In this guide
The exhibition calendar in Kathmandu clusters around a few key venues, but the city itself acts as a gateway for exhibitors targeting Nepal and neighboring markets. With events spanning general trade, energy, construction, food, healthcare, technology, and tourism, the city offers a compressed view of Nepal’s priority sectors.
This guide compares ten trade shows, from the 400-exhibitor Nepal International Trade Fair to the 70-exhibitor Nepal Tourism Expo. Dates for most editions are listed as 2026, though some remain unconfirmed; always verify with organisers before committing resources.
For exhibitors, Kathmandu is less about venue prestige and more about access: to decision-makers, distributors, and regional buyers who converge here. The following sections break down each event, compare scale and audience, and suggest how to measure your return.
Why Kathmandu Works as a Host City for Regional Trade
Kathmandu’s strength as a trade show host lies in its role as Nepal’s political and commercial capital. The city concentrates decision-makers from government, industry associations, and major companies. For exhibitors, this means access to a national audience in one location. The events listed span ten industries, from general trade to tourism, reflecting the city’s diverse economic base.
Geography also plays a part. Nepal shares borders with India and China, and Kathmandu serves as a meeting point for regional buyers and sellers. While the supplied data does not detail international attendance, the presence of global brands like Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Siemens suggests an international outlook. Exhibitors can use these events to test products, find distributors, and study competitors.
Infrastructure is improving, with venues hosting multiple events throughout the year. However, the data does not specify venues, so confirm locations with organisers. The city’s compact size makes it easy to combine business with site visits or meetings. For a regional gateway strategy, Kathmandu offers a low-cost entry point compared to larger Asian hubs.
Trade Shows in Kathmandu: The 2026 Calendar
1. Nepal International Trade Fair
Largest general trade fair with 400 exhibitors
- Dates unconfirmed: February 2026
- Industry: General Trade
- Exhibitors: 400+
- Official website
As the widest-ranging event in Kathmandu, this fair draws exhibitors from aviation to telecom, consumer goods, and beyond. The presence of names like Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Telecom, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Ncell indicates a cross-industry audience. For a first foray into Nepal, it offers a broad sample of buyers and partners. However, with 400 exhibitors, standing out requires a clear proposition. The February 2026 date is unconfirmed, so confirm timing before planning.
Best for: Broad market entry and brand visibility
2. Nepal Energy Summit
Energy summit with 300 exhibitors and technical focus
- Supplied past edition: September 10-12, 2026
- Industry: Energy
- Exhibitors: 300+
- Official website
This September event positions itself as a summit, suggesting a conference-led format alongside exhibits. With 300 exhibitors, it is the second-largest on the list. The energy sector in Nepal is undergoing reform, and this gathering attracts companies involved in generation, transmission, and distribution. Exhibitors listed as Company X, Y, Z, W, and V are placeholders in the supplied data; actual participation should be confirmed. For suppliers of equipment or services, the summit offers a concentrated audience of energy professionals.
Best for: Energy sector networking and project leads
3. Nepal Build Expo
Construction expo with 250 exhibitors covering real estate
- Dates unconfirmed: April 2026
- Industry: Construction & Real Estate
- Exhibitors: 250+
- Official website
Nepal’s construction sector is active, and this expo reflects that with 250 exhibitors. Names like Nepal Construction Company, Shree Harsha, Gorkha Builders, Nepal Steel, and Saurya Energy suggest a mix of contractors, materials suppliers, and energy firms. The April 2026 timing aligns with the pre-monsoon building season. Exhibitors should note that the venue is not specified in the supplied data, so check with organisers. This event suits those targeting infrastructure projects and real estate development.
Best for: Building materials, machinery, and property developers
4. Nepal Food & Beverage Expo
Food and beverage expo with 200 exhibitors
- Dates unconfirmed: August 2026
- Industry: Food & Beverage
- Exhibitors: 200+
- Official website
With 200 exhibitors, this August event focuses on food and beverage. The presence of Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Olam, Unilever, and Nepal Beverages indicates a mix of global and local players. Kathmandu’s hospitality sector and retail chains send buyers here. For exporters of specialty foods or suppliers of processing equipment, the expo provides a targeted audience. August is monsoon season, so factor in potential travel disruptions. The 2026 date is unconfirmed; verify with the organiser.
