Key takeaways
Nepal has two national carriers, Ncell and NTC (Nepal Telecom), both covering cities and many trekking routes with 4G LTE. No 5G is available as of 2026. NTC is the better choice for high-altitude trekking routes, while Ncell delivers faster speeds in cities. A Roamix Nepal eSIM connects you to local networks without requiring a physical SIM or passport registration at the airport. Budget 4 to 6 GB for a two-week trip and always download offline maps and permit details before heading into the Himalayas, as signal drops sharply above treeline.
- NTC has the strongest coverage on high-altitude trekking routes including Everest and Annapurna.
- A Roamix eSIM activates on arrival and skips the SIM counter registration queue at Tribhuvan Airport.
- No 5G is available in Nepal as of 2026; all data runs on 4G LTE in urban areas.
- Most tourist areas are visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, with a straightforward online application.
- Cache offline maps, permit information and trail waypoints before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara, as signal disappears above treeline.
Best way to get data in Nepal
For most visitors to Nepal, a Roamix eSIM is the most convenient way to stay online, covering urban travel and lower-altitude trail stages without any registration paperwork.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation on a local network, no registration queue, no physical SIM swap and no roaming bill. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Long-stay trekkers needing a local number | Requires passport, photo and in-person registration at a carrier counter. Ncell and NTC both sell tourist SIM packages at Tribhuvan Airport. |
| Tea-house wifi | Best for: Casual messaging on the trail | Often included with accommodation but speeds can be as low as 1 Mbps and drop-out is common. Not reliable for calls or large downloads. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short trips with no setup time | South Asia roaming can be expensive and coverage depends entirely on your home carrier's agreements with Ncell or NTC. |
Free wifi is widespread in Kathmandu and Pokhara guesthouses, cafes and trekking agency offices. Tea-house wifi on trekking trails is available at lower elevations but is slow, unreliable and may not be available above Namche Bazaar. Mobile data is more consistent for messaging and navigation.
How much data you need
Data needs in Nepal are heavily front-loaded. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you can use streaming and video calls normally, but mountain treks require thorough offline preparation before you leave cell coverage.
3 to 5 GB
One week cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara
Navigation around temple complexes, social uploads, WhatsApp with guides and restaurant bookings in well-covered cities.
4 to 6 GB
Two week Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek
Pre-loading offline maps and permits uses data in Kathmandu; on trail you will use very little, but messaging in tea-house villages adds up.
6 to 8 GB
Combined jungle safari and mountain trek
Chitwan safari bookings, navigation in Sauraha and pre-loaded trail maps plus messaging throughout the trip.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline map packs for your specific trek, including OsmAnd trail overlays, in Kathmandu or Pokhara over wifi. Use your Roamix data for messaging and navigation in lower-altitude villages along the trail.
How to set up a Nepal eSIM
A Roamix Nepal eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you connect to an NTC or Ncell network on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Nepal eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Nepal and the eSIM connects automatically to a local carrier.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Check settings, select the network manually and restart.
Visa and entry for Nepal
Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply online in advance via the Nepal e-visa portal. Indian citizens do not require a visa. Chinese citizens must apply in advance.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- An e-visa can be applied at nepalimmigration.gov.np. On-arrival visas cost USD 30 for 15 days or USD 50 for 30 days and require a passport photo. SAARC nationals have separate arrangements.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel may be requested. Trekking permits and TIMS cards are required for most mountain trails.
Keep your e-visa or on-arrival receipt accessible on your phone. A Roamix eSIM lets you pull up your permit details and trail maps immediately after clearing customs.
Entry and trekking rules change. Confirm current visa fees and trekking permit requirements with the Department of Immigration at immigration.gov.np before booking.
When you land in Nepal
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How people message here
Nepali locals and the trekking community rely on WhatsApp for messaging and calls. Viber is also widely used. Many guesthouses and guides communicate via WhatsApp.
Do you need a local number?
