How to get a drone permit in Nepal? 2025 Guidelines
Is a drone legal in Nepal, How to register it are the common queries. Well, drone is absolutely legal in Nepal, but you cannot fly a drone in major tourist places in Nepal without a permit. Here is a step-by-step guidance for getting a drone permit in Nepal. Have a look:
Know the type and purpose of your drone permit
Are you not required to take a drone permit in certain situations? If your drone is under 2 kg and you are planning to fly it below 200 feet on private property. However, you have to inform the local police about flying.
Drones over 250 grams and flying in high altitude or public areas require a permit. Also, you have to take a permit if the flight is for a professional or commercial purpose. Once you are aware of the purpose of flying a drone, you can apply for a drone permit.
Register your drone with CAAN
The next step is to register your drone for flying permission. You don’t have to worry about how to register a drone in Nepal. Just go to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) for registration.
There, you have to submit drone details such as brand, model, weight, and more. Also, submit your Proof of ownership, National ID, or Passport, and the purpose of flying.
After submitting all these documents, you will get a Unique Identification Number (UIN) from CAAN. You can also register your drone online. The online portal for this is https://droneregistry.naxa.com.np.
Apply for flight permissions
Depending on where and why you are flying a drone, you may need extra permissions, too. You may be required to take permissions from the District Administration Office (DAP), the Ministry of Home Affairs (for general security clearance), and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (for camera drones).
You also require permission from the Department of Tourism if you are filming for travel or media. Lastly, you may require permission from the National Parks or Wildlife office if you are flying in protected areas.
Wait for approval
After all documents are submitted for approval, the permission might be granted in a few days. In some cases, it may take a few weeks.
Interestingly, your permit will be valid for up to 3 months after being approved.
You can also apply for a renewal if you want to.
Follow all the flying rules
After you have received permission to fly a drone, you have to follow the flying rules. The rules are actually set by CAAN and the local authority. Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other authorities look after the rules.
Drone flying rules in Nepal
Let’s talk about the drone flying rules in Nepal.
- If the drone weight is less than 250 grams and is for casual private use, then no permit is required.
- If the weight starts from 2 kg and if it is flown publicly, then you require a permit. Mandatory registration for such a drone with a UIN displayed on the drone.
- You may need permissions from the frequency license, CAAN, the Home Ministry, DAO, the Department of Tourism, and the National Parks.
- You are not allowed to fly above 120 meters or 500 meters horizontally.
- Do not violate the rules of no-fly zones.
- Fly only during daylight and clear visibility time.
- Always maintain Visual Line of Sight. This is typically not more than 500 meters horizontally and 400 feet vertically.
- Avoid flying over crowds, formal assemblies, structures, and of 150 meters or anyone’s privacy.
- A drone is not supposed to be used for dropping objects or doing any harm to living beings.
- Flying is expected to maintain ethics without disturbing anyone’s privacy or security.
- Besides these, you have to be aware of restricted or no-fly zones. You are not allowed to fly within 5 km of airports and international borders. Not allowed to fly within 1 km of the residence of the President, Prime Minister, other VVIPs, and the Singha Durbar.
- Also, you are not allowed to fly in heritage sites like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swyambhunath, Durbar Squares, and Maitighar Mandala.
- You have to avoid flying in Military and high-security zones.
- Similarly, national parks, trekking areas, and conservation areas need special permission.
Top Mistakes foreigners make while flying a drone in Nepal
Acknowledgement of the drone rules is necessary before you start flying. Here are the top mistakes foreigners make while flying a drone in Nepal:
- Flying in public places without a drone permit.
- Ignoring no-fly zones or restricted areas.
- Flying without giving prior notice to the police. Local police must be informed before flying.
- Bringing a drone to Nepal without a customs declaration. This may lead to confiscation at the airport or trouble while exiting.
- Flying too high or too far beyond permitted.
- Not registering the drone with CAAN.
- Even casual vlogs are considered commercial use. This may lead to extra permit costs.
- Flying over crowds or during the festival celebration.
- You are not supposed to use high-frequency camera drones without communication clearance.
Best time for flying a drone in Nepal
The best time for flying a drone in Nepal is the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the sky remains clear and supportive.
There will not be extreme temperatures, heavy downpours, snowfall, or any kind of climatic conditions. You will enjoy soothing aerial views of natural beauty.
What happens if you do not follow drone rules in Nepal?
If you do not follow drone rules in Nepal, then you will face legal consequences. Unauthorized drones can be confiscated on the spot. Operators can face fines, legal action, or detention under the Civil Aviation Act.
Also, detention under other laws is possible. Further, violation of rules may lead to permit cancellations. Security agencies are empowered to act directly for breaches in no-fly zones.
Do we need a license for a drone in Nepal?
Actually, it's a drone permit that you need in Nepal rather than a license. So, if you are considering bringing or flying a drone in Nepal, you have to fulfill customs and other legal requirements.
Only after permissions from CAAN, local police, DAOs, and other necessary authorities you will be able to fly a drone. However, you have to follow certain rules or criteria for this.
Can I take a drone to Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you are allowed to take a drone to Everest Base Camp. However, you need to take permission from the relevant Nepalese authorities first. You have to comply with legal requirements and local regulations for this.
