The best eSIM for Nepal depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $4.85, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $10.98. You connect on local networks (Local mobile networks) at 4G LTE speed, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Get instant mobile data in Nepal with eSIM Ahora. Our eSIM plans connect you to local networks including Local mobile networks with speeds up to 4G LTE.
Coverage available in major cities and tourist areas.
Travel tip
Activate your eSIM when you arrive. Data starts working automatically.
Pay securely. QR code delivered in 30 seconds. No registration, no physical SIM card needed. 14 plans available from $4.85.
Your Nepal eSIM runs on Ncell and Nepal Telecom, and your phone picks whichever has the better signal. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Ncell or Nepal Telecom by hand.
Ncell (leader on many KPIs) and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are the two main operators. Excellent 4G across Kathmandu (capital, Kathmandu Valley), Pokhara (Annapurna base), Lukla (Everest airport), Namche Bazaar, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur. Classic treks have surprisingly good coverage: Everest Base Camp Trek (Lukla → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC 5,364m) has Ncell coverage in most villages up to Gorak Shep; the base camp itself has weak but usable signal. Annapurna Circuit (5,416m Thorong La pass) has reasonable teahouse-village coverage. No commercial 5G. Nepalese internet/cellular has occasional shutdowns for political reasons. Mixed Type C/D/M plugs, 230V/50Hz.
Fly into Kathmandu-Tribhuvan (KTM); taxi to Thamel center ~5-10 USD. Currency Nepalese rupee (NPR, fixed ~1.6 to INR; 130 NPR per USD). Dinner 5-12 USD, guesthouse 10-25 USD, mid-range hotel 40-100 USD. Trekking permits: Sagarmatha (Everest region) 30 USD + TIMS 17 USD + Sagarmatha entry 30 USD. Annapurna 30 USD ACAP + TIMS. Top: EBC trek 12-14 days (iconic Lukla flight), Annapurna Base Camp 7-10 days, Annapurna Circuit 14-18 days, Manaslu 14-16 days. Pokhara for paragliding and Phewa lake. Visa-on-arrival 30 USD/15 days or 50/30 days. Nepali official + English widely spoken in tourism.