A local number is rarely needed as a tourist. Guides and tour operators are reachable on WhatsApp with your existing number.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data.
Airports in Nepal
KTM
Tribhuvan International Airport
Kathmandu
Free wifi is available in the international arrivals hall, though speeds can be slow during busy arrival banks.
Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing so you can book your taxi or hotel transfer and load offline trekking maps the moment you clear customs, skipping the Ncell and NTC SIM queues entirely.
PKR
Pokhara International Airport
Pokhara
Limited wifi in the terminal; a connected eSIM is more reliable for navigation and bookings on arrival.
Pokhara is the jumping-off point for the Annapurna treks. With Roamix data on arrival, confirm your guesthouse in Lakeside and download offline Annapurna trail maps before you leave the airport.
BWA
Gautam Buddha International Airport
Bhairahawa
Basic wifi in the terminal; use your Roamix eSIM for reliable connectivity.
The gateway airport for Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha. Use Roamix data to arrange transport to the Maya Devi Temple zone and check accommodation options in Lumbini before leaving the terminal.
LUA
Tenzing-Hillary Airport
Lukla
No public wifi. The airport is a short walk from Lukla village where Ncell and NTC have limited 4G.
Lukla is the last reliable connectivity point before the Khumbu trek. Download all offline maps, check weather forecasts and confirm helicopter emergency details over Roamix data in Lukla village before day one on the trail.
Apps and internet access in Nepal
Nepal has a fully open internet, so all common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or search. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available for messaging and calls.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions.
Social media, works
Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook all work.
Getting around Nepal
Nepal mixes domestic flights for remote regions, a growing road network in the lowlands, and foot power for everything in the high mountains. Data helps at every junction.
Domestic flights
The only practical way to reach Lukla (Everest) and Pokhara quickly from Kathmandu. Yeti Airlines and Summit Air operate mountain routes. Use your eSIM to confirm flight status, as mountain weather causes frequent delays and cancellations.
Taxis and rideshare
Pathao and InDrive operate in Kathmandu. Tuk-tuks and metered taxis are common. A connected phone lets you compare fares, navigate to addresses and avoid overpaying on unmetered rides.
Tourist buses
Greenline and other tourist bus services connect Kathmandu to Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini. Book online via your eSIM and receive e-tickets without needing a printer.
Trekking on foot
Most Himalayan trekking is on foot along established tea-house trails. Offline maps downloaded over Roamix data in Kathmandu or Pokhara are essential once signal fades above treeline.
Pathao ride-hailing is the easiest way to navigate Kathmandu. Download the app over your Roamix eSIM and use it to avoid taxi fare negotiations.
Money and payments in Nepal
Nepal is a heavily cash-based economy. Carry sufficient NPR for trekking routes, as ATMs are limited beyond Namche Bazaar and Jomsom, and guesthouses on the trail are cash only.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted in upscale Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels and restaurants, but most local eateries, tea-houses and trekking checkpoints are cash only. Always have NPR on hand.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Withdraw enough for your trek before leaving these cities; Namche Bazaar has ATMs but queues are long and machines run out during peak season.
- Payment apps
- eSewa and Khalti are the main mobile payment apps in Nepal, widely used by locals. International Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted at most businesses.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 10 percent is customary at restaurants in tourist areas. Guides and porters rely heavily on tips; USD 5 to 10 per day for a porter and USD 10 to 15 for a guide is the typical range.
Daily budget
Budget travellers spend around NPR 2,000 to 3,000 per day in cities. On a tea-house trek, expect to spend NPR 1,500 to 3,000 per day including accommodation and set meals.
Local tips for Nepal
- Language
- Nepali is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, trekking agencies and tea-houses on popular routes. Learning a few Nepali words such as 'Namaste' is warmly appreciated.
