Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as drones, have become a popular technology among travelers due to their ability to capture unique perspectives and memories. In Nepal, using drones to capture stunning views of the mountainous landscape and rivers is a popular activity among tourists and trekkers. However, it is important to note that flying a drone without a permit in Nepal is illegal and may result in punishment.
To legally operate a drone in Nepal, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, which may involve an application process and fee payment. While it is legal to fly a drone in Nepal with a permit, it is also important to adhere to certain guidelines, such as not flying above 400 feet or within 5 kilometers of an airport or runway, and avoiding sensitive areas such as military bases and cultural heritage sites.
It is mandatory to register drones with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in order to legally operate them within the country. Failure to obtain proper registration and a permit may result in arrest or punishment. As such, it is strongly recommended to obtain a permit from the CAAN before operating a drone in Nepal. By following this requirement and adhering to all relevant laws and regulations, individuals can ensure that they are able to safely and responsibly enjoy their drones in Nepal.
Note: We do not provide drone permit acquisition services to non-customers.
Factors to Take Into Account Before Bringing a Drone:
Determine if your drone meets the security standards of the airline or airport in your home country.
- Check if your drone is equipped with any hazardous materials that do not meet transport requirements, such as high-voltage batteries that may require additional clarification during airport security checks.
- Research and familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of your airline regarding the transportation of drones.
- Be aware of drone legislation in both your departure and destination locations, as laws and regulations may vary.
By considering these factors, you can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with your drone.
Operating a drone in Nepal requires a certain level of knowledge and proficiency. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations related to drones in Nepal, including the process for obtaining a permit and registering your drone. Planning your trip during a favorable season may also be helpful if you intend to fly a drone in Nepal. To ensure that you understand the rules and regulations surrounding drone use in Nepal, you may consider consulting with local authorities.
Ideal Seasons and Locations for Drone Videography in Nepal
Nepal offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, making it a dream destination for drone videography. Some of the top locations to consider for capturing stunning aerial footage include:
Annapurna Circuit: This trekking route provides awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna range, ideal for capturing the region’s rugged beauty from the sky.
Everest Base Camp: Capture the towering beauty of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. A drone flight here provides an unforgettable perspective of the world’s highest mountain.
Pokhara: Known for its serene lakes and panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Pokhara is a perfect location for drone filming.
Kathmandu Valley: The historic city of Kathmandu, with its vibrant streets, temples, and bustling markets, offers rich cultural content for drone filmmakers.
Drone Rules and Regulations in Nepal
Prior to 2015, the unauthorized use of drones in Nepal was not uncommon. However, the devastating earthquake in April 2015 brought drones into the spotlight as journalists and humanitarian responders used them to assist in rescue efforts by flying them over heavily damaged areas and heritage sites. In light of this, the Nepalese government recognized the potential threats to national security posed by the uncontrolled use of drones and drafted rules and regulations to address this issue. This led to the development of a strong policy on drone control in Nepal.
According to Nepal’s National Aviation Authority, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), flying a drone with a permit is legal in Nepal; however, recommend staying informed and complying with the drone rules and laws mentioned below:
- Tourists who wish to fly a drone during their visit to Nepal must first acquire authorization from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Tourism, and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. However, it is not crucial if a drone is less than 2 kg and below 200 ft. from the ground.
- Prior authorization from the department relating to the specific subject matter of study, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is required to fly a drone (more than 2 kilograms) for research and educational purposes.
- Tourists who wish to fly a drone in the national parks and conservation areas of Nepal need to acquire authorization from the concerned Conservation Area/ National Parks, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Tourism, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
- Drones weighing less than 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) do not require CAAN authorization if flown over private land and at a height, of not more than 200 feet.
- Drone pilots should have skills in flight and a basic understanding of drone operation rules and laws in Nepal.
- Do not fly a drone in a way that endangers the safety of the aircraft flying in the area.
- Use a UAV only within the extent of your authorization.
- Flying a drone without a permit is forbidden and will result in a penalty in conformity with civil aviation laws.
- Flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in a public place for recreational purposes necessitates authorization from the local security agency.
- The person operating a drone is solely responsible for any injury to individuals or damage to property caused by the operation of the drone.
- Don’t fly a drone higher than 120 meters (394 feet) and further than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
- Avoid flying a drone carelessly and don’t use it to kill animals or insects.
- Flying within 50 meters (164 feet) of any ship, transport, or construction is prohibited.
- Controllers must retain the unhindered visual sight of the drones at all times.
- Airport zones should be clean from all drone activities.
The laws and regulations surrounding the use of drones in Nepal can be complex, making it advisable to seek the assistance of a professional adventure and travel company when navigating these rules. The Alpine Club of Himalayas is a reputable company with extensive experience in obtaining drone permits for travelers. We can help make the process of obtaining a permit for your drone in Nepal more seamless and hassle-free.
Guidelines for Registering a Drone in Nepal.
In Nepal, it is required to register drones with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in order to legally operate them. Flying a drone without proper registration is a violation of local laws and can result in severe consequences. The Nepalese government has classified drones into four categories. It is important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that apply to the category of drone you are operating and to obtain proper registration from the CAAN before flying a drone in Nepal.
| Basis | A | B | C | D |
| Weight | Up to 250 gm. | 250 gm. to 2 kg | 2 kg to 25 kg | Above 25 kg |
| Risk | Very Low Risk | Low Risk | Moderate Risk | High Risk |
According to current laws in Nepal, it is necessary to register all categories of drones in order to obtain flight permission. The process for registering a drone in Nepal is as follows:
Visit the Flight Safety Standard Department situated at Sinamangal, Kathmandu, with the following documents:
- Filled form as per instruction
- Copy of Citizenship Certificate, Valid Passport, or Certificate of Company Registration
- A copy of the manual specification of the drone.
- Picture of the drone with its clear color, brand, and serial number
- Introduction to the uses of Drones
- Copy of the retailer’s VAT bill (For those purchased in Nepal)
- Copy of the Customs Clearance Certificate (For imported drones)
After all the required documents, the concerned authority will analyze them closely. If registration is successful, a certificate, which includes a Unique Identification Number (UIN) will be issued in 2-3 working days as a confirmation of being registered. This certificate will be valid for a period of one year.
Procedure for Obtaining a Drone Permit in Nepal with a Bandwidth Greater than 2.4 MHz
It is important to note that if your drone has a bandwidth greater than 2.4 MHz, you will need to obtain clearance from the Information Department before flying it in Nepal. A recommendation letter from the local government may be helpful in securing this clearance and throughout the process of applying for a drone license in Nepal.
i. Take approval from the respective authority
- If your drone weighs less than 2 kg, you must contact the District Administration Office to obtain permission. In case of drones weighing more than 2 kilograms, you must contact the Information Department Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- In the case of foreigners, they need to obtain valid permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Tourism, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Concerned Conservation Area/ National Parks
ii. Submit the following documents (similar for all three cases mentioned above)
- Filled form as per instruction
- Registration for a certificate of drone
- Flight information (start date, end date, purpose, and location map)
- Letter of authorization (only for a foreigner or a foreign company)
iii. Foreigners and foreign companies need an authorization letter from the following authorities:
- Letter from the Ministry of Tourism, Home Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration
- Letter from a specific trekking agency and local guide who is handling the trip
- Copy of citizenship certificate, valid passport, valid visa (only for foreigners), and bio data of the drone pilot
- Letter of commitment from the drone pilot to work in with the regulations
- The Concerned authority will go through your documents. In case all the documents are true, they will provide you with a permit to fly a drone in Nepal.
The granted authorization is valid only for three months. It can be renewed for another three months if the cause for the extension is genuine.
The Alpine Club of Himalaya offers assistance in obtaining drone permits for treks and excursions in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the Upper Mustang Trek. To take advantage of this service, you simply need to inform the company of your intention to fly a drone and pay any applicable government fees.
How to get a drone permit for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Many people dream of flying a drone on the Everest trek in order to capture the stunning views of the Himalayan region, including Mount Everest, as well as the culture and diversity of the Sherpa people. For this reason, drones are often included in packing lists for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, it is important to note that flying a drone in the Everest region is not a simple task and is illegal without obtaining the necessary permits. To safely fly a drone on the Everest Trek, it is recommended to use a high-quality brand such as the Mavic Pro, which is known for its lightweight and flexible design.
The list of special permits required for flying a drone in the Everest trek are:
- Sagarmatha National Park
- TIMS (Tourist Information Management System)
- NMA (Approval from Nepal Mountaineering Association)
- General Travel Permits
The procedure to obtain the drone permit for Everest Base Camp is somehow similar to other destinations, which is listed below:
- You must get permission from the Defense Ministry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Information and Communication.
