Nepal Mobile Networks & Coverage Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Nepal’s mobile networks: the honest version

Nepal has two real mobile networks: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). That’s it. Every eSIM, local or international, runs on one or both of these. Coverage in Kathmandu is fine. Coverage in the mountains is a different story entirely.

Ncell, the private carrier

Ncell is Nepal’s largest private mobile operator. Strong coverage in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other tourist areas. Good 4G in cities. Their tourist SIM/eSIM product is the most traveler-friendly option in Nepal.

In the mountains, Ncell has coverage along major trekking routes, but it drops out earlier than NTC as you gain altitude or move into more remote valleys.

Nepal Telecom (NTC), the state carrier

Nepal Telecom is the government-owned carrier and has the widest coverage footprint in Nepal. NTC claims 4G/LTE coverage across all 77 districts. In practice, they reach further into remote mountain areas than Ncell does.

Trekking guides consistently report NTC as the safer bet in higher-altitude and more remote areas. That said, coverage is still patchy in the mountains. Having “coverage in all 77 districts” doesn’t mean signal on every mountain trail.

Tip

For serious treks, get both networks. Ncell at the airport (5 minutes), NTC from a shop in Thamel. Under US$15 total. In the mountains, one network often works where the other doesn't.

Which network does your eSIM use?

ProviderNetworkGood for trekking?
Ncell Tourist eSIMNcellPopular routes, lower altitudes
Nepal TelecomNTCYes, best mountain coverage
NomadNcellPopular routes, lower altitudes
HolaflyNTC / NcellVaries, check at purchase
SailyVariesCheck before buying
AiraloVariesCheck before buying

Coverage by area

AreaNcellNTC
Kathmandu ValleyExcellentExcellent
PokharaExcellentExcellent
ChitwanGoodGood
LumbiniGoodGood
Nagarkot / DhulikhelGoodGood
Everest Base Camp routePatchyFair
Annapurna CircuitPatchyFair
Annapurna Base CampPatchyFair
Langtang ValleyPoorPatchy
Upper MustangPoorPatchy
Manaslu CircuitPoorPoor
Reality check

"Fair" and "Patchy" in the mountains means you'll get signal in villages and tea houses, but lose it on the trail between stops. "Poor" means don't count on it at all. Download offline maps and don't rely on mobile data for navigation on remote treks.

Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Coverage exists at major stops: Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep. NTC is more reliable than Ncell above Namche. Between villages, expect dead zones. Some tea houses offer paid Wi-Fi (slow, expensive, sometimes solar-powered and unreliable).

Annapurna Circuit

Coverage at major villages: Besisahar, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom. Better than EBC overall because much of the route follows populated valleys. NTC holds up better on the Thorong La pass section. Ncell works for the lower sections.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Coverage at Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, and intermittently at ABC itself. Short trek, so the dead zones are manageable. NTC slightly more reliable.

Langtang Valley

Spottier than Annapurna or Everest routes. Coverage at Syabrubesi and Kyanjin Gompa, but much of the trail between is a dead zone. NTC is the better bet here.

Speeds

Don’t expect city-quality internet outside Kathmandu.

Info

Nepal's mobile speeds are significantly slower than what you're used to in most countries. In Kathmandu, it's fine for maps, messaging, and social media. In the mountains, be grateful for any connection at all.

The bottom line