. Guinness costs £4, but the local beers are cheaper. The crowd is a mix of expats and travellers, and it’s a good spot for sports on TV. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm.