Nepal Power Outlets & Voltage: What Adapter Do You Need?

Nepal's electrical system is straightforward but different from most Western countries. Get the right adapter and you'll be able to charge your phone, camera and laptop without issues. Here is the complete 2025 guide to Nepal power outlets, voltage, and adapters.

Nepal Power Quick Facts

Item	Detail
Voltage	220–240 V
Frequency	50 Hz
Plug types	Type C, Type D, Type M
Power cuts	Common, especially in monsoon and trekking areas
Charging on treks	Available at tea houses for $2–$5 per device
Universal adapter	Recommended
Solar charging	Available at most tea houses on EBC and Annapurna routes

Nepal Plug Types

Type C (European 2-pin)

Two round pins, 4 mm diameter. The most common plug type in Nepal. Used for most modern electronics.

Type D (Indian 3-pin)

Three round pins in a triangular pattern. The traditional Nepal plug — found in older buildings and rural areas.

Type M (South African 3-pin, large)

Three large round pins. Used for high-power appliances (air conditioners, water heaters).

Nepal Voltage — 220V vs 110V

Nepal uses 220–240V electricity (50 Hz), the same as Europe, India, Australia and most of Asia. If you are coming from a 110V country (USA, Canada, parts of South America), check your electronics:

• Phones, tablets, laptops, cameras — Most modern chargers are dual voltage (110V–240V). Check the small print on the charger. If it says 'Input: 100–240V', you are fine — just need an adapter.
• Hair dryers, straighteners, electric shavers — Many are 110V only. Using them in Nepal will burn them out. Buy a dual-voltage version or use a voltage converter.
• Other appliances — Check the label. If unsure, do not plug it in.

Power Cuts in Nepal

Power cuts (locally called 'load shedding') used to be a major problem in Nepal — up to 16 hours per day during the dry season. The situation has improved significantly since 2018 with new hydroelectric projects, but power cuts still happen:

• Kathmandu — Rare power cuts now (less than 1 hour/week). Most hotels have generators or inverters.
• Pokhara — Occasional cuts during high demand. Hotels have backup.
• Smaller cities — More frequent cuts. Hotels may not have backup.
• Trekking areas — Power is solar or micro-hydro. Charging may only be available in the afternoon (when sun is bright).
• Monsoon (June–September) — More cuts due to high demand and storm damage.

Charging Electronics on Trekking Routes

Charging phones and cameras on Nepal treks is possible but expensive:

Region	Charging Available?	Cost per Charge	Notes
Everest Base Camp	Yes — most tea houses	$3–$5 per device	Solar-powered, available afternoon only
Annapurna Circuit	Yes — most tea houses	$2–$4 per device	Hydroelectric, more reliable
Annapurna Base Camp	Yes — most tea houses	$2–$4 per device	Solar-powered
Manaslu Circuit	Yes — to Samdo	$3–$5 per device	Solar, limited capacity
Langtang Valley	Yes — most tea houses	$2–$3 per device	Solar-powered
Upper Mustang	Yes — major villages	$3–$5 per device	Solar, unreliable
Upper Dolpo	Limited — camping trek	Not available	Bring solar panel + power bank

Power Bank Recommendations for Nepal

A power bank is essential for Nepal trekking. Recommended:

• Anker PowerCore 20,000 mAh — $40. Charges iPhone 4–5 times. The standard choice.
• RavPower 26,800 mAh — $50. Charges iPhone 6+ times. Heavier.
• Nitecore NB10000 — $60. Lightweight (150g), 10,000 mAh. Best for ultralight trekkers.
• Goal Zero Nomad 10 (solar panel) — $100. For long treks without charging access.

Solar Panels for Long Treks

For long remote treks (Upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri), a solar panel is worth the weight:

• Goal Zero Nomad 10 — $100, 10W. Charges a phone in 4 hours of direct sun.
• Anker PowerPort Solar — $50, 21W. Folds out, charges 2 devices.
• BigBlue 28W — $70, 28W. Most powerful portable option.
• BioLite SolarPanel 5+ — $90, 5W with built-in battery.

What Adapter Do I Need for Nepal?

If you are from USA/Canada (Type A/B plugs):

• You need a Type C, D, or M adapter
• Best option: universal adapter (works in Nepal + 150+ other countries)
• Check your devices are dual voltage (most modern chargers are)

If you are from UK (Type G plug):

• You need a Type C, D, or M adapter
• Best option: universal adapter
• UK devices are 220V — no voltage conversion needed

If you are from Europe (Type C/F plugs):

• Your Type C plug will work directly in most Nepal outlets
• Some older outlets may need a Type D adapter
• No voltage conversion needed (Europe is also 220V)

If you are from Australia/NZ (Type I plug):

• You need a Type C, D, or M adapter
• Best option: universal adapter
• Australian devices are 220V — no voltage conversion needed

Recommended Universal Adapters

• Epicka Universal Adapter — $25. Works in 150+ countries including Nepal. USB ports built in.
• Ceptics World Adapter — $20. Slim, reliable, works in Nepal.
• OneAdaptr ONE World Adapter — $40. Premium option with USB-C PD.

Voltage Converters — When You Need One

If you have a 110V-only device (hair dryer, straightener, electric shaver), you need a voltage converter:

• Bestek 200W Voltage Converter — $40. Converts 220V to 110V for low-power devices.
• Foval 200W Travel Converter — $35. Similar to Bestek.
• DO NOT use voltage converters with high-power devices (hair dryers over 200W, kettles, heaters). They will overheat and may cause fires.

For high-power 110V devices, it is easier to buy a dual-voltage version or use the device in a 110V country.

Charging Tips for Nepal

• Charge everything overnight in Kathmandu/Pokhara — power is reliable
• Carry a 20,000 mAh power bank on treks
• Bring spare camera batteries — cold drains them fast
• Keep batteries warm (sleep with them in your sleeping bag) — cold reduces capacity
• Use airplane mode on your phone when not in use — saves battery
• Bring a 3-socket extension lead — some tea houses have only 1 socket
• Solar chargers work well above 4,000 m (less cloud cover)

Tea House Charging Etiquette

• Always ask before charging — some tea houses have limited power
• Pay the charging fee (typically $2–$5 per device)
• Charge in the afternoon (more sun for solar, more hydro for hydro)
• Do not leave your device charging overnight — it may 'walk off'
• Bring your own cable — tea houses rarely have spare cables
• Be patient — charging at altitude is slow

Electronics to Bring to Nepal

• Phone + charger + cable
• Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum for treks)
• Headlamp + spare batteries (for power cuts and pre-dawn trekking)
• Camera + spare batteries + memory cards
• Universal adapter
• Kindle or e-reader (optional — saves weight vs books)
• Headphones (for podcasts on long bus rides)
• Plug extension lead (for tea houses with 1 socket)

Nepal's electrical system is straightforward — 220V, Type C/D/M plugs, with occasional power cuts. Bring a universal adapter and a 20,000 mAh power bank, and you'll be able to charge everything you need. For more on what to bring, see our ultimate Nepal packing list and our 10 things first-time visitors must know guide.