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Picture this: you are trekking to the Everest Base Camp, and suddenly, your eye catches the incredible sight of the Himalayas, including Everest. Your instinct urges you to catch an aerial glimpse of the mountains that loom over you. That’s when your drone comes into play. The drone can capture images and videos that your naked eyes and camera lens literally cannot. The drone is that gadget that adds a unique perspective to your visual storytelling. Drone footage of Nepal and its beauty has become a rare essential for videographers, travel vloggers, travel influencers, photographers, and digital nomads. And if you are up for it, you need to know drone law in Nepal. So, let’s dive in and understand drone law in Nepal and the procedures to get drone registration and drone permits.
The government of Nepal has classified the drone into four categories based on the drone weights, also known as Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) and assigned the corresponding risk level to it. Drones weighing less than 250 grams are under category A with very low risk, while drones weighing more than 25 kg has the highest level of risk. Let’s look at the four categories of drones in Nepal.
| Basis | Category A | Category B | Category C | Category D |
| Weight | Up to 250 grams | 250 grams-2 kilograms | 2 kilogram -25 kilograms | Above 25 kilogram |
| Risk | Very Low Risk | Low Risk | Regulated Low Risk | Regulated High Risk |
| Drone Example | DJI Mini 3 Pro | Phantom 4 Pro | DJI Matrice Series | Industrial drones with payloads |
Note: If your drone weighs less than 2 kilograms, and given that you are flying on private property under 200 feet, you need not obtain a permit from CAAN. And you cannot operate drone that weighs more than 25 kg.
You must first register your drone and then apply for a drone permit. For the registration of drones, also officially referred to as UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System), you as an individual or an organization can apply. The registration form contains the list of documents required and fee payment instructions. The authority shall assign you a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for your drone, valid for a year. Please note that the drone permit is valid for 3 months.
Here is the list of documents and details you need to obtain drone registration in Nepal:
The drone registration procedures in Nepal are fairly simple. You, as entitled to the possession of the drone and operator of it in Nepal, must register the drone and hold a valid certificate of registration from CAAN. Below is the general guide on drone registration according to the current legislation:
You have to familiarize yourself with the Nepal drone regulations outlined by the CAAN. The rules are simple and mandatory to follow while operating drones in Nepal. You can ascertain your drone’s category by referring to the classification provided by the CAAN. You can also check the permissible uses of the drone and operational restrictions.
Now that you are familiar with the regulations, gather the necessary documents for drone registration. We have already compiled the list of documents for drone registration. These documents include proof of identification, detailed specifications of the drone, and additional paperwork specified by the CAAN.
The next step is to register your drone. If your drone weighs less than 2 kilograms, you do not require authorization from the CAAN. However, you must obtain prior permissions from the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, and particular National Park permits. For instance, if you’re flying a drone in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must have permission and permits from the government authorities and the conservation area project.
The CAAN shall register your drone upon receipt of an application with the required documents and details and issue a Drone Certificate of Registration and UIN. It shouldn’t take more than 2-3 working days to use the registration certificate. Please be informed that the registration does not permit you to fly without a valid permit obtained from the appropriate authority. After receiving the registration certificate, you can further proceed to obtain a permit, which is not so difficult.
In addition to drone registration, you must obtain a drone permit; otherwise, you are prohibited from operating drones in Nepal. For a drone permit, you must produce a registration certification and have the following letters:
Here are 3 steps to obtain a drone permit in Nepal:
Step 1: Once you have registered, fill out the form and submit the following documents: registration certificate, flight information, and letter of authorization.
Step 2: You must get approval from the respective authorities: Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Tourism, CAAN, and concerned Conservation Area and National Parks.
Step 3: After going through your documents, you will be issued permits which will be valid for only three months.
The Civil Aviation Authority in Nepal (CAAN) charges you a certain amount and issues the drone permit. The payment of USD 10 plus 13% VAT has to be paid to Rastriya Banijya Bank through bank deposit or Connect IPS. The permit fee is subject to change based on the time of application and in accordance with the regulations set forth by the CAAN.
Below are the general rules for flying drones in Nepal:
You are strictly not allowed to fly in No-Fly Zones. Below are the restricted areas in Nepal for drone flights:
What if you violate the rules and regulations associated with drone operations in Nepal? Is it possible to operate the drone without registration and permits? To answer that, we need to clearly acknowledge that there are certain consequences to violating drone rules and regulations outlined by CAAN. You will be subject to legal implications and penalties.
While there are no such measures to check your registration and permit, we highly suggest you register and obtain a permit for drone operation in Nepal. You will be fined up to NPR 5000 based on the severity of breaching the rules and may also be held in custody. The authorities have every right to confiscate your drone should they find you operating the drone without a permit.
Flying a drone in Nepal, like in any other country, requires adherence to local regulations and responsible drone operation. Following are some careful considerations you should follow while flying a drone in Nepal:
Is drone registration mandatory in Nepal?
Yes, you are legally bound to register your drone before you operate it in Nepal.
Is drone insurance mandatory in Nepal?
No, it is not mandatory.
Is recreational and commercial use of drones permitted in Nepal?
Yes, after registration and approval from the concerned authorities in Nepal.
Is the drone permit refundable?
No, it is non-refundable and is valid for single entries only.
Can I bring a drone from Australia to Nepal?
Yes. Make sure to get a customs clearance certificate from the Customs Office at the airport in Kathmandu.
Where do I have to go to register a drone in Nepal?
You will have to visit the CAAN office in Sinamangal, Kathmandu. The contact details are: Phone no: 4111115, 4111075, 4111042, and email: drone@caannepal.gov.np.
Yes, you can. As long as you have the proper local authority’s permits and permissions, you can fly to create extraordinary scenes and shots at and around Everest Base Camp. Honestly, it can be a bit of a hassle at times to get permission. The CDO officials may demand the permits, including passport and paperwork at checkpoints. Please be mindful that drone flights in the Everest region might be restricted to protect the natural surroundings and the safety of climbers.
Most famous trek in the world. Starts and ends in Kathmandu. Stunning scenery and a life changing experience.
read moreFirst thing first, you have to check the functionality of your drone at high altitude, above 5000 meters, and if your drone can handle thinner air above sea level. The wind at high altitudes can create a challenging environment for drones to operate smoothly. It is said that the performance of the drone and its battery is limited when flying at high altitudes. Of course, the battery won’t last as long as in lower altitudes, and strong winds will make the drone fight the thin air harder.
You will need the following permits to fly at the Everest Base Camp:
Please be aware that regulations are subject to change. It is advisable to regularly check the official websites for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to stay updated on the latest rules, permits, and regulations pertaining to drone operations.
