NTC vs Ncell: Best SIM Card for Nepal 2026 (Trekking Guide)
Quick Answer
For most travelers staying in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trekking on the major routes, Ncell is a convenient choice, particularly because its tourist plans are straightforward and available as either a physical SIM or eSIM. Nepal Telecom (NTC) is also worth considering for travelers heading into more remote areas, as its network covers a number of trekking routes beyond the main tourist corridors. Either option is generally cheaper than relying on international roaming.
Why get a local SIM instead of just using roaming?
A local Nepal SIM is usually much cheaper than paying standard pay-as-you-go roaming rates, though the exact difference depends on your home carrier and roaming package, so it’s worth checking your carrier’s Nepal roaming rate before you leave. Ncell’s current tourist plans range from NPR 595 for 7 days to NPR 1,995 for 28 days. Other prepaid options are also available, so the total cost depends on your network and how long you stay. You also get a local number, which matters for booking taxis, confirming hotel reservations, or having your guide or trekking agency reach you directly.
NTC vs Ncell: quick comparison
| NTC (Nepal Telecom) | Ncell | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | State-owned | Private (Axiata) |
| Best for | Remote and high-altitude routes | Cities and popular trekking routes |
| Tourist SIM pricing | Regular prepaid data/voice packages | NPR 595–1,995 (TouristPro) |
| Where to buy | Airport counters, NTC offices | Airport counters, Ncell centres, retail outlets |
| eSIM | Check current availability | Dedicated tourist eSIM |
Ncell tourist SIM plans (official pricing)
- TouristPro Sprinter: unlimited data and voice, 7 days, NPR 595 (throttled after 10GB)
- TouristPro Explorer: unlimited data and voice, 14 days, NPR 995 (throttled after 25GB)
- TouristPro Voyager: unlimited data and voice, 28 days, NPR 1,995
- All plans include 100 all-net SMS and are only available to non-Nepali citizens
NTC tourist SIM plans
NTC doesn’t currently present its tourist offering in the same simple three-tier format as Ncell’s TouristPro plans. Instead, travelers choose from regular prepaid voice and data packages after buying an NTC SIM. Prices and bundles change, so check Nepal Telecom’s current offers when you arrive.
Which one actually works better on the trail?
There isn’t a single winner across every trekking route. Coverage depends on the specific valley, village, altitude, and where the nearest tower is located.
- Everest: Both networks have coverage in populated parts of the Khumbu, but expect weaker service as you climb higher
- Annapurna: Both networks work along established sections of the circuit and sanctuary routes, but coverage varies considerably between villages
- Langtang: Coverage is available in lower settlements, becoming less predictable higher in the valley
- Remote routes: NTC is worth considering, since Nepal Telecom has network coverage on several remote trekking routes, including Manaslu, Mustang, and Kanchenjunga
- High altitude: Don’t expect continuous mobile service above the main settlements. Network availability can disappear completely in remote sections regardless of provider
If you’re doing a standard EBC or Annapurna trek, either network can work. If you’re heading somewhere remote, consider NTC as a second SIM, or ask us when you book, we can help arrange one on your arrival day.
Physical SIM or eSIM?
Ncell currently offers a dedicated tourist eSIM, purchasable online before you arrive or at the airport. eSIM availability for NTC depends on the current service and your device’s requirements, so confirm this at the counter if it matters to your setup. Either way, buying a SIM requires your original passport. eSIM is worth considering if your phone supports it, since it saves you handling a physical SIM and lets you keep your home SIM active for texts while using the Nepali number for data.
One thing to know if you’ll be using a Nepali network for more than 15 days
Under Nepal’s device registration system (MDMS), an unregistered personal device can be notified and have service denied after 15 days on a Nepali mobile network. For a trip of 15 days or less, you generally don’t need to worry about this. If you’ll be using a Nepali network for longer, check your device’s registration status and the current NTA requirements.
How to buy a SIM on arrival
- Clear immigration at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Look for the Ncell and NTC counters in the arrivals hall
- Bring your original passport, required for registration
- Choose your plan and get set up. The process is usually quick, but allow some extra time if the counters are busy
- If you’ll be using a Nepali network for more than 15 days, check your phone’s MDMS registration status and follow the NTA’s current requirements if registration is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for trekking, NTC or Ncell?
It depends on your route. Ncell works well on the main popular trekking routes and in cities. NTC has network coverage on several remote, high-altitude routes like Manaslu, Mustang, and Kanchenjunga. For standard treks like EBC or the Annapurna Circuit, either works.
Is it cheaper to get a local SIM than use international roaming?
Generally yes. Ncell’s current tourist plans start at NPR 595 for 7 days and go up to NPR 1,995 for 28 days. Your exact savings compared with roaming depend on your home carrier’s Nepal roaming rates.
Can tourists buy an eSIM for Nepal?
Ncell offers a dedicated tourist eSIM, available online or at the airport. NTC’s eSIM availability depends on current service and device requirements, so check at the counter.
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM in Nepal?
Yes. Tourist SIM registration requires your original passport at the counter.
Does my phone need to be registered if I’m trekking for two weeks?
For a trip of 15 days or less, you generally don’t need to worry about MDMS registration. If you’ll be using a Nepali network for longer, check your device’s registration status and the current NTA requirements.
Will I have signal on the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes, in populated parts of the Khumbu, though service weakens noticeably the higher you climb.
See also: Nepal trekking permits and travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.