- Food
- Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) is the national staple and the fuel of trekkers. Momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup) and Newari feasts in Bhaktapur are all worth seeking out. Kathmandu's Thamel district has international options including excellent bakeries.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type C and D plugs
Apps worth having
OsmAnd
maps
Offline maps with detailed trekking trail overlays for the Himalayas. Download your trek region over Roamix data in Kathmandu before heading out.
Pathao
rideshare
Nepal's leading ride-hailing app in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Avoids taxi fare disputes and works in real time on Roamix data.
Weather Nepal
weather
Mountain weather changes fast. Check hyperlocal forecasts for your trek elevation before each day on the trail.
Safety and health in Nepal
Nepal is generally safe for tourists. The main risks are altitude sickness above 3,500 metres, trail injuries and the occasional road incident. Staying connected at lower elevations helps with weather monitoring and emergency communication.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to receive messages from guides and fellow trekkers in villages with signal. Carry a satellite communicator such as a Garmin inReach for sections above treeline where no carrier reaches.
- Health
- Travel health insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is essential for trekking. Altitude sickness, travellers diarrhea and waterborne illness are common. Drink only boiled or treated water.
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in Nepal. Bottled water is widely available at all tea-houses. On long treks, use a Sawyer Squeeze or iodine tablets to treat stream water and reduce plastic waste.
Networks and coverage in Nepal
Nepal's two main carriers, Ncell and NTC, provide 4G LTE coverage across the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan and most major tourist hubs, with NTC extending further into remote mountain terrain. A Roamix Nepal eSIM connects to the strongest available local network from the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, without any registration queue or passport photocopying.
NTC (Nepal Telecom)
Government-owned carrier with the widest geographic reach, including remote trekking routes in the Everest, Annapurna and Langtang regions. Best for high-altitude and rural coverage.
Ncell
Private carrier with faster 4G speeds in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. Popular tourist data packages with eSIM support available at the airport booth.
- Typical speeds
- Urban 4G delivers 10 to 30 Mbps download in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- 5G
- 5G is not yet commercially available in Nepal.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, Ncell gives faster urban data. On trekking routes, NTC is the safer bet for staying in touch at lower elevations. Always download your offline maps, trek permit confirmations and emergency contact details before leaving a town with strong signal.
Coverage drops significantly above 4,000 metres. Most trekking trails beyond the main tea-house settlements, including Everest Base Camp itself, Thorong La Pass and the upper Annapurna Circuit, have no reliable mobile signal on any carrier. NTC holds out longest at altitude but is not guaranteed. Nepali networks use standard LTE bands 1, 3 and 8. Most unlocked iPhones from XS onward and Android phones from 2018 onward will connect without issue.
Where to go in Nepal
Nepal packs some of the world's most dramatic landscapes into a compact mountain nation: eight of the world's fourteen eight-thousanders, lush Terai jungle, medieval hilltop cities and living Hindu and Buddhist heritage. A Roamix eSIM keeps navigation, permit look-ups and booking confirmations working in the lowlands, even if the high passes go silent.
Best time to visit
October and November for clear skies and the main trekking season. March and April for rhododendron blooms and warmer days on the trail.
Kathmandu Valley
The cultural heart of Nepal, where three ancient city-kingdoms, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, ring a valley floor packed with UNESCO World Heritage temples, stupas and medieval squares.
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Swayambhunath
- Patan Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Excellent 4G across Kathmandu city, Patan and Bhaktapur. Both Ncell and NTC deliver reliable speeds for navigation and social uploads.
Pokhara and the Annapurna Region
Nepal's second city sits beside the reflective Phewa Lake with the Annapurna massif as a backdrop, serving as the trailhead for the Annapurna Circuit and the base for Sarangkot sunrise views.
- Phewa Lake
- Sarangkot Sunrise Viewpoint
- World Peace Pagoda
- Annapurna Base Camp Trail
- Davis Falls
Good 4G in Pokhara city and Lakeside. Signal is reliable in Nayapul and the lower Annapurna foothills but fades above Chhomrong and disappears near Thorong La Pass.
