How To Travel With Drones In Nepal?

Nepal is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes. Nepal offers a diverse range of mountain, hill, and valley sites that draw visitors from near and far. Drones can provide spectacular images of the scenery found in the Himalayan nation. (e.g., Mount Everest, Annapurna, and the Terai).

However, flying drones in Nepal comes with rules. Some sites need approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Access to the facility may be limited in parts (e.g., a zone within the area of an airport or an army base). 

Always check local regulations before flying your drone. After thought, it is feasible to fly drones to record your experiences in Nepal for the rest of your life.

Can We Bring a Drone To Nepal?

Yes, you are permitted to bring a drone to Nepal. However, there are rules and restrictions to be observed. Nepal is an ideal place for photography. The geological mix offers good aerial photography and videography moments. 

Government policy was made regarding the operation of drones. All for safety, security, and privacy. You need authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Well, if you are taking a drone to Nepal. 

Some may not require typical paperwork. For example, a limited range operation of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). That is not the case when commercially or professionally flown. For professional projects, consent from CAAN is necessary. 

Also, you must state your information. Like, why do you fly a drone, where you intend to fly a drone, and what model of drone you intend to fly and remove from a boat? There are specific areas designated as "no-fly" zones. (e.g., areas around airports, military stations, heritage sites)

Drones are prohibited from flying in that area without authorization. There are penalties and confiscation. At the same time, individual privacy should not be disregarded. The drone operation should be limited to populated centres, residential sites, etc.

If it is managed properly, flying a drone in Nepal is a pretty uncommon activity. For example, you can get a vacation multiplier. And all by taking shots of mountains, valleys, or historic buildings. Safety and user convenience are refined based on the local area. At least, about where in the world the drone is going to fly.

Drone Regulations in Nepal: What You Need to Know

Due to safety and privacy issues, drone traffic over Nepal is constrained to some extent. And that's by government regulation. It is also mandatory, before launching your drone in the sky, to inform those who are not familiar with the rules.

Permission from CAAN: 

Drones are controlled by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in Nepal. In the case of commercial or restricted flights, you need to apply for permission in advance.

Private hexacopter flights of small drones may be able to avoid complex paperwork. However, it is a good idea to go to the CAAN.

Restricted Areas: 

Some places in Nepal are no-fly zones or restricted areas. These are some examples, such as near airports, military installations, and government closures. Cultural sites (e.g., Pashupatinath Temple, Lumbini) were also protected.

Flying drones in this environment is prohibited without permission. If flown in such areas, one can get fined, and even a legal process will be taken.

Altitude and Distance Limits: 

Drones are typically prevented from flying at or below 120 m (400 ft) above mean sea level. When flying a drone, it should not stray from the head path of the optical line of sight. Likewise, flying close to a crowd or a special event is also prohibited.

Respect for Privacy: 

Privacy is a major concern when operating drones. Do not take photos or videos of people. No shooting in the private and domiciliary areas without documents. Things like written informed consent and a permit to fly.

Insurance and Registration: 

There may be a need to register for commercial or larger drone flights. These flights may be possible to secure insurance. This ensures accountability in case of accidents or damages.

Special Permits for Certain Locations: 

As the heading suggests, some areas require special permits. In neighbourhood grounds such as:

• Local roads

• Parkways

They are managed by local authorities or authorizations from the park management company. It is often the case. The Everest region and the Annapurna region are, in fact, included.

Safe and legal drone flights, thus, can be flown in Nepal after the rules as mentioned above. Thus, it should be confirmed with the CAAN and local organization beforehand.

Steps to Get Drone Permits in Nepal

However, when the user wishes to fly a drone in the country of Nepal obtain permits. Follow the available correct procedure. Here is a checklist that could help you get your drone license.

Understand the Regulations: 

Approval has to be obtained by reading the rules. And later submitting a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). You will need to get through drone rules and regulations.

Among those, examples are no-fly zones, altitude restrictions, and others. Ensure that you comply with all local regulations.

Prepare Your Documents: 

In fact, you will be requested to provide a certain number of documents when applying for a right. These may include:

• A copy of your passport (for foreign nationals)

• A copy of your drone's registration (if applicable)

• A valid drone insurance policy (for commercial use)

• Details of the drone (make, model, and serial number)

• Brief description of the objective of the drone and intended flight area.

Submit the Application to CAAN: 

After submission of all the necessary documents, you will need to submit them to the CAAN. It is normally either by accessing their website (or visiting the office in Kathmandu). Prepare to deliver a global flight path. (e.g., goals, trajectory, schedule, and geocoordinate points).

Pay the Application Fees: 

CAAN has a fee to register a drone license, especially a commercial license. Please pay the fees to submit your application process.

Wait for Approval: 

After submitting your application, CAAN will review your request. This workflow can be done in days/weeks based on the amount of work in your application and the area you may fly over. Applying well in advance of your trip is recommended.

Follow Additional Local Permissions (if applicable): 

If you are flying to specific areas, e.g., national parks, hiking trails, or historical monuments. You will need to get special permission from local civil authorities/park control.

