When starting a business in Lakeside, New Road, or anywhere in the Gandaki region, one of the first technical hurdles you face is choosing your digital identity. The debate usually boils down to two contenders: the globally recognized .com and the locally prestigious .np.
As a Senior Technical Content Strategist, the question I am asked most frequently is: “Nalesh, which one will help me rank #1 on Google in Pokhara?” The answer isn’t as simple as picking one over the other; it depends on your target audience, your brand’s future, and specific SEO signals. In this 2026 guide, we break down the technicalities of both to help you decide.
1. The SEO Perspective: Geotargeting & Relevance
Google’s algorithm uses a process called Geotargeting. When a user in Pokhara searches for “Best Trekking Agency,” Google wants to show local results.
The .NP Advantage (ccTLD)
The .np extension is a Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). By default, it tells search engines that your website is specifically relevant to the Nepali market. This gives you a slight “local boost” in search results within Nepal’s borders.
If you decide to go local, follow our Free .NP Registration Guide to get started without any government-fee hurdles.
The .COM Advantage (gTLD)
The .com extension is a Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD). While it doesn’t have an inherent local boost, it has “Global Authority.” If your Pokhara-based business aims to attract international tourists from Europe or the US, a .com is often seen as more trustworthy by Google’s global index.
2. Trust and User Perception in Pokhara
In 2026, Nepali internet users have become more sophisticated.
- Local Trust: A .np domain signals that you are a registered Nepali entity. It creates a sense of accountability. Users know that to get a .np, you had to provide official documents (Citizenship or Company Registration).
- Commercial Authority: The .com remains the “Gold Standard” for e-commerce. It feels established and professional.
- Quick Reference: To see the latest market rates for international extensions, check our Domain Name Prices in Nepal 2026 Comparison.
3. Technical Performance: Hosting Matters More Than the Name
A common myth is that the domain extension affects website speed. This is false. Your ranking in Pokhara is influenced more by where your files are stored than whether your site ends in .com or .np.
If you have a .com domain but your server is in New York, your site will load slowly for a user in Pokhara, hurting your SEO.
Pair your domain with our Fastest Java VPS Hosting in Nepal to ensure that regardless of the extension, your site loads in under a second.
4. Scalability: Thinking Beyond Gandaki
If your vision is to stay a local service provider in Pokhara, .np is excellent. However, if you plan to scale your software agency or e-commerce brand to international markets later, a .com offers much better flexibility.
Agencies looking to scale should read our guide on Reseller Hosting and WHMCS to see how they can offer both options to their clients.
5. Security & Ownership
Registering a .com is instant and anonymous. Registering a .np requires a manual review by Mercantile. This extra step actually acts as a security layer, preventing unauthorized “cybersquatting” on your brand name in Nepal.
Security is vital for local businesses. Learn more in our guide: 7 Signs Your Business Needs a Professional IT Partner.
Exhaustive FAQ: .COM vs .NP in the Nepali Market
Q1: Can I rank #1 in Pokhara with a .com domain? A: Absolutely. While .np has a local geotargeting signal, high-quality content, local backlinks, and fast hosting (like PokharaHost) can easily make a .com outrank a .np.
Q2: Is .np really free for life? A: Yes, currently the official .np registry doesn’t charge a registration or renewal fee. However, you must provide valid Nepali documentation.
Q3: Can I have both a .com and a .np? A: This is the pro-level strategy. Register both, use the .com as your main site, and redirect the .np to it. This protects your brand and captures both local and global trust.
Q4: Which one is better for Local SEO and Google Maps? A: For Google Business Profile (Maps) rankings in Pokhara, .np often shows a slightly higher relevance for “Near Me” searches.
Master your local presence with our Complete Local SEO Guide for Nepali Businesses.
Q5: Does moving from .com to .np hurt my SEO? A: If not done correctly with 301 redirects, yes. You will lose your “Domain Authority” built over the years. Always consult an IT Consultant in Pokhara before changing domains.
Q6: Are there any other local extensions? A: Yes, you can get .edu.np, .org.np, or .com.np. Each has specific requirements but follows the same SEO rules as the standard .np.
Q7: Why do some .com domains cost more in Nepal? A: Prices vary based on the dollar exchange rate and the registrar’s service fees. At PokharaHost, we keep our margins thin to support local startups.
Conclusion: The Verdict
- Choose .NP if: Your business is 100% focused on the Nepali market, you want to save on registration costs, and you want a local trust signal.
- Choose .COM if: You have global ambitions, want a commercially standard identity, and don’t mind paying the annual renewal fee.
In the end, Google ranks content and speed over extensions.
Still undecided? Contact PokharaHost and let Nalesh Bhandari analyze your business goals. We’ll help you register the perfect domain and provide the high-speed hosting you need to dominate the Pokhara search results.
