Nepal is an early to bed country and even in Kathmandu you’ll find few people on the streets after 10pm, especially where the capital’s political situation is tense. Most bars close their doors by 11pm, though a few keep serving those inside.you
Bands play at various Thamel restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights in the high season, particularly at Himalatte, Jatra and New Orleans just follow your ears.
Beyound this, could take in a Bollywood blockbuster or try to earn back your flight money at one of half a dozen casinos. Major sporting events such as Premier League football and Formula 1 grand prixs are televised in all the major bars.
There are also several cultural performances which generally involve local youths wearing a variety of dress over their jeans and performing traditional dances from Nepal’s various ethnic groups, accompanied by a live band that includes a tabla, harmonium and singer.
Music and Dance
There are a few performances of Nepali music and dancing in the restaurants of the top-end hotels but little is scheduled.
The New Himalchuli Cultural Group is a dance troupe that performs nightly at a crummy restaurant in Lazimpat. The hour-long show costs Rs.350 and starts at 7pm in summer (October to April) and 6.30pm in winter (May to September).Ring in advance to check that a performance is planned.
Gandharba Association
This is an organisation for the city’s musician caste. There are informal music jams between 5pm and 7pm at their offices on the third floor above Equator Expeditions but they play in local restaurants such as the Northfield Café. Individual musicians offer music lessons for around Rs.100 per hour and they also sell their own CDs.
Casinos
Kathmandu’s casinos are all attached to upmarket hotels and open 24 hours. Dust off your tuxedo, polish up your best Sean Connery impersonation (Aah, Mish, money- penny..) and make a beeline for the Casino Royale, Rana place at the Yak & Yeti Hotel. Hang around the tables long enough and staff will ply you with free drinks and a dinner buffet .
Other casinos, like Casino Anna at the Hotel de l’Annapurna attract a mainly Indian crowd.
At all casinos you can play in either Indian rupees or US dollars, and winnings (in the same currency ) can be taken out of the offered are roulette and blackjack, and the main clients are Indians. Nepalis are officially forbidden from entering.
