3 reviewed party hostels · from €4.21/night · Hostelworld rated
Pokhara’s nightlife doesn’t shout, but it knows how to throw a good time. Head to **Lakeside**, the strip along Phewa Lake, where backpackers and trekkers unwind after days on the Annapurna trails. Here, you’ll find hostels with rooftop bars strung with hammocks: **Pokhara Backpackers Hostel** and **Forest Lake Backpackers** are two spots where the Wi-Fi’s free, the breakfast’s simple, and the crowd’s always up for a drink. The action centres on **Club Catwalk**, a no-frills club where the music’s loud, the drinks are cheap, and the dance floor fills by midnight. Most places stay open until 11 or 12, but the vibe lingers long after last call, especially if you’ve made friends over a shared pub crawl.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara is a cracking party hub at Lakeside’s south end, where the rooftop 5 O’clock Happy Hour bar with hammocks sparks lively nights. Impromptu BBQs and daily trekking meetups fuel connections, while Lakeside’s buzzing bars are a 5-minute stroll away. Free breakfast socials and a vibrant vibe make it a top pick for party-loving travellers craving epic nights.
Pokhara Backpackers Hostel, minutes from Phewa Lake, is a vibrant party haven with a buzzing social scene. Its rooftop breakfast with Annapurna views kicks off daily socials, while the lively bar and board game-filled common areas keep the energy high. A 10-minute walk to Lakeside’s nightlife ensures non-stop fun, making it a cracking spot for party-seeking backpackers.
Zostel Pokhara, a premier party hostel in Pokhara, offers a vibrant lakeside vibe with a bar serving Hot Rum Punch. Karaoke, music nights, and garden bonfires fuel the party, while Lakeside’s bars are a 10-minute walk away. Its rooftop terrace and social events make it a top choice for travellers seeking lively nights.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A weekly event organised by local hostels, the Pokhara Pub Crawl visits four bars in Lakeside, including **Club Catwalk** and **The Lemon Tree**. The crawl starts at 8 PM and includes a free shot at each stop, plus drink discounts. It’s a great way to meet other travellers, especially if you’re new in town. The crawl finishes by 11 PM, but most groups head to a late-night spot afterwards.
How Pokhara's nightlife zones break down
The heart of Pokhara’s backpacker scene, Lakeside runs along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake. The streets are lined with hostels, bars, and trekking agencies, and the atmosphere is laid-back but social. Most pub crawls start here, and it’s where you’ll find the majority of nightlife spots. The lake itself is worth a visit: rent a boat for 800 NPR and row out to the tiny temple on the water.
Pokhara’s commercial centre, Mahendra Pul is where locals shop and work. The market here is chaotic but colourful, with stalls selling everything from spices to knock-off trekking gear. It’s not a nightlife hub, but it’s a good place to pick up supplies before a trek. The bus station is nearby, making it a convenient stop if you’re arriving or leaving.
A quieter alternative to Lakeside, Damside sits on the southern side of Phewa Lake. It’s where you’ll find mid-range hotels and a few bars with lake views. The pace is slower here, and it’s a good place to escape the backpacker crowds. The walk from Lakeside takes 20 minutes, or you can take a taxi for 300 NPR.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The closest thing Pokhara has to a proper club. Expect Bollywood hits, Nepali pop, and the occasional EDM track. The crowd is a mix of backpackers and locals, and the dance floor gets packed after 10 PM. Drinks are cheap: 500 NPR for a cocktail, 300 NPR for a beer: but the real draw is the unpretentious vibe. If you’re lucky, you might catch a live DJ on weekends.
A Lakeside institution, Busy Bee is where trekkers refuel and swap stories. The menu’s long, but the real reason to come is the happy hour: 50% off cocktails from 5 to 7 PM. The garden seating fills up fast, so grab a table early. Try the ‘Annapurna Sunset’, a rum-based cocktail that’s stronger than it tastes.
Pokhara’s only dedicated rock bar. The walls are covered in band stickers, and the playlist leans towards classic rock and metal. It’s a small place, so it feels more like a house party than a bar. The owner, a Nepali guy who sounds like he’s from Liverpool, often joins in for a jam session. Beers are 350 NPR, and the crowd’s friendly.
Perched on a hill overlooking Phewa Lake, Moondance is the spot for sunset views. The cocktails are overpriced (600 NPR), but the setting makes up for it. It’s a chilled place: more about the conversation than the party. If you’re here for the nightlife, come early and move on by 9 PM.
A backpacker favourite for its cheap drinks and even cheaper food. The ‘Lemonade’ cocktail (vodka, lemon, soda) is a steal at 400 NPR, and the pizza’s decent. It’s a small place, so it gets loud when full. The crowd’s mostly travellers, and the staff don’t mind if you linger after closing.
A hidden gem run by Tibetan refugees. The bar’s basic, but the momos (dumplings) are the best in Pokhara, and the chang (Tibetan beer) is worth trying. It’s a quiet place, more for meeting locals than partying, but it’s a refreshing change from the Lakeside scene. Open until 10 PM.