Nepal eSIM Guide: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Signal on Trekking Routes
Most visitors to Nepal spend a few days in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, and set off on a trek: Annapurna, Everest Base Camp, Langtang or a shorter hike in the foothills. Kathmandu and Pokhara are well covered. On treks, coverage depends on the valley, the village and the network, and at higher altitudes you should plan to be offline for long stretches.
Which networks Nepal eSIMs use
Nepal's two main operators are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NT). In the wholesale plan data we track (catalogue dated 4 October 2026):
| Plan type | Networks | Where data exits |
|---|---|---|
| Roaming, two networks | Ncell (4G), NT Mobile (4G) | Singapore |
Access to both main networks is useful in the mountains, where one operator may have a tower in a village and the other may not. Data exits in Singapore, which works well for maps, messaging and weather updates. See the routing table by country for how this compares.
Coverage
| Area | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu (Thamel, Patan, Bhaktapur) | Good 4G |
| Pokhara and Lakeside | Good |
| Highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara | Mostly covered, with gaps in gorges |
| Annapurna and Everest trekking villages | Varies by village and network; often available in larger villages |
| High passes and base camps | Little or none |
| Chitwan National Park | Good in Sauraha; weak during jungle activities |
Many teahouses on popular trekking routes offer Wi-Fi, sometimes for a fee and often slow. Mobile data can be the more reliable option where there's signal, which is why a plan that can use both networks helps.
On a trek
- Download offline maps of the whole route before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Charge whenever you can. Charging at teahouses may be limited, and cold nights drain batteries; keep your phone in your sleeping bag.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home and with your guide or agency.
- Don't rely on your phone in an emergency at altitude. Treks run by agencies have their own procedures; ask about them before you start.
Flights to Lukla and mountain airstrips
Flights to Lukla, the usual starting point for the Everest region, and to other mountain airstrips are frequently delayed by weather. Airlines and agencies usually contact you by phone or messaging app, so keep a way to receive messages in Kathmandu, and allow buffer days in your itinerary.
Sharing data with a trekking partner
Sharing one eSIM by hotspot works where there's signal, if the plan allows it, but drains the host phone quickly in the cold. If you have separate phones, two plans can be more practical. Our hotspot guide covers the trade-offs.
How much data you'll need
| Trip | Suggested data |
|---|---|
| 4 days in Kathmandu and Pokhara | 3 GB |
| 2-week trek with a few city days | 5 to 8 GB; much of the trek is offline |
| A month including a long trek | 10 GB |
| Video calls home from towns | Add 2 to 3 GB per week |
The data guide has per-activity figures. If you're combining Nepal with India, see our India guide; each country needs to be on your plan.
Setting up after landing
Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi and switch it on after landing at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Set it as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for that line only. If there's no service, toggle airplane mode, then select Ncell or NT manually. The troubleshooting guide covers the rest.
Emergency calls
In Nepal, call 100 for police, 102 for ambulance and 101 for the fire service. From mobile phones, 112 also works.
Sources
- Network and routing data: wholesale eSIM plan catalogue, version dated 4 October 2026, as summarised in our routing table.
- Operator: Nepal Telecom.
- Emergency numbers: cross-checked against the list of national emergency numbers on Wikipedia (October 2026).
FAQ
Do Nepal eSIMs include a Nepali number?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Local SIMs from Ncell or Nepal Telecom require your passport and a photo.
Will I have signal at Everest Base Camp?
Don't count on it. Coverage at high altitude is limited and changes from season to season.
Is teahouse Wi-Fi better than mobile data?
It depends on the village. Where there's mobile signal, data is often more reliable than shared teahouse Wi-Fi.
Why does my plan route data through Singapore?
That's how this wholesale plan is set up. It works well for maps, messaging and weather.
Can one plan cover Nepal and India?
Only if both are on the plan's list. India-only plans don't work in Nepal.
Do I need a local SIM for trekking permits or registrations?
Trekking agencies and permit offices tell you what contact details they need. If a local number is required, buy a SIM in Kathmandu or Pokhara with your passport.
Will my phone work on the drive to Chitwan?
On most of the highway, yes, with gaps in river gorges. Download offline maps before you leave.