Nightlife in Kathmandu is concentrated on Thamel, though many new bars are opening up around Pulchowk in Patan. By law, all music in public places has to be turned off by 2200, but many bars in Thamel manage to stay open until midnight or later. There are entertainment listings sections in the Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan Times newspapers (website: www.thehimalayantimes.com).

Bars: Trekkers and backpackers gather at Rum Doodle Bar, Pub Maya, Sam's Bar, Full Moon, Tom & Jerry's Bar and J-Bar in Thamel. For a more sophisticated night out, head to the swish new Tamas Spa Lounge in Thamel or the Absolute Bar in the Hotel Narayani Complex in Patan.

Clubs: Probably the best options are the Underground Bar in Thamel and the Galaxy Discotheque at the Everest Hotel in New Baneshwor (website: www.everesthotel.com.np).

Live music: Covers bands play nightly at the Reggae Bar, G's Terrace, Shisha Terrace and Lhasa Bar in Thamel. For jazz and fusion, try New Orleans Cafe in Thamel or the Rox Bar at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Taragaon, Boudha (website: www.kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com).