Trek Guide
Which SIM works best in the Himalaya? Honest comparison of Ncell, Nepal Telecom, and Everest Link for trekkers in 2026 — coverage maps, cost, and…
By Travel Himalaya Nepal · Jun 5, 2026
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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.
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
All SIMs require registration with your passport. Official Ncell/NTC counters at Tribhuvan International Airport are the easiest option — staffed for arriving international flights.
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
Prices vary slightly by recharge method. NPR 1,000 ≈ USD 7.50. Top-up cards available at any shop displaying Ncell or NTC logos.
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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…
Travel Himalaya Nepal · News
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