Things to Do in Kathmandu with Friends — 15 Ideas

Kathmandu is a genuinely great city for groups. Whether it's a friend's birthday, a work outing, or just a Saturday where you want to do something different, the valley has more to offer than most people realise. Here are 15 ideas worth considering.

Live music nights

Head to Thamel for a live set — House of Music, Moksh, or Purple Haze depending on the vibe you're after. Most venues have table reservations for groups of 4+. See live music events for what's on.

Food festival hopping

When a food festival is running — and they run frequently — they're the best group activity in the city. Multiple stalls, outdoor seating, and something for everyone. Check food events to see what's on.

Cultural show + dinner combo

Book a traditional Newari dinner and catch a classical dance performance afterward. Bhaktapur and Patan both have this combination within walking distance of each other. Cultural events has current listings.

Rooftop bar crawl

Start at a rooftop in Jhamsikhel, move to Durbarmarg, finish in Thamel. Many rooftops have free entry — just buy drinks. Best on clear nights between October and March.

Escape rooms

Kathmandu now has several escape room venues — good for groups of 4–8. No need to book far in advance on weekdays.

Movie marathon + delivery

For nights when everyone just wants to stay in: a rotating list of Kathmandu's best delivery spots changes constantly, but Foodmandu and Bhoj Delivery cover most of the city.

Pottery and art workshops

Weekend pottery classes have become popular in Patan, where the traditional craft still runs deep. Good for groups who want something active but not outdoorsy.

Sunrise hike to Nagarkot

An early Saturday start, a 1-hour drive, and you're at one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal. Bring thermos coffee. Return by noon for brunch in the city.

Cricket at Mulpani

If someone in the group is into cricket, Mulpani Cricket Ground hosts local matches on weekends. Free entry, local snacks, and a great atmosphere.

Comedy nights

Kathmandu's stand-up comedy scene has grown significantly. Check community events for upcoming shows — they sell out fast.

Cooking class

Several restaurants in Thamel and Jhamsikhel run Nepali cooking classes for small groups. Dal bhat, momo, and sekuwa are the usual focus.

Night market browsing

Thamel's lanes are best experienced at night. Shopping, food stalls, street performers. Free, and endlessly walkable.

Tech and startup meetups

If your group skews towards builders and entrepreneurs, Kathmandu's tech community runs regular events. Tech events lists them.

Paragliding from Sarangkot (day trip)

A 2-hour drive to Pokhara is worth it for a weekend. Sarangkot paragliding is world-class and surprisingly affordable.

Neighbourhood walks

Swayambhu, Kirtipur, and Bungamati are all underrated for group walks. Hire a local guide for 2–3 hours — the stories make the difference.

For current events, browse all upcoming events in Kathmandu or download the Kata Jaam? app for push notifications.