Nightlife in Bhutan: Best Pubs in Thimphu & Paro
While Bhutan may not be known for wild nightlife, Thimphu and Paro offer a charming and increasingly sophisticated pub scene. From traditional ara (local spirit) bars to modern lounges with live music, here’s your guide to enjoying Bhutanese nightlife responsibly.
Thimphu Nightlife Guide
Craft Beer & Microbreweries
Namgay Heritage Brewery
Location: Babesa, Thimphu Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM Specialty: Bhutan’s first craft brewery Beers to Try:
- Red Panda Lighthouse (IPA) - Nu. 450
- Red Panda Weiss (Wheat Beer) - Nu. 420
- Seasonal brews - Nu. 480-550
Why Visit: Set in a traditional farmhouse with a gorgeous valley view. The brewery tour (Nu. 300) explains the beer-making process and includes tasting.
Singye Brewery
Location: Olakha, Thimphu Hours: 12 PM - 11 PM (Mon-Sat) Specialty: German-style beers brewed in Bhutan Popular: Bhutan Honey Ale - Nu. 380
Why Visit: Outdoor seating with bonfire evenings in winter. Great for groups.
Live Music Venues
Mojo Park
Location: Norzin Lam (2nd Floor, Phuntsho Building) Hours: 6 PM - 12 AM (Wed-Mon) Cover Charge: Nu. 300 on weekends (includes 1 drink) Live Music: Thu-Sun, 8-10 PM
Drinks:
- Local beers: Nu. 250-350
- Cocktails: Nu. 400-600
- Whisky by peg: Nu. 350-800
Why Visit: The best live music venue in Thimphu. Local bands play everything from traditional Bhutanese music to rock and pop. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends.
Pro Tip: Arrive by 7 PM to get a good table. Shows start at 8 PM and the place gets packed after 9.
Music Cafe
Location: Changangkha Hours: 5 PM - 11 PM Specialty: Acoustic sessions, open mic nights Cover: None, minimum order Nu. 500
Why Visit: More intimate than Mojo, with local artists performing acoustic sets. Great conversation atmosphere.
Sports Bars
The Zone - Clock Tower
Location: 1st Floor, Chencho Building Hours: 10 AM - 11 PM Screens: 8 large TVs + 1 projector Popular For: Football, cricket matches
Drinks:
- Beer tower (4L): Nu. 1,500
- Pitcher of cocktail: Nu. 1,200
- Single malt whiskies: Nu. 500-1,200
Why Visit: Best place to catch international sports events. Call ahead for big matches to reserve a table.
Sporty Bar
Location: Express Building, near bus terminal Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM Games: Pool tables (Nu. 100/hour), darts
Traditional Bhutanese Bars
Chimmi’s Place
Location: Behind Memorial Chorten Hours: 2 PM - 10 PM Specialty: Traditional ara (local spirit) Price: Ara by peg - Nu. 150
Why Visit: Experience authentic Bhutanese drinking culture. Try ara with ema datshi and suja (butter tea). Not touristy - mostly locals.
Warning: Ara can be very strong (40-50% ABV). Pace yourself and eat while drinking.
Lungta Bar
Location: Motithang Hours: 4 PM - 11 PM Vibe: Relaxed, traditional decor Popular: Ara with butter tea - Nu. 200
Hotel Bars & Lounges
Amankora Thimphu - The Lounge
Location: Motithang Hours: 4 PM - 11 PM Dress Code: Smart casual Signature Cocktail: Himalayan Sunset - Nu. 850
Why Visit: Upscale atmosphere with stunning valley views. Great for a quiet drink. Reservations recommended for weekends.
Taj Tashi - The Dragon Bar
Location: Chang Lam Hours: 11 AM - 1 AM Happy Hour: 4-7 PM (50% off selected drinks) Popular: Bhutanese Mule - Nu. 750
Why Visit: Most sophisticated bar in Thimphu. Extensive whisky selection (over 80 labels from Scotland, Japan, India).
Le Méridien - Latitude 27
Location: Pedzel Lam Hours: 10 AM - 12 AM Theme: Aviation-inspired Specialty: Craft cocktails - Nu. 650-900
Why Visit: Young, trendy crowd. DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
Late Night Options
Club 7
Location: Above Mojo Park Hours: 9 PM - 2 AM (Wed-Sun) Cover: Nu. 500 (weekends) Music: EDM, hip-hop, Bollywood
Note: This is Thimphu’s only true nightclub. Gets very crowded after 11 PM.
Vivo - The Lounge Bar
Location: Olakha Hours: 6 PM - 12 AM Vibe: More relaxed than Club 7 Music: Top 40, remixes
Paro Nightlife Guide
Paro is quieter than Thimphu, but has some excellent options.
Best Bars in Paro
Dream Bar & Restaurant
Location: Main Street, near Dzong Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM Specialty: Local beer, simple food Beer: Red Panda - Nu. 350, Druk 10,000 - Nu. 280
Why Visit: Friendly staff, good music, outdoor seating. Popular with both locals and tourists.
Olathang Hotel Bar
Location: Olathang Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM Views: Mountain views from terrace Popular: Ara tasting flight - Nu. 500
Why Visit: Best bar in Paro for a relaxed evening. The terrace is lovely on clear evenings.
