Connectivity Guide for Nepal
byCharles McQuainNepal has two mobile networks: state-run Nepal Telecom (NTC) and the private Ncell. Both cover the vast majority of the country with 4G, and there's no 5G yet — Nepal hasn't auctioned 5G spectrum. Every travel eSIM we track that names its network connects to Ncell.
That matters on treks. In Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan both networks work well, and Ncell is often faster in cities, but Nepal Telecom generally reaches further into the mountains. On the Everest Base Camp trek, expect reliable data through Lukla and Namche Bazaar and unreliable data from Dingboche upward; Everest Link WiFi cards, sold along the route, are the usual backup higher up. On the Annapurna side, Nepal Telecom 4G reaches Annapurna Base Camp, while the Annapurna Circuit gets unreliable above Manang and over Thorong La.
For getting around Kathmandu and Pokhara, Pathao, inDrive, and Tootle are the ride-hailing apps. Viber is widely used alongside WhatsApp. Access can change quickly here: in September 2025 Nepal briefly banned 26 social platforms, including WhatsApp, before reversing the ban after deadly protests.
Trekking? Consider a Nepal Telecom SIM Too
An Ncell-based travel eSIM is great for Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the lower trails, but Nepal Telecom tends to hold on higher up. A common setup for the Everest and Annapurna treks is a travel eSIM for arrival plus a Nepal Telecom SIM from Kathmandu airport (passport, photo, and visa details required), with Everest Link WiFi cards for the high lodges.
Why trust this comparison?
We compare 12 providers for Nepal using published plan data and real-world testing. Affiliate commissions keep AvailSim free but never influence rankings. Read our methodology