- You should provide the bio-data of the pilot with drone functioning proficiency.
- A map of the Everest region where you will fly a drone, an itinerary of the trip, as well as the site coordinates and date of flying a drone, must be submitted.
- You must obtain extra licenses from the department of wildlife reserves, conservation areas, or national parks to get access to Sagarmatha National Park.
As the Everest region is located within the Sagarmatha National Park, special permission from the park is required in order to fly a drone in this area. This permission can be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Information and Communication and the National Park Service. It is important to follow the proper procedures and obtain the necessary permissions before flying a drone in the Everest region in order to avoid any legal issues.
Illegal use of camera drones
Camera drones are equipped with a range of features, including video cameras, microphones, GPS, and powerful zoom lenses. However, the increasing use of camera drones has raised concerns about confidentiality and security. As with any technology, there is a risk that camera drones could be misused if they fall into the wrong hands. It is important to consider these potential risks and take appropriate precautions when using camera drones.
Some of the illegal uses of camera drones are:
Any infringement of the Ministry of Information and Communication and CAAN’s laws and rules while flying a drone may result in severe legal consequences.
- Efficient Surveillance: Drones could have been extremely effective for surveillance purposes due to their ability to approach nearly any location without being detected.
- Cybercrime: Cybercriminals may have used drones to deliver their harmful tools close to their target without having to overcome physical barriers such as security guards, access control systems, biometric sensors, and surveillance cameras.
- Concealed Security Attacks: Drones could potentially have concealed a jammer, a malicious hotspot, or a device that launched attacks through Bluetooth or NFC, making it difficult to detect and defend against these types of attacks.
- Invasion of Privacy: Drones had the potential to capture identifiable personal information, such as vehicle identification numbers, or personal images of individuals without their knowledge, which could be a serious invasion of privacy. It was important to note that if a commercial drone operator held a PCO (Permission for Commercial Operations), they may have been able to sell any footage or photos captured with their drone.
However, if you had requested that a camera drone operator stop flying over your private property and they continued to do so, it may have been considered harassment. If you suspected that an organization had captured, acquired, or stored your personal information without your consent, the first step should have been to contact the organization and review its public privacy policy. Individuals had the right to access, obtain copies of, and request the removal of their personal data.
Some most popular places you shouldn’t fly a drone
Certain areas in Nepal are classified as no-fly zones due to their environmental, cultural, or security significance. Some of the major restricted areas include:
- National Parks and Conservation Areas: Drones are not allowed in areas like Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, and Bardia National Park.
- Airports: Drones cannot be flown within 5 km of Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or any other major airport in Nepal.
- Military Zones: Drone flights near military bases or government buildings are prohibited.
- Heritage Sites: Some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Lumbini and Patan, also have restrictions on drone operations.
Always check the local regulations before flying in any area to avoid penalties ensure a successful and enjoyable experience while using a drone in Nepal.
Tips for flying drones in Nepal
- When flying drones, it is important to respect the privacy of others.
- It is recommended to fly at or below 400 feet and maintain a safe distance from nearby objects.
- It is essential to constantly monitor the location and movements of your drone.
- It is strictly prohibited to fly drones too close to other aircraft, particularly in the vicinity of airports.
- Flying drones above crowds of people is not recommended.
- Drones should not be flown over sporting events or stadiums.
- It is not advisable to fly drones near fires or other disaster areas.
- Operating drones while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid flying drones in conditions of mist, haze, or smoke.
- It is generally recommended to fly drones only during daylight hours.
- It is important to understand and adhere to the regulations and limitations that apply to airspace.
In summary, operating drones can be an exciting and thrilling activity, particularly when done in the stunning landscape of the Nepal Himalayas. However, it is important to note that flying drones without proper authorization is strictly prohibited.
To fully enjoy this activity and ensure compliance with local laws, it is essential to obtain the necessary permits and familiarize oneself with the rules and regulations regarding drone operations in Nepal. It is also important to ensure that one has the necessary experience and knowledge to safely operate a drone and avoid any potential risks to life or property. Obtaining a permit for drones in Nepal can be a challenging and time-consuming process.
For this reason, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of a local adventure travel company. This article has given you the process and acted as a guide on how to get Drone Permit in Nepal.
The Alpine Club of Himalaya has helped numerous travelers obtain permits for drones in Nepal in the past, and we would be happy to assist you with this process as well. If you are planning a trip to Nepal and intend to bring a drone, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on obtaining a permit.