First, you need to register your drone, and after approval, you will get permission. Even after the permit, you have to be very careful about the rules to follow.
Best scenic spots to fly a drone in Nepal
Nepal is a land of natural beauty and rich in cultural diversity. This land will allow you to enjoy some of the best iconic scenic places to fly a drone, check out:
Gosaikunda Lake (Langtang Region)
You can fly a drone in Gosaikunda Lake, one of the most sacred and beautiful places in Nepal. It is a high-altitude lake (4380 meters) located within Langtang National Park. The flight captures the shimmering turquoise waters of Gosaikunda surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Interestingly, the flight covers Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and nearby lakes such as Bhairav Kunda and Surya Kunda. Similarly, you will see traditional Tamang Villages. Since this area comes under the protected place, you have to take prior permits from CAAN and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Reserves.
Kalinchowk (Dolakha)
Kalinchowk is a lovely place in the Dolakha district, famous for the Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple at 3842 meters. It is under the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, so you require a permit to fly a drone here.
The major scenic views in this flight include Mount Gaurishankar, Mount Jugal, and Ganesh Himal. Similarly, you will see amazing views of Kuri Village, rhododendron forests, and cable car lines. You will love the aerial views as well as trekking in this region.
Do you know this place is also famous for winter snowfall? The villages are normally covered with snow, making it a breathtakingly beautiful area. In the monsoon, the place looks amazing with natural scenic beauty.
Poonhill (Annapurna Region)
Flying a drone around Poonhill falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area at an altitude of 3210 meters. This allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. This is a restricted area, so you have to apply for a permit and register even a drone of less weight (below 2 kg).
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is popular for the stunning scenic beauty of the nearby mountain ranges. This place is a peaceful natural location outside the Kathmandu Valley. Besides natural beauty, it is also a culturally famous place.
Although it is not under the conservation area or national park, you still need to take a permit to fly a drone in publically. If you are flying a drone below 2 kg in private, then it is not necessary to register and obtain permission.
Pharping and Hattiban Area
Pharping is a sacred place with many Daksinkali Temples and several Buddhist monasteries. You have to take permits and register your drone. Also, you can fly a drone only in the allowed area, as this place carries strong religious values.
On the other hand, Hattiban is a forest area with decent settlement. You may not require many regulations to fly a drone here. However, flying publicly still requires a permit from several authorities.
Everest View Hotel
Flying a drone above the Everest View Hotel is strictly prohibited without a permit. It falls under the Everest Region above Namche Bazaar. You have to take permits from CAAN and the Department of Sagarmatha National Park. You also require permissions from the DAO and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The procedures are slightly lengthy as you will be dealing with the highest altitude in the world. With this, you will enjoy aerial views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. Also, you will see highland human settlements and natural scenic beauty.
Besides these, you can also enjoy flying a drone in Rara Lake, Bandipur, Begnas Tal, and Tansen (Palpa).
Do you need a permit to buy a drone in Nepal?
No, you don’t need a permit to buy a drone in Nepal. You can buy a drone of any weight available on the market. Luckily, drones are sold in shops in Kathmandu as well as you can easily buy them online.
However, flying requires a permit from several authorities. You can’t fly it in public without permission from local authorities and CAAN.
What is the cost of a drone in Nepal?
The cost of a drone in Nepal varies as on the weight and quality. There are many best budget drones in Nepal. The price normally starts from NPR 3500 to 1300000. You can buy the E58 drone with basic service and dual battery at just NPR 3499.
Similarly, other drones are available at NPR 8499 (E88 Pro Drones) and NPR 9999 (H9 RC Folding 4K Aerial Drone). You can buy the DJI Tello Boost Combo at NPR 25600, the DJI Mini 2 SE for NPR 88000, and the DJI Mini 3 for NPR 110000.
Talking about the high-end option, the DJI Inspire 2 with the Zenmuse X7 Camera costs 1324999. You will get the best drone in Nepal for your trekking and tours.
You can also arrange a second-hand drone in Nepal for your travels and trekkings.
Can I bring my drone to Nepal?
Yes, you can bring your drone to Nepal; however, you have to comply with certain legal formalities. You have to do customs clearance at the airport. Then, you must register it under CAAN for use in public. It is important to fulfill customs duty for a drone in Nepal.
After that, you have to comply with other legal documents, permits from other authorities, and then only you will be able to fly it in public. However, you have to comply with certain rules.
How much is a drone permit in Nepal?
The cost of a drone permit in Nepal depends on the type of drone, its purpose of use, and the location. Normally, the drone registration charges $10 plus 13% VAT. The drone permit price in Nepal is absolutely reasonable.
For a restricted area permit, foreigners other than SAARC nationals have to submit $1800. Similarly, commercial filming documents require you to pay $1500 as a permit charge.
Conclusion
Drone permit in Nepal is a smooth procedure if you follow the right guidelines. It is better to apply for a permit as soon as you land in Nepal. This saves your time as well as you will be able to fly drones quickly.
With this small effort, you will explore some of the finest natural and raw beauty closely. Contact Breeze Adventure Pvt Ltd to enjoy a drone and natural exploration in the Himalayas. With our guidance, you will get ample opportunities to enjoy the raw beauty of Nepal.
