Kathmandu has more than just the regular traffic congestion and pollution to offer. Amid a concrete mess, which the capital has transformed into, there are venues that ensure prompt entertainment from the wearisome work life. Entertainment hubs, especially those built indoors, allow the city dwellers to experience an exciting thrill all year round.

Based on their popularity, My City’s Kiran Lama compiled a list of four fascinating indoor entertainment hubs in the capital city. 

Ice Skating
With loud music buzzing in the background, ice skating experience at KTM Skating Rink simulates the thrill of skating on real ice. The ice rink, made of synthetic marble, provides the base for the sport. According to Anish Deula, a coach at Ktm Skating Rink, “The floor is made with synthetic marble. These rinks are famous especially in Canada, and are mainly found in the malls there.” 

He further explained that even children, over the age of five years, could enjoy the skating experience. Since skating is a relatively unknown sport in Nepal, to ensure the safety of first-timers, several instructors take charge of the safety of the skaters inside the rink. Also, safety gears are distributed before entering the rink.
 
How much: Rs 600 for an entire day. 

Wall climbing at Thamel
Indoor wall climbing is a recreational sport which attracts a throng of physical activity enthusiasts in Kathmandu. What first started merely for training purpose, fast gained prominence among the denizens of the capital. Wall climbing not only encourages a healthy lifestyle but also ensures entertainment. Moreover, its venue also act as the meeting point for numerous like-minded adrenaline junkies.  

There are several wall climbing destinations in Kathmandu. However, the excess amenities present in Thamel has attracted the enthusiasts of the sport to the entertainment hub of the capital. 

Where: Astrek Climbing Wall, Kathmandu Sports Climbing Center, and Outdoor Adventure Center Nepal 

How much:  Rs 400 to Rs 800 depending on the venue.

Futsal
The passion for football has always influenced the fans of the sport to assemble for impromptu matches. But lately, rapid urbanization has led to the decline in the number of grounds in the valley. Nonetheless, the fanatics have found an easy solution – futsal, a compact version of football. 

Futsal is not only accessible, but the affordable ground prices easily allow players to indulge in the game. It also gives the people with a hectic lifestyle a chance to stretch their stifled muscles. According to Kiran Basnet, co-owner of Dhuku Futsal, Maharagunj, “Football is popular across the globe. Due to the lack of space and busy lifestyle, the futsal culture is mushrooming in Katmandu. Every age-group can enjoy this form of football.”

How much: Rs. 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per hour, depending on the venue

Virtual Reality Gaming
Experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster tops the bucket list of many. However, the only constraint is that we don’t have one in the country. But thanks to virtual reality interfaces, real-time experience of such excitements are now possible, even in Nepal.  The VR experience options vary per the preference of the gamers. 

As you sit comfortably in an egg-shaped dome with the VR headgear, you are provided with an on-screen menu comprising several gaming options. After selecting a game, the adventure begins.  The virtual reality chair shakes, and rumbles in par with the action in the VR set, providing a real-time experience of events displayed on the headset screen. 

However, remind yourself that you are in a VR realm to avoid any possible public shame. Since the VR booths are placed in public areas, it is likely to have a cluster of people filming your virtual misery.  

Where: Civil Mall, City Centre, KL Tower, BG Mall

How much: Rs 150 per game