From Kathmandu to Biratnagar, headbang your way to the best rock bars in Nepal.

Is Nepal known for its rock bars like Las Vegas is known for its casinos? No. But where do you go if you want to listen to live music and headbang till you can’t feel your face when in this Himalayan country? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! These are the best rock bars in Nepal to listen to live music and have a fun time.

Purple Haze Rock Bar, Kathmandu

Purple Haze Rock Bar is arguably the first Nepali rock bar. It is one of the most important pioneers of rock bars in the country and has played an important role in the Nepali music scene as well. 

The location: The bar is in Thamel and can be easily spotted.
Ideal for: Teenagers and middle-aged people. Not ideal for families and old people. Not ideal for DATES!
Most Popular Items (What you must try): The pizza here is good, but not the thing you would like to eat when listening to heavy music.

The Ambience: The bar has an exceptional sound system. This might cause stress to some people. The rock bar has a unique look and feel but it is really dark so look at where you step. PLEASE!!! We are NOT JOKING.

Opening Hours: 6:00 PM-1:00 AM

Extra Services: Purple Haze Underground. Purple Haze rock bar is a huge supporter of the underground metal scene and there are periodic metal concerts.

Beers and Cheers, Lalitpur

Beer and Cheers is a strong proponent of original live music and only hosts artists who have their own music. Beers and Cheers has played an important role in providing under-rated artists with a stage and the recognition they deserve.

The location: The bar is in Jhamsikhel, on the main road. BUT has no parking space!!!

Ideal for: Teenagers and middle-aged people. It can accommodate families and dates as well, but only during the day. The place is really small and gets packed after the live show starts, so plan when you visit the restaurant.

Most Popular Items (What you must try): Every Barasinghe Beer there. Chicken Sadheko.

The Ambience: Beers and Cheers is a really happening place with a lively audience, however, the place is pretty small and will get packed really quickly!

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM

Extra Services: Provides online home delivery.

Rolling Stones Rock Bar, Pokhara

Rolling Stones Rock Bar is arguably the only rock bar in Pokhara. It is very similar to the Purple Haze Rock Bar in Kathmandu and has played an important role in uplifting the live music scene in Pokhara. They have live music every day and aim to provide their stage to young and upcoming bands.

The location: The bar is located at Fewa Lakeside. 

Ideal for: Teenagers and middle-aged people. Not ideal for families and old people. Not ideal for DATES!

Most Popular Items (What you must try): They have really good momos

The Ambience: Very similar to Purple Haze Rock Bar. It is really dark! Has no ventilation and can sometimes be hard to breathe. Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

The Concept, Butwal

The Concept is the first and only live music venue in Butwal city. It has hosted legendary rock bands like Albatross and 1974 AD, and has played an important role in elevating the live music scene in Butwal. 

The location: The bar is located on the Mahadev Path in Butwal city.
Ideal for: Teenagers and middle-aged people. Not ideal for families and old people. Not ideal for DATES!

Most Popular Items (What you must try): The Chowmein they offer is regarded as one of the best in the city. Highly recommended!

The Ambience: The Concept is very similar to purple haze in KTM and rolling stones in PKR. All these bars are dark, stuffy and really loud.

Opening Hours: 6:00 PM- 1:00 AM

Hard Rock Cafe, Kathmandu

The Hard Rock Cafe is the most iconic rock bar in the world but has no history in the monkey city. It opened in 2022 in Kathmandu and has survived only by its brand name.

The location: The Hardrock Cafe is in the heart of Kathmandu, on the Durbargmarg lane and can be easily spotted because of its outrageous sign.

Ideal for: All age groups. Reserved by many as a place for special and rare occasions.

Most Popular Items (What you must try): Their Mac and Cheese is out of the world according to many, and their milkshake looks like a piece of art!!

The Ambience: Many say that this Hardrock cafe lacks something the other Hardrock cafes in the world have. IT DOES NOT HAVE THE HARDROCK VIBE LOL!

Opening Hours: 11:30 AM- 2:30 AMExtra Services: It provides takeaway services and home delivery.

Illusion, Biratnagar

Illusion is not a rock bar per se but is one of the very few live music places in Biratnagar, so it deserves a place on the list. It is more of an acoustic-melancholic place, but recently hosted Albatross, and Sabin Rai and the Pharoah.

The location: The bar is located inside the Center Mall in Biratnagar.

Ideal for:  Teenagers and middle-aged people. It is okay for dates as well.

Most Popular Items (What you must try): They have REALLY GOOD PIZZA.

The Ambience: The place is dimly lit and has neon lights. Does it look like a brothel?! I didn’t say that. But sounds like one, doesn’t it? LOL!
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM-11:00 PM

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