DriftAsia Reference

Nepal
mobile operators

Which operators power our eSIM plans for Nepal, the local network to lean on, and what a tourist SIM costs on the ground.

The DriftAsia eSIM plans for Nepal shown on this page use Nepal Telecom, Ncell Axiata and offer 4G depending on the plan. Check each plan for its exact network, data allowance, validity and price before choosing. Available plans are fully refundable within 30 days as long as the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination.

Main operatorNepal Telecom
Ncell Axiata
Local SIM$5-10
Operators in our plans2

Kathmandu fine; trekking routes above 3000m unreliable to none.

48 MSI62 NQI

Plan share by operator

Share of the eSIM plans we sell for Nepal, by underlying operator.

Nepal Telecom: 50% (14 plans) Ncell Axiata: 50% (14 plans) 2 OPERATORS
  • Nepal Telecom50%
  • Ncell Axiata50%

Network at a glance

Nepal Telecom and Ncell Axiata is the network most travellers lean on in Nepal. Coverage here is 4G across the operators we carry; expect solid speeds in cities and lighter coverage off the main routes. On our Mobile Speed Index it scores 48, placing it on the slower side regionally. Median data price has risen from $0.96 per GB in April 2026 to $3.54 in August 2026.

The operators behind our plans

Each network we carry in Nepal, with who runs it and what generation it reaches.

Nepal Telecom#1
Network
4G
Plans we carry
14
Ncell Axiata#2
Network
4G
Plans we carry
14

Common questions

Which operator is best in Nepal?

Nepal Telecom and Ncell Axiata offers the widest reach for most travellers. Kathmandu fine; trekking routes above 3000m unreliable to none. Our eSIM plans run on the strongest available network, so you do not have to choose a SIM at the counter.

Does Nepal have 5G?

Not on the plans we carry. Networks here run 4G, which is fine for maps, messaging and streaming in populated areas.

How much is a local SIM in Nepal?

A tourist SIM bought on arrival typically runs $5-10. An eSIM skips the queue and the passport scan, and activates by QR code before you land.

How many operators power Nepal eSIM plans?

We carry plans across 2 operators in Nepal. The donut above shows how our catalogue splits between them.

How we read this

Plan share counts how many of the eSIM plans we sell for Nepal run on each operator. It reflects catalogue depth, not subscriber market share. The top operator is the network we would hand a traveller who can pick only one.