Nepal Country Code (+977): Complete Guide
Complete guide to Nepal country code +977. Learn how to dial Nepal from abroad, understand area codes, mobile formats, and save money on international calls.
Nepal Country Code (+977): Complete Guide
Quick Answer
The Nepal country code is +977. Whether you're calling from the United States, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else in the world, you'll need to dial +977 before the Nepal phone number to connect.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Nepal: how to dial correctly, understanding area codes, mobile number formats, carrier coverage, and the cheapest ways to make international calls to Nepal.
How to Dial Nepal from Abroad
International Dialing Format
[Exit Code] + 977 + (Area Code) + Phone NumberStep 1: Dial Your Country's Exit Code
- Most countries: 00
- From USA/Canada: 011
- From mobile phones: + (plus sign) - works worldwide
Step 2: Dial "977" (Nepal Country Code)
After your exit code, always dial 977 for Nepal
Step 3: Dial the Area Code & Local Number
Remember to drop the leading '0' from area codes when dialing from abroad. Inside Nepal, landline numbers are dialed as 0 + area code + local number.
📞 Example: Calling Kathmandu
🇺🇸 From USA:
011 + 977 + 1 + local numberUS exit code (011) + Nepal code (977)
📱 From Any Mobile:
+977 + 1 + local numberUse + instead of exit code (works everywhere)
Major Nepal Area Codes
| Area Code | City / Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur) |
| 61 | Pokhara (Gandaki province) |
| 21 | Biratnagar (Province 1) |
| 51 | Birgunj (Madhesh province) |
| 25 | Dharan |
| 71 | Butwal (Lumbini province) |
| 57 | Hetauda (Bagmati province) |
| 41 | Janakpur (Madhesh province) |
| 81 | Nepalgunj (Lumbini province) |
| 56 | Bharatpur (Chitwan) |
Mobile Numbers in Nepal
📱 Nepal Mobile Number Format
Nepali mobile numbers are 10 digits long (starting with 98X or 97X). When dialing from abroad, drop the leading 0 if present:
+977 98X XXX XXXXThe first three digits after +977 identify the carrier (see table below).
Mobile Carriers in Nepal
Nepal's mobile market is dominated by two carriers, with a small third operator. Coverage quality varies significantly between the Kathmandu Valley and remote mountain areas.
| Carrier | Market Share | Mobile Prefixes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ncell (Axiata Group) | ~55% | 980, 981, 982 | Largest by subscribers. Strong 4G coverage in cities. Originally Mero Mobile, acquired by Axiata (Malaysia). |
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | ~45% | 984, 985, 986 | State-owned. Best coverage in rural and mountainous regions. Also operates landlines. |
| Smart Telecom | <1% | 988 | Small operator with limited coverage. Data-focused plans. Available mainly in Kathmandu Valley and select Terai cities. |
Special & Emergency Numbers in Nepal
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 100 | Police |
| 101 | Fire Department |
| 102 | Ambulance |
| 103 | Armed Police Force |
| 1498 | Tourist Police |
| 197 | Directory Enquiries (NTC) |
Best Times to Call Nepal
Nepal uses Nepal Time (NPT, UTC+5:45) year-round with no daylight saving time. Nepal is one of only a handful of countries with a 45-minute time zone offset, which can make scheduling calls a bit tricky.
From the USA (EST/EDT)
Nepal is 10 hours 45 minutes ahead of US Eastern Time (9h 45m during EDT). If it is 8:00 AM in New York, it is 6:45 PM in Kathmandu. Best window: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM ET (5:45 PM - 7:45 PM in Nepal).
From the UK (GMT/BST)
Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT (4h 45m during BST). If it is 1:00 PM in London, it is 6:45 PM in Kathmandu. Best window: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM UK time (5:45 PM - 9:45 PM in Nepal).
Nepal's weekend is Saturday only (single-day weekend). Most offices and businesses are open Sunday through Friday. Government offices typically close at 5:00 PM NPT.
Country Information
Troubleshooting: Common Issues Calling Nepal
1. Drop the Leading "0" When Dialing from Abroad
Inside Nepal, you dial 01-XXXXXXX for Kathmandu or 061-XXXXXX for Pokhara. When calling from abroad, you must remove that leading 0. The correct format is +977 1-XXXXXXX (Kathmandu) or +977 61-XXXXXX (Pokhara).
