Most Popular Bars in Thimphu
Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind after a day of sightseeing with unique beverages and lively local atmospheres.
Traditionally in Bhutan, local festivals and certain religious rituals are accompanied with alcoholic beverages such as ara (fermented or distilled grain alcohol) or changkey (alcoholic porridge). Times have changed but after a long day at work, modern Bhutanese still like to kick back with their friends at one of the many local bars.
After a long day of taking in the sights and sounds of Thimphu city, see another side of the capital, after-hours. Sample Bhutan’s famous local beer and whiskey or try innovative cocktails at some of our top recommendations! *(The legal drinking age in Bhutan is 18 but we encourage readers to drink responsibly during your trip.)
1. Drunken Yeti, opposite My Mart
Opening Hours: Weekdays 3 pm - 11 pm. Friday and Saturday 4 pm - 12 am
Contact: 17811122
If you ask anybody in Thimphu town where you get the best cocktails, they would most likely direct you to Drunken Yeti. Try to get there early as this cozy establishment is usually filled to capacity by 8 pm. You will understand the hype as you sip on crowd favorites like the ‘Moscow Mule’ or ‘Pina Colada’. In the mood for something different? Try ‘The Yeti’, a potent mix of 7 alcohols or ‘Sildenafil’, a saffron-infused ara shot with cordycep.
2. Urban Dumra, Lower Changzamtog
Opening Hours: 3 pm - 12 am
Contact: 77282539
Experience Bhutan’s first beer garden at the spacious Urban Dumra. Play a round of pool with the locals and try their signature cocktails like the ‘Pho Chu Mo Chu’ (named after the rivers converging in Punakha) and the refreshing ‘Lychee Dewa’. Check their social media for dates of their Beer festival, featuring beers from four Bhutanese breweries.
3. O’ Cafe and Bar, Osel
Opening Hours: Open everyday
Contact: 02344444
A cafe serving tasty eats and sweet treats during the day, O’ Cafe transforms into a bar featuring live music and events. One of the most popular is the weekend ‘Beer Pong Tournament’. Get a partner and submit your names as you go head to head with other teams for the coveted title and a cash prize. Celebrate your win with their signature cocktails ‘Si Madrid’, ‘Stolen Sea Water’ or take a ‘Hydeout’ or ‘Dragon’ shot.
4. The Alchemy Pub, Changlam
Opening Hours: 6 am - 3 am
Contact: 17345556
Photo credit: Finso Yeshe Choden
Photo credit: Finso Yeshe Choden
If you want to see where the Gen Z crowd is hanging out in Thimphu then look no further than the Alchemy Pub. Most weekends they have live performances by up and coming local artists but they are also known for their karaoke nights where you can belt your favorite tunes with the crowd. They have a variety of cocktails available but for something truly different try their ‘Syringe Shot’ that comes out of a syringe, for some reason.
5. Riverside Garuda, Changyul Park
Opening Hours: 10 am - 10 pm
The newly opened Changyul Park is a vibrant urban area spanning 8 acres, next to the Wang Chhu River. Blending traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern green design, the Park showcases the handiwork of DSP (Dessup Skilling Program, a Royal Project training Bhutanese youths entering the job market). Take a stroll through the rose garden, admire the lights of the bridge across the river and don’t forget to grab a classic drink like the ‘Tom Collins’ and ‘Hot Toddy’ at the Riverside Garuda Bar located within the park grounds.
6. Old Factory, Changlam
Opening Hours: 11 am - 1 am
Contact: 17978503
If you want to grab a meal and drinks before enjoying the rest of your night then Old Factory is the place to go. Designed with an industrial vintage flair, this establishment offers up a variety of snacks and cuisines to go with your drinks. For cocktails, we recommend their ‘White Lady’ and ‘Denkar’s Cocktail’, named after the popular travel vlogger.
7. The Grey Area, Hogdzin Lam
Opening Hours: 6 pm - 3 am
Contact: 77173334
Photo credit: Finso Yeshe Choden
If you’re looking for an elevated drinking experience in Thimphu city, you can’t miss The Grey Area. Beautifully decorated with paintings and modern decor, the Grey Area is the place to be if you want to schmooze with artists, musicians and creatives. Featuring an extensive selection of signature cocktails, we recommend ‘The English Rose’, ‘The Horny Fawaz’ and the ‘Gangnam Girls’ shot.
8. Black Sheep Restro Bar, Opposite Druk Shopping Complex
Opening Hours: 9 am - 12 am
Contact: 17367846
Black Sheep Restro Bar is one of the few places in town where you can try authentic ‘Tongba’. This alcohol is served hot and is made from fermented millet. Found in neighboring regions of Nepal and India, this is the traditional drink of the Limbu people. Tongba refers to the wooden vessel it is served in and it is believed to have therapeutic properties that prevent illnesses in high-altitudes.
9. The Pema by Realm, Thori Lam
Opening Hours: 1 pm - 11 pm
Contact: 77624647
After enjoying dinner in the restaurant or sampling pastries and coffee in the cafe, take the elevator to the top floor of this 4-star hotel to find The Roof, an open rooftop lounge and bar. Although open all year, the Roof is particularly enjoyable during the colder months as a roaring bonfire and sips of ‘Mulled Wine’ make perfect accompaniment to views of surrounding mountains.
From cosy cocktail havens like Drunken Yeti to unique rooftop lounges at The Pema, Thimphu offer a delightful mix of traditional drinks and modern twists. So, after exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Bhutan’s capital, unwind with a signature cocktail, mingle with locals, and savour the lively atmosphere that Thimphu’s nightlife has to offer. Just remember to drink responsibly and toast to the unforgettable memories made along the way!
