How to Register a Domain in Nepal: Complete 2026 Guide

Registering your first domain in Nepal is simpler than you think. This guide walks through every step — from choosing an extension to completing payment — so you can launch your website with confidence.

Step 1: Choose Your Domain Extension

The first decision is which extension (TLD) fits your needs. The most common choices for Nepal businesses:

• .com — Universal credibility, recognized globally. Best for businesses targeting customers outside Nepal or planning international expansion. रू1,499/year at TLDNepal.
• .com.np — Free domain for Nepal-registered businesses and individuals. Shows local commitment but requires verification documents. Processing takes 2-5 business days.
• .org — Traditionally for non-profits but available to anyone. रू1,199/year, lower than .com.
• .net — Originally for network infrastructure, now a general alternative. रू1,799/year.
• .online, .xyz, .info — Budget options starting at रू199. Good for side projects or testing, but watch renewal prices (often much higher than first year).

Step 2: Check Domain Availability

Once you have a name in mind, check if it's available. Most registrars (including TLDNepal) have a search tool on their homepage. Enter your desired name and the system will instantly tell you if it's taken.

If your first choice is unavailable:

• Try a different extension (.net instead of .com)
• Add a location keyword (nepalstudio, kathmanducafe)
• Use a hyphen (my-domain instead of mydomain)
• Rethink the name — a better name available is better than your first choice taken

Step 3: Add the Domain to Your Cart

When you find an available domain, add it to your cart. You'll typically see:

• Registration period — Most domains register for 1 year minimum. You can often prepay for multiple years, which locks in current pricing and prevents accidental expiration.
• WHOIS privacy — This hides your personal contact information from public WHOIS databases. At TLDNepal, it's included free. Other registrars charge रू500-रू800/year. Always enable it.
• Auto-renewal — Prevents accidental expiration. Enable this to avoid losing your domain when the year ends.

Step 4: Create an Account

You'll need to create an account with the registrar to manage your domain. Required information typically includes:

• Full name
• Email address (use one you check regularly)
• Phone number
• Billing address

This contact information is used for domain ownership records and renewal reminders. If you've enabled WHOIS privacy, the public won't see this information.

Step 5: Complete Payment

Nepal registrars typically accept:

• eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay — Most common for Nepal customers
• Bank transfer — Available but slower (1-2 day verification)
• Credit/debit cards — Visa, Mastercard accepted by most registrars

After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email. The domain is now registered under your account.

Step 6: Configure Your Domain

Once registered, you need to point the domain to your website. This is done through DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Two common approaches:

Option A: Point to web hosting — If you have web hosting (like cPanel or a cloud server), your hosting provider will give you nameservers or an IP address. You enter these in your domain's DNS settings. Changes take 4-48 hours to propagate.

Option B: Use a website builder — Services like WordPress.com, Wix, or Shopify provide instructions for connecting your custom domain. Usually involves adding CNAME records or changing nameservers.

What Happens After Registration?

Your domain is active immediately after payment, but:

• DNS changes take 4-48 hours to propagate globally. Your site may not load immediately.
• You'll receive renewal reminders 30-60 days before expiration. Enable auto-renewal to avoid service interruption.
• WHOIS privacy may take 24 hours to activate. Your contact information is temporarily public during this window.

Common First-Time Mistakes

• Not enabling WHOIS privacy — Your email and phone number become spam targets
• Using a temporary email — You'll lose access to renewal notices
• Forgetting to set up DNS — Domain registered but website doesn't load
• Not enabling auto-renewal — Domain expires, someone else registers it
• Choosing .com when .com.np fits better — Waste रू1,499 when free option exists

Next Steps

After your domain is registered and DNS is configured, you're ready to build your website. Whether that's WordPress, a custom site, or an online store — your domain is the foundation of your online presence.

View TLDNepal pricing or compare registrars to get started.