Contact the right authorities for these specific sections. Know how to obtain confirmation of any required permissions.

Receive Your Permit: 

After review and acceptance of your application, CAAN will provide a permit. It is for flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Have a copy of the permit with you in the ready at all times.

Follow Rules During Your Flight: 

Only after obtaining the license are you subject to all aspects of drone flight. You still follow altitude restrictions, no-fly zones, and individual privacy. Non-compliance with the rules results in fines and/or seizure of the drone.

Classifications of Drones in Nepal

Air objects in Nepal are classified on the basis of weight, purpose, and role. Based on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Criteria for revisiting activities will include the classification of drone operations. All to ensure the safety and efficient regulation of drone operations. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different classifications:

Small Drones (Up to 2 Kg): 

These are small unmanned aerial vehicles. They are already used now for leisure or hobby use. They can also be applied to personal use, e.g., photography and videography for holidays, etc. 

For light below 2 kg, usually, no permission is set for recreational flights. However, you need to comply with some general regulations. I.e., flying below 120 m and not flying in prohibited areas.

Medium Drones (2 Kg to 25 Kg):

Often, these unmanned aerial vehicles are used for the following steps of photogrammetry. But it is also for surveying or professional applications. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the above, need to be registered with CAAN. E.g., by means of an authorization for commercial purposes. 

Operators shall provide flight plan data with high accuracy before the flight. They shall obtain flight permission before the flight.

Large Drones (Above 25 Kg): 

The class of drones with weights heavier than 25 kg is defined. They are used, mostly during industrial operations. Likewise, large drones are also for surveyors as well as for mapping and other heavy lift tasks. 

Drones require extensive examination, certification, and approval from the CAAN. The operator will show competence and state the flight of the UAV.

FPV (First-Person View) Drones: 

FPV Drones broadcast video in real time. It is a direct transmission of the videostream of the pilot. These drones are for both recreational and professional applications. 

Operating the FPV unmanned aerial vehicle requires more than permits. The operator is to follow a series of safety procedures. They can obtain the CAAN approval. (e.g., maintaining drone flight within the optical field of view of the operator)

Tips for Traveling with Drones in Nepal

Drones are great devices for taking beautiful images of scenery in Nepal. Some aspects also have to be considered, firstly, to follow the rules. Secondly, to have a safe and enjoyable time. Here are some helpful tips:

Check Drone Regulations Before You Go: 

Before traveling to Nepal, research the latest drone regulations. The CAAN is an associated authority that regulates and rules drone flights. 

There is an associated authority of regulations and rules on drones. They decide which drones can fly and which drones will not be authorized to fly. Make sure you are aware of the no-fly zones, altitude limits, and required permits.

Apply for Permits in Advance: 

Those wanting to operate a drone commercially or use it in restricted areas will need a CAAN permit. It is recommended to start the application process well ahead of the trip to avoid surprises. The processing of an application can already be much longer than originally thought.

Carry Proper Documentation: 

When travelling with your drone, carry all necessary documents. This is a set of information, including your drone registration, insurance, and permit. Well, you will need your passport photocopy. It is of interest that those files are available at hand, as the authorities can ask for them.

Respect Local Privacy Laws: 

Privacy is also maintained in Nepal. While drone flight is legal, it is restricted from flying over private and residential areas. Do not ever take property from others without their permission. Do not try to fly through densely populated places or highly sensitive areas.

Be Aware of No-Fly Zones: 

Locations like airports, military bases, and some historical areas are flight-restricted. For these limitations, you must not fly your drone in restricted areas or airspace. It's illegal or imprisonment to fly in designated restricted zones.

Pack Your Drone Properly: 

To prevent accidents in the air, attach one of two impact boxes to your. Drones are fragile devices. As such, suspension and shock absorption for impacts are provided during transportation. 

Especially if the unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are being flown to a remote site. Here, transport could be a hard landing.

Fly Safely and Responsibly: 

Always fly your drone with care. Maintain line of sight with the drone, do not fly between sunset and sunrise, and keep the drone above 120m (400ft). Strong winds and rain may lead to worrying and potentially dangerous flights.

Avoid Flying Near Airports or Crowds: 

Flying in the pedestrian areas may pose very crucial safety risks. Do not approach these areas at a safe distance in case of unwanted areas, or to not impede air travel.

Understand the Cultural Sensitivity: 

Nepal is a culturally, anthropologically, and historically diverse country. It offers an abundance of music, shrines, and monuments for which millions exist. Pay attention to local customs, and do not fly drones in temples or during rituals. (With the explicit approval of religious authorities, Drone pilots can film sensitive issues.)

Check Local Permissions for Trekking Routes: 

As long as a drone is flying on a trail or in a national park, it may be allowed by the local authority or park ranger. The local authorities need to be consulted before flying in these regions. As such, it is not to violate the rules.

Can I Take a Drone from the USA to Nepal?

Yes, you may fly a drone that flew from the United States to Nepal; however, some things to consider are. First, check the airline's policies regarding drone transport. Transportation of a drone in a protective case in checked baggage is allowed by all air carriers.

But it is recommended that drones be kept in a protective case. Well, if you want to reduce the risk of damage to the drone's equipment during baggage handling.

