Nepal splits cleanly into two connectivity zones: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the lowland tourist circuit, where coverage is fast and reliable, and the high-altitude trekking routes — Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, Langtang — where signal thins out the higher you climb. Which network your eSIM runs on matters more here than in most destinations, so it’s worth knowing upfront rather than finding out on the trail.
Nepal’s Two Networks, and Why It Matters
Nepal has two main carriers: Ncell, the faster of the two in cities and lower elevations, and Nepal Telecom (NTC), the state-owned network that reaches further into remote mountain terrain and holds a signal at higher altitude where Ncell tends to drop out. GetSimfinity’s Nepal eSIM runs on Ncell — a strong fit for Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, and the lower and middle stretches of the popular trekking routes (Everest up to around Namche Bazaar, Annapurna up to Manang, Langtang up to Kyanjin Gompa). If your itinerary is city- and lowland-based, or a trek that stays below those points, Ncell covers you well. If you’re planning to push higher — toward Everest Base Camp itself, or above Manang on the Annapurna Circuit — coverage becomes patchy on any network, and trekkers in that situation typically rely on teahouse satellite Wi-Fi rather than a phone signal at all.
Nepal eSIM Plans and Pricing (2026)
- Short trip (up to a week): 1 GB/7 days at $5, or 2 GB/15 days at $8.50
- One to two weeks, moderate use: 3 GB/30 days at $11, or 5 GB/30 days at $17
- A longer trip: 10 GB/30 days at $24
- Unlimited data: from $17 (3 days) up to $43 (10 days), for heavy navigation and photo/video use in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Sizing Your Plan by Trip Type
- Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing: 3-5 GB/30 days comfortably covers maps, messaging, and browsing for a one-to-two week trip
- Lower-altitude trekking (below Namche Bazaar or Manang): Similar usage to city travel, plus offline map downloads are worth doing before you lose steady signal further up the trail
- Higher-altitude trekking: Plan for no reliable data once you’re well above those points on any network, and treat any connection you do get as a bonus rather than something to rely on
Setting Up Before You Land
Install the eSIM profile before you fly and it connects automatically once your phone detects Ncell’s network — typically right from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Your home number stays active in parallel for calls and SMS. First time using an eSIM? See our step-by-step iPhone eSIM setup guide.
Pairing Nepal With a Wider Trip
Nepal is commonly combined with a stop in India as part of the same trip. You’ll need a separate eSIM for each country — see our India eSIM guide if that’s on your route.
Get Your Nepal eSIM
Browse Nepal eSIM plans on GetSimfinity and have data ready before you land.