Namche Bazaar is a town in north-eastern Nepal, in the Khumbu Pasanglamu Rural Municipality, part of the Solukhumbu district. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Nepal. Namche is also a major trading centre in the Khumbu region. Most of the tourists who come to Nepal to climb Everest reach Namche.
The Irish Pub in Namche Bazaar, known as 'the Gateway to Everest', is the highest Irish bar in the world. Situated at an elevation of 3,440 m above sea level, this pub is a major attraction of the place. The pub, which had been closed since April 10 due to the Coronavirus, has now reopened to tourists. This pub probably is the remotest and the highest Irish pub in the world. This is one of the most outstanding places for a pub in Namche Bazaar as it is strategically located to attract foreigners as well as the locals during their rest days and after quitting times.
It is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The visit is also an opportunity to hear and learn about different types of stories and experiences. The facilities in the pubs include a large bar and fireplace, as well soccer tables, pool tables and wide-screen television with both national and international channels. The pub also provides free Wi-Fi.
The Irish Pub also offers a wide variety of spirits, concentrating on imports from Ireland such as Jameson, Guinness, Erin's Rock, Murphy's Irish Stout, Baileys, St Brendan’s, and other liquors. The Irish Pub’s philosophy is to create an old-world pub-style atmosphere that attracted high-end clientele and offered excellent customer service. The goods for the pub are being transported from Kathmandu to the nearest airport, Lukla, by freighters.
Above the Irish Pub’s doors, a sign proudly proclaims that “There are no strangers here, only friends who haven’t met”. Step inside the welcoming warmth of the pub and the walls are plastered with maps and memorabilia from the peak that dominates life in Namche Bazaar – Everest. It is also the only pub that serves Yak meat. Enter and you’ll have the chance to sip on boxed wine, bottled Guinness, and some really nice selection of imported spirits. The stock reaches here on mules and yak.
After the Nepal earthquake in 2015, the Irish pub went through some very difficult times. Covid also had to close the corner. But it reopens when tourists arrive.
Namche Bazaar is very popular among trekkers in the Khumbu region and is the gateway to the highlands of the Himalayas. In addition to tourist accommodation and stores, there are numerous internet cafes, German bakeries, small cafes and numerous restaurants.
Another major attraction is the weekly market which is held every Saturday morning. There is also a daily Tibetan market selling cheap clothing and Chinese goods.
How to reach the pub?
Lukla can be reached by air from Kathmandu. Tourists usually reach Namche Bazaar after a two-day trek from here. Due to the high altitude, trekking is limited to a maximum of six hours a day. It is the most difficult pub on Earth to get to. One of the scariest things about this airport is that if the pilot is not well trained, there is a risk of the plane going off the cliff. Only small aircrafts fly to this place, as the runway is not too long either. The two-day trek to the Himalayas is also gruelling.
Other famous remote Irish pubs in the world
The Irish Pub, Faroe Islands: With a name that translates as “Thor’s Harbour”, Tórshavn is the capital of the far-flung Faroe Islands — a rugged archipelago located halfway between Iceland and Norway in the middle of the icy Norwegian Sea. The Irish Pub is a beacon of warmth for those looking to escape the harsh Faroese weather. The bar serves iconic Irish beers from brands like Caffrey’s and Bulmer’s, while kitchen specialties include Irish steak and traditional fish and chips.
Oh Neil's, Cambodia: Located on the riverbank in the southern Cambodian city of Kampot, Oh Neil’s is a favourite spot for expats and travellers. The pub’s traditional bamboo exterior blends in with its exotic surroundings but contrasts with the authentic Irish atmosphere inside. Here, shamrock decor vies for space alongside classic rock memorabilia, while the soundtrack harks back to the rock n’ roll heyday of the 70s and 80s. Alongside Irish staples, the bar serves local and imported craft beers, while the menu includes global offerings ranging from curry to nachos.
Paddy’s Irish Pub: Paddy’s Irish Pub claims to be the highest Irish-owned pub in the world, and at 11,156 feet/ 3,400 meters, it’s not far behind the pub in Namche Bazaar in terms of elevation. The pub is situated in Cusco, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas and the gateway for Machu Picchu. In an area of great scenic and architectural beauty, Paddy’s Irish Pub offers a taste of Ireland with a bar roster that includes Guinness, Jameson and several Irish ales. The pub’s food is similarly authentic, featuring Gaelic staples ranging from shepherd’s pie to all-day Irish breakfast.
Dublin Irish Pub, Mongolia: Situated on Seoul Street in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, Dublin Irish Pub claims to be the first Irish pub in Mongolia. Today, Ulaanbaatar is a bustling metropolis whose population accounts for nearly half of the people in Mongolia. The success of the Dublin Irish Pub has seen an influx of Irish watering holes — so much so that the capital’s nightlife scene is dominated by Gaelic pubs. The original remains one of the best and most authentic, however, although purists will likely claim that the atmosphere is still a long way from that of a real Dublin boozer.