Everest Region and Khumbu
The approach to the world's highest peak, where Lukla's famous airstrip serves as the gateway and the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar is the last reliable 4G stronghold before altitude takes over.
- Everest Base Camp
- Namche Bazaar
- Tengboche Monastery
- Kala Patthar Viewpoint
- Gokyo Lakes
NTC has reasonable 4G in Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Above Dingboche and on the approach to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres, signal is unreliable to absent. Download all maps and permits in Namche or Lukla.
Chitwan and the Terai Lowlands
The subtropical southern belt where Chitwan National Park protects one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and gharials in tall elephant-grass forests, and Lumbini marks the birthplace of the Buddha.
- Chitwan National Park
- Jungle Safari in Sauraha
- Lumbini Maya Devi Temple
- Bardiya National Park
- Rapti River
Solid 4G coverage across Sauraha, the main gateway to Chitwan National Park, and in Lumbini. Both Ncell and NTC perform well in the Terai.
Langtang and Central Himalaya
The closest major trekking region to Kathmandu, where Langtang Valley offers high-altitude lakes, yak pastures and the sacred Gosaikunda lake, accessible without a flight.
- Kyanjin Gompa
- Gosaikunda Lake
- Langtang Village
- Tsergo Ri Viewpoint
- Tamang Heritage Trail
NTC covers the lower Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa on good days, but the trail above and Gosaikunda are off-grid. Download maps in Syabrubesi or Lama Hotel before ascending.
Off the beaten path
The world's most famous trekking goal, where the Khumbu Icefall and the towering south face of Everest fill the horizon at the foot of the mountain.
Signal: No reliable signal at Base Camp itself at 5,364 metres. NTC may give a faint signal in Gorak Shep below but is not reliable. Download all maps and emergency contacts before leaving Namche Bazaar.
A stunning amphitheatre of glaciers and eight-thousanders reached on a shorter and more varied route than the Everest trek, passing rhododendron forests and Gurung villages.
Signal: Signal is present in Chhomrong and some tea-houses below 3,000 metres on NTC, but the final climb to ABC at 4,130 metres is off-grid.
A sacred Hindu lake frozen for much of the year, pilgrimage destination during the Janai Purnima festival in August and a quieter Himalayan trekking experience close to Kathmandu.
Signal: No signal at the lake at 4,380 metres. NTC may reach Sing Gompa below. Download the trail and weather forecast in Dhunche before ascending.
The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang in the Upper Mustang restricted zone preserves a Tibetan Buddhist kingdom nearly unchanged, accessible only with a special permit and guided tour.
Signal: Very limited signal in Lo Manthang on NTC. The rain-shadow desert landscape is largely off-grid. Download everything in Jomsom before proceeding north.
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the spiritual heart of the Tibetan diaspora in Nepal, with dozens of monasteries ringing the great white dome.
Signal: Excellent 4G coverage from both Ncell and NTC. Strong signal throughout the stupa circuit and the monastery-lined alleys.
UNESCO World Heritage jungle sheltering one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharials and hundreds of bird species, with canoe safaris on the Rapti River and elephant-back viewings.
Signal: Good 4G signal in Sauraha and at the park buffer zone. Inside the jungle on safari, signal is absent. Download your wildlife checklist and booking details before heading into the park.
The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, marked by the Maya Devi Temple and the Ashokan Pillar, with dozens of international Buddhist monasteries from China, Sri Lanka, Japan and beyond.
Signal: Good 4G in the Lumbini sacred garden zone and the surrounding monasteries. Signal is reliable throughout the pilgrimage circuit.
One of Nepal's most popular short treks, with a pre-dawn walk to the Poon Hill viewpoint rewarded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges turning gold at sunrise.
Signal: NTC has some signal at the summit at 3,210 metres on clear days. The trail from Ghorepani has patchy signal. Download maps in Nayapul or Tikhedhunga before starting.
The most intact of the three Newar city-kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, with the 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate and a working pottery square that look much as they did five centuries ago.
