Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dharan, a city in eastern Nepal, known for its natural beauty and diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | About 150,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 132 NPR, local currency is Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Many ATMs available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Ncell and Nepal Telecom; reasonable plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are accepted widely; some banks might require foreigner registration. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local rentals through services like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred; some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Dharan Hotel, average price around $15-20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Shree Harsha Nagar and local areas close to the city center. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center and along the East-West Highway, with access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Kahani Cafe, offering a comfortable space for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Jatra, good Wi-Fi and an inviting atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at local cafes and community centers to connect with other expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook group 'Dharan Expats' regularly coordinates events and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Tuk-tuk for local rides; no major on-demand apps present. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local shops; average rental is around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dharan does not have beaches, but it is close to Dhankuta, about 2 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Yeti Airlines for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines via Kathmandu. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the East-West Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dharan Bus Stop serves as the main hub for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; fares are paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities like Biratnagar, Itahari, and Kathmandu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, offering comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Dharan Yoga Center provides various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24/7, with monthly memberships available around $15. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; pricing around NPR 100-200 for standard laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodmandu is available for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Momo (dumplings) and Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup) are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plenty of vegetarian food options available at local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Various local sweet shops, try 'Kanchhi Sweets' for unique flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as Dharan Bazaar, for fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz is popular for online shopping in Nepal. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery, not widely available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Most nightlife is found in local bars on Main Road. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local craft beers are becoming popular, with 'Dharan Brewery' being notable. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; however, some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls near the bus station providing snacks like Chow Mein. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are Indian and Chinese restaurants prevalent throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bhanu Bhakta Park and Budhichal Mandir are notable sights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Dharan Museum showcases local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Palace of the erstwhile kings in nearby towns like Itahari. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various temples including Pashupatinath Temple nearby. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dashain and Tihar festivals draw crowds and celebrations in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Dharan's Old Bazzar is rich in local culture and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theatres host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Dharan Bazaar is a bustling area for retail and street food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands perform in various cafes and bars throughout Dharan. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Glimpses of local artistry can be found throughout the old town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local coop offer cooking classes focusing on Nepali cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small exhibitions held by locals in cafes and community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various temples and administrative buildings showcase local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Dharan is known for its diverse mix of ethnic cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Simi River offers serene hiking and picnicking spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is about 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the rivers provide scenic walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints on hills surrounding Dharan provide stunning sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Koshi Barrage area is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor spaces near river banks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops fixing mobile phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have tables, such as Bhanu Bhakta Park. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer Nepali language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local public library located in the city center. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers organize classes and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming cafes available in the city, meeting spaces for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options due to cultural regulations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NPR 4,500,000 per 1BHK apartment, good investment for locals. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NPR 3,500,000 per 1BHK apartment in outskirts. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NPR 5,000,000 for a 1BHK apartment in city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NPR 4,000,000 in suburban areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NPR 6,500,000 for a 2BHK apartment. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NPR 5,500,000 for suburban 2BHK. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for businesses incorporated in Nepal. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend withholding tax for local entities. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 36%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT applies at 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in Nepalese law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax based on value assessed by local government. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Rates around 1% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax advantages; residents subject to local income tax. |