Nepal Time (NPT): A Unique Time Zone in the Himalayas

Sushil Tiwari 21st Apr, 2025

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Nepal Time (NPT) is the official time zone of Nepal and follows a unique time offset of UTC +5:45. It’s one of the few time zones in the world with a 45-minute offset and reflects Nepal's cultural identity and independence.

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Why UTC +5:45?

Nepal adopted this offset in 1986, based on the longitude of Gaurishankar Mountain (86°15′ E), east of Kathmandu. The 15-minute difference from neighboring India (UTC +5:30) is symbolic of Nepal’s sovereignty and geographic centrality.

Time Differences Between Nepal and Other Countries

City	Standard Time	Difference from Nepal
New Delhi, India	UTC +5:30	–15 minutes
Bangkok, Thailand	UTC +7:00	+1 hr 15 min
Beijing, China	UTC +8:00	+2 hr 15 min
London, UK	UTC +0:00	–5 hr 45 min
New York, USA	UTC –5:00	–10 hr 45 min
Tokyo, Japan	UTC +9:00	+3 hr 15 min
Sydney, Australia	UTC +10:00	+4 hr 15 min

How to Set Nepal Time on Devices

On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Date & Time → Time Zone → Search “Kathmandu”
On Android: Settings → System → Date & Time → Time Zone → Search “Nepal”
On Windows: Date & Time Settings → Select (UTC +05:45) Kathmandu
On Mac: System Settings → Date & Time → Choose Kathmandu

Daily Life and Business in Nepal Time

Nepal Time shapes the daily rhythm of life and work. Here’s how:

Activity	Typical Time (NPT)
Government Offices	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Banks	10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Shops	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Schools/Colleges	6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Trekking Departures	4:00 AM – 6:00 AM

Fun Facts About Nepal Time

Nepal is one of only two places with a 45-minute time offset.
There is no daylight saving time in Nepal.
It reflects both national pride and practical geography.

Conclusion

Nepal Time (NPT) is more than just a clock setting — it reflects the geography, culture, and independence of Nepal. Whether you're visiting, working remotely, or doing business, being aware of Nepal’s unique time zone helps you sync with its natural and social rhythm.