The short version
Which SIM works best in the Himalaya? Honest comparison of Ncell, Nepal Telecom, and Everest Link for trekkers in 2026 — coverage maps, cost, and setup guide.
- Buy a local SIM — under $3 for the card plus $5–10 for enough data, far cheaper than international roaming.
- Ncell has the best 4G in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Annapurna region; NTC reaches further into remote and high-altitude areas.
- Everest Link is a satellite WiFi ISP (not a SIM) — the most reliable option above Namche, at NPR 500–1,000/day.
- All SIMs require passport registration; buy at the official airport counters on arrival, as unregistered SIMs are blocked within 24 hours.
Do You Need a Nepal SIM Card?
International roaming in Nepal is expensive and often unreliable. A local SIM gives you data for navigation, communication with your guide, and staying in touch with family. The short answer: yes, buy a local SIM. It costs under $3 for the card and $5–10 for sufficient data.
The Three Main Providers
Best 4G in Kathmandu, Pokhara, the Terai and most of the Annapurna Circuit. SIM ~$0.75–1.50; 30GB/30-day pack ~$7.50.
Widest geographic coverage — better in remote areas and at altitude. Reaches further up the Everest corridor than Ncell.
A local WiFi ISP (not GSM) serving Khumbu and Annapurna lodges. ~$15/month — best for reliable internet at EBC lodge stops.
Ncell (Axiata)
Nepal's largest private telecom. Strongest 4G LTE coverage in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Terai. Coverage extends along most of the Annapurna Circuit and into the Khumbu up to around Namche Bazaar. SIM card NPR 99–200 ($0.75–$1.50). 30-day 30GB data pack approximately NPR 1,000 ($7.50). Best for: Annapurna region, Pokhara, Kathmandu.
Nepal Telecom (NTC)
Government-owned carrier with the widest geographic coverage — particularly better in remote areas and at higher altitude. NTC has invested in towers along the Everest corridor further than Ncell. Best for: Remote trekking, Manaslu Circuit, areas where Ncell signal drops.
Everest Link
Not a GSM carrier but a local ISP providing WiFi internet in the Khumbu and Annapurna regions. Approximately $15/month. Best for: EBC trekkers who want faster, more reliable internet at lodge stops.
On remote routes, a common strategy is one Ncell and one NTC SIM. WhatsApp messaging often works on 2G/edge even where there is no 4G, so you can stay reachable when data is patchy.
Coverage by Trek
Annapurna Circuit: Ncell good to 3,500m, NTC to 4,000m. EBC: Ncell to Namche only, NTC to Lobuche (patchy). Manaslu: NTC better. Mustang: Both limited.
How to Register
All SIMs require registration with your passport. Official Ncell/NTC counters at Tribhuvan International Airport are the easiest option — staffed for arriving international flights.
Practical Tips
- Buy your SIM immediately on arrival at the airport
- Download Maps.me offline maps before leaving Kathmandu
- Top up with recharge cards from any shop showing the Ncell or NTC logo
- Inform your emergency contact that you will be unreachable above certain altitudes
2026 Data Plan Prices
| Provider | Plan | Data | Validity | Price (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ncell | Namaskar Pack | 30 GB | 30 days | ~1,000 |
| Ncell | 7-Day Pack | 8 GB | 7 days | ~399 |
| NTC | Unlimited Basic | 1 GB/day + throttled | 30 days | ~999 |
| NTC | 7-Day Trek Pack | 5 GB | 7 days | ~350 |
Prices vary slightly by recharge method. NPR 1,000 ≈ USD 7.50. Top-up cards available at any shop displaying Ncell or NTC logos.
SIM Registration: Step by Step
- Go to an official Ncell or NTC counter (airport or Thamel) — not street vendors
- Present your passport (photo page)
- Staff photograph your face and scan your passport
- SIM is activated within 5–15 minutes
- Staff will often help you load your first data pack
Registration is mandatory since 2015. Unregistered SIMs are blocked within 24 hours.
SIM registration is mandatory and unregistered SIMs are blocked within 24 hours. Buy from official Ncell or NTC counters at the airport or in Thamel — never from street vendors.
Coverage by Trek Region
- Kathmandu / Pokhara: Ncell and NTC both excellent 4G
- Annapurna Circuit: Ncell to ~3,500m (Manang); NTC to ~4,000m (Letdar)
- EBC / Khumbu: Ncell strong to Namche (3,440m), patchy to Tengboche; NTC reaches Lobuche (4,940m) on good days
- Manaslu Circuit: NTC much better — Ncell barely reaches Samagaon
- Upper Mustang: Both limited — NTC better in Lo Manthang
- Langtang: NTC generally better above Lama Hotel
Staying Connected on Trek
For serious connectivity above Namche, Everest Link (everestlink.com.np) is the most reliable option — satellite-based WiFi available at major lodges for NPR 500–1,000/day. Many trekkers use a Ncell or NTC SIM for WhatsApp messaging (works on 2G/edge in spots with no 4G) and rely on lodge WiFi for anything data-heavy.
Essential apps to download offline before leaving Kathmandu: Maps.me or Gaia GPS (offline trail maps), What3Words (emergency location sharing), and the Emergency Contacts PDF from your guide or agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home SIM with international roaming in Nepal?
Yes, but it is expensive — roaming data typically costs $5–15 per MB, or $10–20/day for a roaming data pack. A local Ncell SIM gives you 30GB for the same price as one day of roaming. Buy local.
Does my iPhone work with a Nepal SIM?
Yes — all modern iPhones (XS and later) support the frequencies used by Ncell (B1, B3, B40) and NTC (B3, B8). Older iPhones work on 3G/2G. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked (not carrier-locked) before travel. Android phones are universally compatible.
What happens if I lose my SIM card on trek?
Visit any Ncell or NTC outlet in Namche or Lukla to get a replacement SIM with the same number (bring your passport). In remote areas, replacement is not possible — carry your SIM in a small case or tape it inside your passport cover.
Which network is best for trekking in Nepal?
Ncell has the strongest 4G in the Annapurna region, Pokhara and Kathmandu; NTC reaches further into remote and high-altitude areas like the Manaslu Circuit and upper Everest corridor. For reliable internet at EBC lodges, Everest Link satellite WiFi beats both.
Where should I buy my SIM card?
At the official Ncell or NTC counters in the arrivals area of Tribhuvan International Airport. They are staffed for international flights, handle the mandatory passport registration on the spot, and will load your first data pack — your SIM is usually active within 5–15 minutes.
Sorting out the rest of your trip? See what to pack in our Nepal trekking packing list and budget the whole trek with our Nepal trekking cost guide.
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Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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