On arrival in Nepal, you will be asked to operate under Nepalese air law for UAVs. Nepal Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) seeks permission to fly drones. 

A significant number of requests concerned the commercial operations of drones. Do not forget to apply for this permit in advance. Also, bring the required materials with you. You'd need the registration of your drone and insurance details.

Verification of no-fly zones in Nepal is also required. In principle, for instance, almost no control may be possible in some areas. (e.g., near air control facilities). Watch out for these areas to avoid penalties/lawsuits.

Importing a drone from the USA to Nepal can significantly enhance travel experiences. The chance to capture views that would be truly breathtaking to look at. But it is important to take the necessary steps. Get the local regulations prior to this, in other words, to make the travel as effortless as possible.

Restricted Areas for Drone Flying in Nepal

More precisely, in Nepal, there are numerous restricted areas. Here, drones can fly continuously or with a high level of limitation. Well, all according to the granted permit.

Limitations are set due to safety, areas of detectability, and privacy. Drones are restricted in the following areas of Nepal: 

Near Airports: 

Unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited from flying in and around the restricted zones. These include not only airports. It is a nationwide and international air traffic hazard. As such, there are applications to the capabilities of the drone as a source. 

No-fly zones in airport facilities extend from a few hundred meters to 5 km in altitude. The values depend upon the particular airport.

Military and Government Zones: 

Aerial drone flight is restricted above the air for military and government establishments. For example, illegal drone flights over the space in question can result in a fine. It could also lead to jail time or a drone being confiscated. The operator of the drone itself can be legally fined.

Heritage Sites and Religious Areas: 

Many popular heritage sites and religious sites may be restricted to drone flights. Let's say, like Pashupatinath Temple and Lumbini. Such sites are in situ for cultural/religious reasons. Drone aerial taxi operation has the risk of annoying visitors. Likewise, it could also lead to endangering traditional religious acts.

National Parks and Conservation Areas: 

Air law about drones, for example, can be found in regions that are considered national parks. For example, the Everest and Annapurna regions. 

In certain parks, commercial unmanned drone flights are prohibited under special authorization. Drone activities are prohibited in this zone before contacting local public bodies.

Trekking Routes: 

The routes of the popular mountains may be restricted. Considering the need for conserving the natural environment and the local community. Not all places require special permission for the flight of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Private Property:

Flying over private or residential areas without permission is an invasion of privacy. Never fly over private property without permission in Nepal.

Drone Permits Cost in Nepal

The cost of getting a drone license in Nepal varies depending on various factors. Yes, including the kind of drone, the reason for flying the drone, and the area of flight. 

The Drone fee is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Here’s a general breakdown of the permit costs:

Recreational Drone Permits: 

The license may require circumvention in all cases of private or noncommercial use. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is carried at a maximum take-off mass. That's less than 2kg and is behaving in a free-flight mode over the airspace. 

The cost or access limitations (e.g., national parks or hiking areas) it is also quite low. It will cost about NPR 2,000 to NPR 5,000 (equivalent to USD 15 to USD 40).

Commercial Drone Permits: 

Commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) applications for photo, video, and survey. They can cause the cost of permits to rise. Normally, a more complex application process and flight plan submission are required. 

Permit fees for commercial unmanned aerial systems are as low as NPR 10,000 to NPR 20,000. (i.e., U.S. $75 to U.S. $150). And vary with the use case and registration zone.

Special Permissions for Restricted Areas: 

You will probably need extra authorisations from local authorities. If you want to fly in controlled zones. For example, in national parks or protected sites, or in very high areas.

Commodities for which licenses may be given can have variable fees. In some cases, fees may vary depending on how/where things are done by unmanned aerial systems, etc. 

Expenses are predicted to vary in the amount between NPR 5,000 and NPR 10,000 (i.e., USD 40 to USD 75) for specific areas.

Drones in Trekking Regions of Nepal

Flying a drone over trekking sites in Nepal is a novel trend. It delivers a snapshot of the stunning scenery of magnificent mountains and valleys. And the pretty scenery captured by it. In some of these, however, there are restrictions and regulations on drone flight, etc.

Most trekking areas bear a drone flight restriction. Here, drone navigation is allowed only after obtaining permission from local authorities. As well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

Here, in these areas, drone pilots need to apply for a specific work permit. Well, if their satellite images are going to be sold for commercial purposes. Taking professional photographs and videos is doable in Nepal. 

Applications tend to be submitted on an individual case basis. And the approval process is time-consuming. Hence, applications should be made as soon as possible.

In recreational drone flying, permission may still be necessary. For flying near some scenic areas or in protected areas such as national parks.

Additionally, drones should not disturb wildlife or local communities. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for flights over towns or for aerial observation of crowds of walkers is likely to be hazardous and fraught. 

Operators have to fly the drones at their maximum operational altitude. (below 120 m as a rule of thumb). They are not to fly where it is strictly prohibited (for religious purposes).

To guarantee safe and appropriate travel, tourists need to understand the local customs. Follow all the advice to uphold the Nepali landscape and the community's rights.