City in Gandaki Province, Nepal
Internet in Pokhara: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Pokhara?
Median fixed broadband in Nepal is 89 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Lakeside cafés generally offer usable wifi for calls and uploads; speeds dip in storms.
Getting online in Pokhara
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre from WorldLink, Subisu and others in most Lakeside guesthouses; about NPR 1,000–2,000 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Lakeside cafés generally offer usable wifi for calls and uploads; speeds dip in storms. |
| Outages | Short power and fibre cuts during monsoon storms |
| Tourist SIM | Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Ncell, Nepal Telecom (NTC) |
| Monthly data plan | Rs800–1,500 ($5.2–9.7) |
Coworking in Pokhara
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in South Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 89 Mbps | — |
| Bangladesh | 71 Mbps | 39 Mbps |
| India | 64 Mbps | 128 Mbps |
| Sri Lanka | 37 Mbps | 59 Mbps |
| Pakistan | 18 Mbps | 32 Mbps |
| Afghanistan | 6 Mbps | 19 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Pokhara?
Median fixed broadband in Nepal is 89 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Lakeside cafés generally offer usable wifi for calls and uploads; speeds dip in storms.
Which SIM card should I get in Pokhara?
Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters at Kathmandu airport; bring your passport. Ncell tourist plans cost NPR 595–1,995 for 7–28 days.
Can I use an eSIM in Nepal?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Pokhara
Going to Pokhara solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Pokhara meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Nepal
- Ncell
- Nepal Telecom (NTC)
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
- Buddha Air
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.