Technology has significantly transformed photography and videography. With rapid advancements in science and imaging tools, drones have become a widely used device for capturing aerial visuals that were previously impossible using traditional equipment.

Drone Cameras and Their Use in Nepal

A drone is a remotely operated aircraft controlled via radio communication. Drone photography allows creators to capture wide, elevated, and otherwise inaccessible viewpoints.
Flying a drone in Nepal is not illegal, but it is strictly regulated. Operators must follow the rules issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). Unauthorized flights may result in seizure of equipment, fines, or legal action.

All drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with CAAN, and most flights require prior permission depending on location, purpose, weight, and altitude.

Drone Policy in Major Trekking Regions of Nepal

Trekkers increasingly want to carry drones for documenting their adventures. While drones are allowed in many trekking areas, each region has its own additional restrictions, security requirements, and local approval practices.
Below is a short, clear summary for each major Himalayan region.

Everest (Khumbu Region)

Local permit required from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
Flights near Lukla Airport and Namche Bazaar are highly restricted.
Flying inside Sagarmatha National Park requires additional park approval.
Drones above 120m or near settlements require CAAN authorization.

Annapurna Region

Drone flights require approval from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the local municipality.
Busy settlements (Ghandruk, Manang, Jomsom) demand extra caution and often local permissions.
High-altitude areas like Thorong La are not controlled zones but require CAAN safety compliance.

Langtang Region

Must obtain permission from the Langtang National Park office + local municipality.
Restricted areas exist near military posts and sensitive borders.
Villages like Syabrubesi and Kyanjin Gompa may enforce additional local rules.

Manaslu Region

Drone use requires approval from:
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)
- Local Rural Municipality
Due to its restricted trekking access, expect stricter checks from local police and security forces.
Flights near Tibetan border areas are monitored and may require additional security clearance.

Kanchenjunga Region

Highly regulated due to sensitive border proximity.
Requires:
- Local municipality permission
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) approval
- Possible police/army security clearance
CAAN may require a formal flight plan for higher-risk zones.

Drone Policy for Trekking Peaks and Climbing Expeditions

Drones used on climbing peaks, expedition mountains, and high-altitude base camps fall under stricter rules due to airspace and rescue concerns.

For Trekking Peaks (e.g., Mera Peak, Island Peak, Lobuche East, Pisang Peak)

Trekkers must obtain drone approval from:
- Local municipality
- Conservation area or national park (e.g., Sagarmatha, Makalu-Barun, Annapurna)
Flights above 120m or in glacial zones may require extra CAAN permission.
Drone use must not interfere with helicopter rescue operations, which are frequent in these zones.

For Big Mountain Expeditions (8,000m & 7,000m peaks)

Mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu, etc., follow expedition-level regulations:

Required approvals:

Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) – security clearance
CAAN – high-altitude UAV operation permit
Department of Tourism (DoT) – for expedition-recorded flights
Local conservation authority – National Park/Conservation license

Key Rules:

Drone flights near expedition base camps require coordination with expedition liaison officers (LOs).
Pilots must avoid all helicopter routes and landing zones.
High-altitude wind and thin air reduce drone performance—operators must ensure drone capability at altitude.
Certain mountains may impose temporary drone bans depending on rescue activities or military directives.

Short Summary for Trekkers & Climbers

You must take local + conservation area permissions in any trekking region.
CAAN registration is mandatory for drones above 250g.
Higher-risk areas (border regions, national parks, expedition mountains) require security clearance and CAAN flight permits.
Never fly near airports, military checkpoints, or helicopter rescue zones.
Always follow the standard 120m altitude limit unless CAAN grants special approval.

Current Guidelines for Drone Use in Nepal

1. Drone Registration

All drones above 250g must be registered with CAAN.
After registration, CAAN issues a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for the drone.

2. Altitude and Permission Requirements

Up to 120 meters (400 feet): Standard maximum altitude for most drone operations with necessary approvals.
Beyond 120 meters: Requires explicit approval from CAAN and relevant government bodies.
Below 250g drones: Do not need CAAN registration but must follow safety and no-fly zone rules.

3. Area-Based Flight Permissions

Flights in public spaces generally require local administrative approval (municipality/ward).
Commercial flights, flights above 120m, or flights near sensitive zones require formal CAAN authorization.
Higher-risk flights or foreign operators may require security clearance and MoHA approval.

4. Exceptions

Recreational flights in open, non-sensitive areas with small drones (below 250g) may not require prior administrative approval, but safety rules still apply.
Universities and research institutions may operate drones under controlled conditions near their premises but must inform the nearest police station.

Restricted and No-Fly Zones in Nepal

Drone operations are strictly prohibited in and around:

Airports: Minimum 5 km radius from airports and airfields
Government complexes:
- Singha Durbar
- Office/Residence of President, Vice President, and Prime Minister
Security installations:
- 1 km radius from Nepal Army facilities
- 500 m radius from other security agencies
Major religious and cultural sites:
- Swayambhunath
- Pashupatinath
- Bouddhanath
- Budhanilkantha
- Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares
Sensitive public areas such as Maitighar Mandala

Always check with local authorities as additional temporary restrictions may apply.

Safety Tips for Flying Drones in Nepal

Obtain all necessary permits before flying.
Do not fly over crowds, public gatherings, or private property without consent.
Respect privacy laws at all times.
Fly only during daylight and in good weather.
Keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS), up to a recommended 500 m horizontal distance.
Maintain a minimum 5 km distance from airports.
Verify whether drones are allowed in specific temples, heritage sites, and restricted zones.
Consider altitude limits, as thin air at high elevations may affect drone performance.

Permit Process for Flying a Drone in Nepal

The process varies based on drone weight, purpose, and operator type. In general:

Obtain local approval
- Apply at the municipality or ward office of the area you intend to fly.
Security clearance (if required)
- Some districts request police or CDO recommendation for flights in sensitive zones.
Apply to CAAN
- Submit registration documents, approval letters, flight plan, and identification details.
- Commercial and high-altitude flights require CAAN’s formal permit.
For foreign nationals
- Additional approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs is required.
- Drone import must be declared at customs.

No one is allowed to fly a drone or UAV in Nepal without approval when required by law. Unauthorized operation can result in the drone being confiscated.