The best cocktail bars Nepal

This is Thamel's finest cocktail bar, inspired by the sophisticated mixology counters of New York. Only regular Nepalese hipsters pass this discreet entrance, upstairs on a busy street. The counter is all lit up, the glasses beautifully set, the blends subtle and not too sweet, the barmaids tattooed and stylish, the musical backdrop well chosen, the decor enhanced by a cabinet of curiosities with a stuffed fox in the codes of the cocktail bar, the decor dark, chic and intimate. The Blackbird signature cocktail is divine.

If you're looking for a sophisticated rooftop to sip a subtly composed cocktail, seated in a lounge chair, with easy-listening background music, and above all an infinity pool overlooking the city and mountains, Akari & Koko is for you. Akari is the name of the Japanese-style Asian fusion restaurant on the top floor of the Vivanta luxury hotel, located in the heart of the trendy Jhamsikhel district. Koko is the name of the bar (cocktails and sushi) with its magnificent sky-blue tiled terrace reflecting the sky.

Right in the middle of Lakeside, Fat Monkey is a magnificent bar spread over three floors, with a "tropicool Hawaiian" decor featuring plant-covered walls, murals in acid turquoise and yellow, monkey mascots and colorful neon lights brightening up the rough concrete walls. The top floor, with its high-ceilinged counter, pool table and rooftop terrace overlooking the street, is the most pleasant. Come in the evening for a cocktail or a glass of wine, but they also serve wraps, bowls, sandwiches, burgers...

This bar is located in a small pedestrian cul-de-sac in the heart of Thamel, away from the hustle and bustle of the narrow streets. Inside and out, the setting is refined and resembles an Italian brasserie, with its terrace of water-green benches on the cobblestones, very elegant with a beautiful counter and green plants. Vino è Vita lives up to its name: it's the place to go for a glass of imported wine. The cocktail menu is interesting and serves good quality pasta dishes and fusion snacks. Pleasant background music.

At the far end of Lakeside, but within walking distance of the town center, a house converted into a restaurant, with small wooden terraces, has been set up for those who want to enjoy a drink or barbecued meat, while taking in the view of the lake and the tranquility of the natural surroundings. In the evening, small lights illuminate the musicians (many concerts) and all that's left to do is sip a cocktail and enjoy the moment. A wonderful place to relax during the day or evening.

This is Kathmandu's new speak easy bar, one of those deceptively clandestine bars that play on the codes of American bars during alcohol prohibition in the 1920s. The entrance is inevitably concealed (here at the top of a random building in the middle of nowhere between Kathmandu and Patan), the banquettes upholstered, the Art Deco style, the electro swing music and the lights dimmed. On the menu, signature cocktails including the excellent Basil Instinct (beware, some are very sweet), and a menu of gourmet fusion tapas to share. Terrace.

This rustic lakeside bar consists of a small wooden cabin. You have to leave the center of Lakeside and its main thoroughfare to find this haven of peace. During the day and in the evening, it's great to relax in the garden overlooking the lake, especially in the evening when a campfire creates a rootsy atmosphere. A guitar strummer is never too far away! Especially since concerts are organized here. We enjoy the beers, cocktails, excellent coffee and other drinks; the food, on the other hand, is pretty unremarkable.

If you can't stay at the luxurious Hotel Garuda, you can always enjoy a drink at its rooftop bar. What a marvellous view over the pagoda roofs of the temples of Taumadhi Square. The counter where you sit faces the horizon and is beautifully lit, the place is elegant and the music well chosen. The à la carte menu includes well-balanced, finely-prepared cocktails, excellent beers and a good selection of wines. On the other hand, don't go there to eat, as the dishes are nothing special. Prefer the more refined restaurant in the hotel garden.