Pokhara nightlife and evenings: what to do after dark
Live music in Lakeside, sunsets on the lake and quieter evenings.
Pokhara’s nightlife is in Lakeside: a long lakefront strip of cafes, restaurants and bars, many with live music most nights, lively without being wild. A good evening starts on the water or at a viewpoint for the sunset, goes on to dinner by the lake and ends with a band in a bar. For a big night out, come for the Pokhara Street Festival, from 28 December to 1 January, when Lakeside closes to traffic and fills with stalls and stages.
Start with the sunset
The best evenings in Pokhara begin an hour before dark. Take a rowing boat out on Phewa as the light turns gold, sit on the lake shore at Lakeside, or drive up to the World Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot to watch the valley light up below you.
For two, our Sunset on Phewa for Two is a private boat at golden hour followed by a set dinner by the water, NPR 10,000 per couple. Boats must be back before dark, so start early: these are the sunset times in Pokhara.
| Month | Sunset, about |
|---|---|
| January | 17:30 |
| February | 17:50 |
| March | 18:10 |
| April | 18:25 |
| May | 18:45 |
| June | 19:00 |
| July | 19:00 |
| August | 18:40 |
| September | 18:10 |
| October | 17:45 |
| November | 17:20 |
| December | 17:15 |
Times for Pokhara; on the hills the sun sets a few minutes later.
Lakeside after dark: bars and live music
The main lakeside road is where the evening happens. Bands play Nepali folk-rock and cover songs in the bars and garden restaurants, there are rooftop terraces over the lake, and a few dance bars stay open later. The quieter end is North Lakeside, with small cafes and lake views.
Music changes from night to night, so ask at your hotel or follow the sound along the lake. Prices in Lakeside’s bars are higher than in local places, and most places add service charge and VAT to the bill.
Our tip: Walk the lake path from the boat station towards the dam after dinner: the lights on the water and the music from the cafes are half the fun.
Dance shows, food and films
Cultural dance with dinner
Several restaurants put on Nepali dances in costume with live music, usually with a set Nepali dinner. Book a table in the busy season.
A food walk
Our guided food walk tastes momos, sel roti, grilled sekuwa and sweets around town in the evening, NPR 4,000 per person.
An open-air cinema
Lakeside has a garden cinema showing films under the stars, a relaxed alternative to the bars.
A quiet evening at the Pagoda
After the day visitors leave, the World Peace Pagoda is peaceful, and the valley lights come on below you. Our car can wait for you.
Festivals and big nights
- Pokhara Street Festival, 28 December to 1 January: Lakeside closes to traffic for five days of food stalls, music stages and dancing in the street, with New Year’s Eve at the end.
- Tihar, the festival of lights, in late October or November: oil lamps and lights on every house, and songs from door to door.
- Tamu Lhosar, the Gurung new year, on 30 December: dances and gatherings in the Gurung communities.
- Holi, in March at the full moon: colours in the streets by day and parties at night.
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and move a little each year. See the year in Pokhara.
Romantic evenings for two
A sunset boat, dinner at a lakeside table and a walk under the lights is the classic Pokhara evening for couples. For something quieter, watch the sunset from the Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot and come down for a late dinner. More ideas in Pokhara for couples.
Evenings with children
Families have plenty to do before bedtime: a small lakeside fun park with rides, the lake path, early dinners with a view and, in season, the Street Festival’s stalls. See Pokhara with kids.
Getting back to your hotel
- The main lakeside road is busy and well lit; take a taxi back if your hotel is in a quieter area or up a hill.
- Do not go out on the lake after dark or after drinking.
- Agree a taxi price before you get in, or ask us to arrange a pickup.
Questions people ask
Where is the nightlife in Pokhara?
In Lakeside, along the main road by Phewa Lake: bars with live music, garden restaurants, rooftop terraces and a few dance bars. North Lakeside is quieter.
What can you do in Pokhara in the evening?
Watch the sunset from a boat, the Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot; have dinner by the lake; see a Nepali dance show; take a food walk; listen to a band in Lakeside; or watch a film in the open air.
Is there live music in Pokhara?
Yes, most nights in the Lakeside bars and restaurants, from Nepali folk-rock to cover bands. Ask at your hotel which places have a band that night.
When is the Pokhara Street Festival?
Every year from 28 December to 1 January, in Lakeside, ending with New Year’s Eve.
What time is sunset in Pokhara?
About 19:00 in June and July, 17:45 in October and 17:15 in December. Boats come back before dark.
Is Lakeside safe at night?
Yes, it is busy and well lit in the evening. Take normal care, use a taxi to quieter areas, and stay off the lake after dark.