
- 06 Jun, 2025
Planning a trip to Nepal? Whether you're trekking to Everest Base Camp, exploring ancient temples in Kathmandu, or enjoying the lakes of Pokhara, staying connected is essential for navigation, communication, and safety. Nepal offers a decent telecommunication network, even in some remote trekking areas — if you know what to look for.
This guide will help you make smart choices for mobile networks, internet access, SIM cards, and more during your Nepal adventure.
Nepal has a few main telecom providers offering reliable coverage:
Government-owned, largest network in Nepal
Great rural and mountain coverage
Offers Namaste SIM cards
Better for long treks and remote areas
Privately owned (Axiata Group)
Faster data speeds in urban areas
Offers tourist SIM packages with generous data
Easy to find top-up cards and service points
Operates in selected cities and towns
Less coverage in rural or high-altitude areas
Buying a SIM card in Nepal is easy and affordable. You’ll need:
A passport copy and passport-sized photo
Fill out a registration form
Visit an official outlet (airport counters, NTC/Ncell stores, or authorized retailers)
Tip: You can get SIM cards at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival, often with tourist packages pre-loaded.
Free SIM with passport at airport or Ncell center
Offers bundles like:
3 GB data + 30 mins local call (~NPR 300)
Valid for 7 to 30 days depending on package
Affordable call and data packages
Better mountain region coverage
Options for voice + data or data-only
Recommendation: Use Ncell in cities and NTC if you're heading for treks or remote regions.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and guesthouses in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Trekking areas (like Annapurna and Everest regions) often offer Wi-Fi for a small fee.
4G coverage is strong in most urban areas and surprisingly decent in many trekking regions.
Note: In remote trails, expect weak or no signal. Carry offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary.
Electricity is generally available, but power cuts can happen.
Carry a power bank (essential for trekking).
Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plugs (bring a universal adapter).
For treks: Consider solar chargers or portable battery packs.
Emergency: 100 (police), 102 (ambulance), 101 (fire)
Country code: +977
Top-up cards: Available at nearly every shop (ask for “recharge card”)
Dialing within Nepal: Use local format (e.g., 980XXXXXXX for mobile)
Use apps like Maps.me, Google Translate (offline), Pathao (local rides), and Trekker-friendly weather apps.
Register your SIM legally to avoid it getting blocked.
Don’t expect constant connectivity on high-altitude treks — embrace the digital detox!
Nepal’s telecom network is better than many expect, especially for a mountainous country. With the right SIM card and data plan, you'll have no trouble staying connected to loved ones, accessing maps, or uploading those stunning Himalayan views to Instagram.
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