How to Buy Gold in Nepal: FENEGOSIDA Rate & Tips

The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association (FENEGOSIDA) sets Nepal's daily gold rate, based on the international spot price and the exchange rate, and publishes it for 24K (chhapawal) and 22K (tejabi) gold. Every jeweller in Nepal quotes against the FENEGOSIDA rate.

The Nepalese rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee, so the exchange-rate difference between Nepal and India is fixed — the rate gap between the two countries is driven by supply and premium, not by currency. Before you buy, check the day's FENEGOSIDA rate — the live rate strip at the top of this page shows the current rate.

Nepal's gold imports are regulated by the central bank (Nepal Rastra Bank), which sets import quotas. When the quota is tight relative to demand — during wedding season or festivals — the domestic premium rises, and Nepal's rate moves above the international price. When supply is ample, the gap narrows.

For buyers, this means the best time to buy is when supply is ample and the premium is low — typically outside the wedding and festival peaks. If the premium is high, waiting a few weeks for the next quota can save real money on a large purchase.

Nepal quotes gold per tola (11.6638 grams) — the traditional South Asian unit. FENEGOSIDA publishes the rate per tola for 24K and 22K gold, and jewellers quote in tolas. Per-gram prices are derived by dividing the tola rate by 11.6638.

22K (tejabi) is the standard jewellery karat in Nepal, as it is across South Asia. 24K (chhapawal) is sold as bars and coins for investment. When comparing with international prices, convert to US dollars per gram.

Making charges in Nepal are negotiable, as they are across South Asia. Plain pieces should carry low making charges; intricate bridal work carries higher ones. Always ask for the making charge separately, compare it between shops, and negotiate.

Buy from established jewellers in Kathmandu (New Road, Asan), Pokhara or Biratnagar, and ask for the karat in writing on the receipt. For a large purchase, consider having the piece tested independently. A jeweller with a long local history is your best protection — reputation matters more than any certificate in the Nepalese market.

Kathmandu's New Road and Asan are the heart of Nepal's gold trade, with dense concentrations of jewellers where competition keeps making charges honest. Pokhara's Lakeside and Mahendrapool areas and Biratnagar's main bazaar have their own established jewellery markets.

For investment gold, 24K bars and coins from established jewellers carry the lowest premium over the FENEGOSIDA rate and are the simplest to resell. Keep the receipt — it proves the karat and the weight, and it makes resale faster.