Travel guide · Nepal
Electricity, Plugs and Power Cuts in Nepal
Nepal runs on 230V with Type C, D and M sockets — here's what adapters to bring and how to cope with power cuts.
Nepal uses 230 volts at 50Hz, with Type C, Type D and Type M power sockets, so a universal travel adapter is the single most useful electrical item you can pack. Most modern chargers handle the voltage automatically, scheduled load-shedding has largely ended in the cities, and unplanned power cuts are the main thing to plan around — easily covered by a good power bank.
Voltage and plug types
Nepal's mains supply is 230V/50Hz, the same standard used across most of Europe, India and much of Asia. Three plug types appear, often side by side in the same building:
- Type C — two round pins, the standard European plug.
- Type D — three large round pins in a triangle (the older Indian three-pin).
- Type M — three large round pins (the South African style), used for higher-power appliances.
A single universal adapter covers all three. Sockets are often loose or worn, so a snug adapter and a little patience help. Make sure your gear is dual-voltage (printed as "100–240V" on the charger); nearly all phones, tablets, laptops and camera chargers are, and need only an adapter rather than a heavy voltage converter. Pack what you need before you arrive — see our Nepal packing list for a full kit.
Power cuts and load-shedding
For years Nepal was famous for load-shedding — scheduled blackouts that could last well over twelve hours a day in winter. Since around 2018, improved domestic hydropower and imports from India have ended routine load-shedding in Kathmandu, Pokhara and most towns, and the situation keeps improving. That said, unplanned outages still happen, particularly during pre-monsoon storms, the dry season when river flows drop, and across rural and mountain areas. Many hotels and restaurants run inverters or generators to bridge short cuts, but you should never rely on a constant supply. A power bank and a head torch turn a blackout into a non-event.
Charging while trekking
On the trail, electricity reaches surprisingly high, but it is rarely free and gets pricier with altitude. Expect to pay a per-device fee to charge phones, cameras and power banks at teahouses, and budget more the higher you go on routes like the Everest and Annapurna trails. Practical tips:
- Carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh or more) and top it up at every mains opportunity.
- Charge overnight where possible, and bring your own short cables.
- On long, remote treks consider a small folding solar panel.
- Keep batteries warm — cold drains them fast at altitude. Pair this with our Nepal trekking guide for wider trail planning.
Staying connected and powered
Reliable power matters most for navigation and communication. Keep a charged phone for maps and emergency calls, and pair it with a local SIM or eSIM as covered in our guide to internet and SIM cards in Nepal. Plan around the seasons too — read the best time to visit Nepal, since dry-season river levels and monsoon storms both affect supply. For the full set of everyday tips, return to our Nepal travel essentials collection.
Frequently asked questions
What plug type and voltage does Nepal use?+
Nepal runs on 230 volts at 50Hz and uses three socket types: Type C (the two round pins common across Europe), Type D (three large round pins, the old Indian style) and Type M (three large round pins, the South African style). A universal travel adapter covers all three. Most phone, camera and laptop chargers are dual-voltage, so they work fine, but check the label on anything with a heating element.
Do I need a voltage converter in Nepal?+
Usually no. Phones, laptops, cameras and most modern chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V) and only need a plug adapter, not a converter. You would only need a converter for a single-voltage 110V appliance such as some hairdryers or shavers bought in North America, which is rarely worth carrying.
Are power cuts still common in Nepal?+
Scheduled blackouts (load-shedding) that once lasted many hours a day have largely ended in cities since around 2018, thanks to better hydropower supply and imports. However, unplanned outages still happen, especially during storms, the dry pre-monsoon season and in rural areas, so a power bank remains essential.
How do I charge devices while trekking in Nepal?+
Most teahouses have electricity and will charge your phone, camera or power bank for a small fee per device, which rises the higher and more remote you go. Bring a large power bank, charge whenever you have mains power, and consider a small solar panel for long, remote treks where supply is unreliable.