Signal: Strong 4G across Bhaktapur, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Asia, just east of Kathmandu.
Nepal's largest lake at 2,990 metres, an impossibly blue alpine gem surrounded by Himalayan forests and almost entirely free of tourist crowds, accessible by a tiny charter flight to Talcha.
Signal: Very limited to no signal at Rara Lake itself in far western Nepal. Download all trail information and emergency contacts in Nepalgunj or Talcha before flying in.
Events and seasons in Nepal
February to March
Losar (Tibetan New Year)
Kathmandu, Pokhara and mountain areas
The Tibetan Buddhist New Year, celebrated with monastery ceremonies, masked Cham dances, colourful prayer flag raising and communal feasts in Boudhanath and Sherpa highland communities.
February to March
Shivaratri
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
One of Nepal's most important Hindu festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and sadhus to the sacred Pashupatinath temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.
March
Holi (Festival of Colours)
Kathmandu and Pokhara
The Hindu festival of colours celebrated with coloured powder throwing and water guns across Nepal, particularly lively in Kathmandu's Basantapur Square and Pokhara's Lakeside promenade.
Late May
Everest Marathon
Khumbu, Everest region
The world's highest marathon, starting at Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres and finishing in Namche Bazaar, following the classic trekking route through the Khumbu Icefall moraine.
May
Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's Birthday)
Lumbini and Boudhanath, Kathmandu
The birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha are all commemorated on the same full moon day, marked at Lumbini with mass pilgrimages and at Boudhanath with candlelit kora circuits.
Late August to September, eight days
Indra Jatra
Kathmandu
Kathmandu's most spectacular festival, marking the harvest season with chariot processions, masked Kumari (living goddess) appearances, and Lakhe demon dances through the lanes of the old city.
August
Janai Purnima Gosaikunda Mela
Gosaikunda Lake, Langtang
A Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380 metres, where thousands of devotees trek for three days to bathe in the holy waters during the full moon of Shrawan.
October, fifteen days
Dashain
Nationwide
Nepal's biggest Hindu festival, celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over evil with family gatherings, animal sacrifices, kite flying and the blessing of relatives with tika and jamara.
October to November, five days
Tihar (Festival of Lights)
Nationwide
The Nepali equivalent of Diwali, celebrating the crow, dog, cow, ox and brothers over five days with oil lamp and fairy light decorations turning every town and city into a glowing spectacle.
October to November
Mani Rimdu Festival
Tengboche Monastery, Khumbu
A Sherpa Buddhist festival at Tengboche Monastery featuring sacred Cham dances, fire ceremonies and masked performances against the backdrop of Ama Dablam and the Everest massif.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May is the second trekking season, with rhododendron forests in bloom and warming temperatures. Everest summit season runs April to May, bringing mountaineering crowds to the Khumbu.
- Summer
- June to August is the monsoon season. Heavy rain, leeches on trekking trails and frequent flight delays are common. The Mustang region is in a rain shadow and remains trekable.
- Fall
- September to November is peak trekking season, with the clearest skies, best mountain views and the busiest trails and tea-houses. Book accommodation in advance for the Everest and Annapurna routes.
- Winter
- December to February brings cold temperatures and snow above 3,000 metres. Lower routes and Kathmandu Valley sightseeing remain accessible. Fewer crowds and lower prices in the valley.
Working remotely from Nepal
Kathmandu is a growing digital nomad base with fast cafe wifi in Thamel and Lazimpat, reliable power in upscale hotels and a low cost of living. Pokhara is more relaxed with excellent Lakeside cafes.
- Connection
- Urban 4G on Ncell delivers enough speed for video calls and cloud work. A Roamix plan of 8 to 10 GB suits a week of mixed sightseeing and remote work in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Nepal has frequent power cuts outside Kathmandu hotels. Charge devices fully before heading out and use your eSIM data as a secure backup when working from cafe wifi networks.