Dragon’s Nest Bar (Tenzing Resort)
Location: above Paro town Hours: 4 PM - 11 PM Vibe: Quiet, romantic Specialty: Wine selection - Nu. 3,500-7,000 per bottle
Why Visit: Perfect for couples. Great views, intimate atmosphere, excellent service.
Local Drinks to Try
Beer
| Beer | Type | ABV | Price (glass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Druk 10,000 | Lager | 8% | Nu. 280 |
| Druk Premium | Lager | 5% | Nu. 220 |
| Red Panda Weiss | Wheat | 5% | Nu. 420 |
| Red Panda IPA | IPA | 6.5% | Nu. 450 |
Spirits
| Spirit | Origin | ABV | Price (peg 60ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ara | Local | 40-50% | Nu. 150-200 |
| Druk Whisky | Bhutan | 42.8% | Nu. 350 |
| Black & White | Scotland | 40% | Nu. 500 |
| Kingfisher Beer | India | 4.8% | Nu. 250 |
Cocktails
Popular Bhutanese-inspired cocktails:
- Himalayan Mule: Local vodka, ginger beer, lime - Nu. 600
- Thunderbolt: Druk whisky, honey, lemon - Nu. 550
- Bhutan Sunset: Red Panda Weiss, orange juice, grenadine - Nu. 500
Bar Etiquette in Bhutan
General Rules
- Dress Code: Smart casual (no shorts, flip-flops in most places)
- ID Required: Carry your passport or ID (drinking age: 18+)
- Tabs: Most bars allow you to run a tab (pay when leaving)
- Tipping: 10% is standard if service is good
- Smoking: Not allowed indoors in most places
Bhutanese Drinking Culture
- Sharing: Drinks are often shared, especially in groups
- Toasting: It’s polite to toast before the first sip
- Pacing: Bhutanese drink slowly, over conversation
- Food: Eating while drinking is common
Responsible Drinking
- Police Checks: Occasional drunk driving checks (strictly enforced)
- Taxi: Keep taxi numbers handy (avoid driving after drinking)
- Know Your Limit: High altitude can affect alcohol tolerance
Nightlife by Day of Week
Monday - Wednesday
Quiet
- Most bars have few customers
- Mojo Park: Open mic at Music Cafe
- Happy hour deals widely available
Thursday - Friday
Picking Up
- Mojo Park: Live bands start
- Sports bars busy with matches
- Hotel bars busiest
Saturday
Peak Night
- All venues busy
- Club 7 open late
- Cover charges apply
- Reservations recommended
Sunday
Family Night
- quieter, more relaxed
- Hotel bars have live acoustic music
- Many places close earlier (10-11 PM)
Budget Guide
Night Out in Thimphu
| Type of Night | Budget |
|---|---|
| Casual Drinks (2-3 beers) | Nu. 800 - 1,200 |
| Night at Mojo (entry + 3 drinks) | Nu. 2,000 - 2,500 |
| Hotel Bar (3 cocktails) | Nu. 2,500 - 3,500 |
| Group Night (6-8 people) | Nu. 2,000 - 3,500 per person |
Night Out in Paro
| Type | Budget |
|---|---|
| Casual Drinks | Nu. 600 - 1,000 |
| Hotel Bar (4 drinks) | Nu. 2,000 - 3,000 |
Special Events
Thursday Nights at Mojo
Live bands play from 8-10 PM. Arrive by 7 PM for a seat.
Friday Night Sports
The Zone broadcasts major football matches. Call ahead for big games.
Saturday Night at Club 7
DJ plays from 10 PM - 2 AM. Nu. 500 cover.
Sunday Acoustic Sessions
Music Cafe hosts acoustic sessions from 7-9 PM. No cover.
Transport & Safety
Getting Around
- Taxi: Nu. 100-150 within Thimphu, Nu. 200-300 Paro-Thimphu
- Night Surcharge: +50% after 10 PM
- Designated Driver: Many hotels offer this service
Safety Tips
- Stay Together: Don’t walk alone late at night
- Watch Your Drink: Never leave your drink unattended
- Keep Valuables Secure: Phone snatching is rare but possible
- Emergency Police: 113
- Tourist Police: +975-2-322657
Recommended Itineraries
Thimphu Pub Crawl (3-4 stops)
Route: Mojo Park → Taj Tashi Dragon Bar → Namgay Heritage Brewery
Timeline:
- 7 PM: Dinner at Mojo (start with beer)
- 9 PM: Move to Taj Tashi for cocktails
- 11 PM: End at Namgay Heritage (last call at 12 AM)
Budget: Nu. 2,500 - 3,500 per person
Paro Evening (2 stops)
Route: Dream Bar → Dragon’s Nest
Timeline:
- 6 PM: Drinks at Dream Bar
- 8 PM: Move to Dragon’s Nest for the view
Budget: Nu. 1,500 - 2,500 per person
Final Note: Bhutan’s nightlife scene is evolving, but it’s still far quieter than most cities. Embrace the slower pace, enjoy the conversations, and remember that Bhutanese value meaningful connections over wild parties. Tashi delek! and cheers!