2. Nepal's Unusual UTC+5:45 Time Zone
Nepal is one of only a few countries with a 45-minute time zone offset. Many world clocks and scheduling apps round to the nearest half hour, which can cause confusion. Always double-check the exact time in Nepal before calling. Nepal does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset from your local time changes when your country adjusts clocks.
3. Poor Connectivity in Mountain / Trekking Areas
If you are trying to reach someone trekking in the Himalayas (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang, etc.), mobile coverage is sparse or nonexistent above certain altitudes. NTC (Nepal Telecom) generally has better coverage in remote areas than Ncell. Some tea houses along popular trekking routes offer satellite-based Wi-Fi for a fee, but voice calls may not be possible.
4. Load Shedding May Affect Landline Availability
Nepal has historically experienced frequent power outages (load shedding). While the situation has improved significantly since 2018, some areas still face intermittent power cuts. Landline phones that require external power (cordless phones, PBX systems) may be unreachable during outages. Mobile networks with battery-backed towers are more reliable during power cuts.
5. NTC vs Ncell Coverage Varies by Region
In the Kathmandu Valley and major Terai cities, both Ncell and NTC offer strong coverage. In rural hill districts and mountain areas, NTC (the state-owned operator) tends to have significantly better coverage. If you cannot reach someone on one network, it may be a coverage gap specific to their carrier.
Cheapest Ways to Call Nepal
1. BubblyPhone
Rate: $0.02/min to Nepal
Best For: Calling any Nepal number (business, landline, mobile)
- ✓No subscription - pay only for minutes used
- ✓Works from browser on any device (no app needed)
- ✓Crystal-clear HD call quality
- ✓Reaches both NTC and Ncell numbers reliably
2. WhatsApp, Viber, IMO
Rate: FREE
Best For: Calling friends and family who have the app
- ✓Free voice and video calls
- ✓Viber is especially popular in Nepal
- ✗Both parties need the app installed
- ✗Cannot call landlines or businesses
⚠️ Warning: Using your regular phone carrier to call Nepal can cost $1-5 per minute! Save up to 99% by using BubblyPhone instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nepal country code?
The Nepal country code is +977. You must dial this code before any Nepal phone number when calling from abroad.
How do I call Nepal from my mobile phone?
From any mobile phone worldwide, dial: +977 (area code) (phone number). The + symbol replaces your country's exit code.
What's the cheapest way to call Nepal?
For calling any Nepal number, BubblyPhone at $0.02/min is the cheapest option. For free calls, use WhatsApp, Viber, IMO if both parties have the app installed.
What time zone is Nepal in?
Nepal uses Nepal Time (NPT, UTC+5:45). Consider the time difference before making your call.
Why is Nepal's time zone UTC+5:45?
Nepal adopted the UTC+5:45 offset to distinguish itself from India (UTC+5:30) and reflect its geographic position. The time zone is based on the meridian of Mount Gaurishankar (86.25 degrees East), and the 15-minute difference from India is a matter of national identity. Nepal is one of only a handful of countries worldwide that uses a 45-minute offset.
Can I call someone trekking in Nepal?
It depends on the route and altitude. Popular trails like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trek have spotty mobile coverage at lower elevations (NTC works better than Ncell in mountains). Above roughly 4,000 meters, coverage is generally unavailable. Some lodges offer satellite Wi-Fi, so your contact may be reachable via WhatsApp or Viber messaging instead of a phone call.
What carriers work best in Kathmandu?
Both Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) have excellent 4G coverage throughout the Kathmandu Valley, including Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Ncell is slightly preferred for data speeds, while NTC is the more reliable choice if your contact also travels to rural areas. Smart Telecom has limited coverage even within Kathmandu.
Related Guides
How to Call Nepal from US
Step-by-step guide with rates
India (+91)
Neighboring country
All Calling Rates
Compare international rates
Ready to Call Nepal?
Make crystal-clear calls to any Nepal number at just $0.02/min with BubblyPhone
No credit card required to sign up