Best for: F&B brands, ingredients, and packaging suppliers
5. Nepal Health Expo
Healthcare expo with 150 exhibitors and medical device focus
- Dates unconfirmed: September 2026
- Industry: Healthcare
- Exhibitors: 150+
- Official website
Nepal’s healthcare sector is expanding, and this September expo brings together 150 exhibitors. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Medtronic, Siemens Healthineers, and Nepal Mediciti are listed, indicating a mix of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The audience includes hospital administrators, distributors, and clinicians. For suppliers of medical technology or consumables, this is a focused opportunity. The event is smaller than the general trade fair but offers a more qualified audience. Confirm the 2026 dates with the organiser.
Best for: Medical equipment, pharma, and hospital suppliers
6. Nepal Agriculture Expo
Agriculture expo with 120 exhibitors and input suppliers
- Dates unconfirmed: January 2026
- Industry: Agriculture & Food
- Exhibitors: 120+
- Official website
Held in January 2026, this expo targets Nepal’s agriculture sector with 120 exhibitors. Names like Olam, Cargill, Syngenta, Bayer, and Nepal Agro suggest a focus on seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. The timing coincides with the winter cropping season. For exhibitors of farm machinery or irrigation systems, the event draws commercial farmers and cooperatives. As with all events here, the date is unconfirmed; check before booking travel.
Best for: Agri-inputs, machinery, and agro-processing
7. Nepal ICT Expo
ICT expo with 100 exhibitors and telecom players
- Dates unconfirmed: November 2026
- Industry: Technology
- Exhibitors: 100+
- Official website
November’s ICT expo features 100 exhibitors, including Huawei, Microsoft, Ncell, Nepal Telecom, and Smart Telecom. The event reflects Nepal’s growing digital economy, with interest in fintech, e-government, and mobile services. Exhibitors of software, cloud services, or hardware can meet systems integrators and enterprise buyers. The scale is moderate, allowing for more in-depth conversations. The 2026 date is unconfirmed, so verify with the organiser before finalizing plans.
Best for: Software, hardware, and telecom solutions
8. Nepal Textile & Garment Expo
Textile and garment expo with 90 exhibitors
- Dates unconfirmed: October 2026
- Industry: Textiles & Apparel
- Exhibitors: 90+
- Official website
October’s textile and garment expo hosts 90 exhibitors. The listed names include H&M, Zara, Adidas, Levi’s, and the Nepal Garment Manufacturers Association, indicating a mix of international brands and local industry. Nepal has a garment export history, and this event connects manufacturers with buyers and suppliers. For exhibitors of fabrics, trims, or sewing equipment, the expo offers a specialized audience. The smaller scale means less foot traffic but higher relevance. Confirm the 2026 dates with the organiser.
Best for: Apparel manufacturers and textile machinery
9. Nepal Renewable Energy Conference
Renewable energy conference with 80 exhibitors
- Dates unconfirmed: March 2026
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Exhibitors: 80+
- Official website
March’s renewable energy conference brings together 80 exhibitors, including Siemens, GE Renewable Energy, Total, Enel, and EDP Renewables. The event focuses on Nepal’s hydro and solar potential. Exhibitors of turbines, solar panels, or energy storage can engage with project developers and policymakers. The conference format likely includes sessions, though these are not detailed in the supplied data. The 2026 date is unconfirmed; check with the organiser for specifics.
Best for: Solar, hydro, and clean energy technologies
10. Nepal Tourism Expo
Tourism expo with 70 exhibitors and hospitality focus
- Dates unconfirmed: December 2026
- Industry: Tourism & Hospitality
- Exhibitors: 70+
- Official website
December’s tourism expo is the smallest on the list with 70 exhibitors. Names like Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Nepal Tourism Board, and Traveloka indicate a mix of hospitality brands and online travel agencies. The event targets Nepal’s tourism recovery, with interest in adventure travel and cultural tourism. Exhibitors of hospitality services or travel technology can meet tour operators and hoteliers. The intimate scale allows for deeper networking. The 2026 date is unconfirmed, so verify before committing.
Best for: Hotels, tour operators, and travel tech
Event details reflect supplied records and have not been independently verified for this guide. Always confirm on the official event website before booking travel or stand space.
Comparing Scale and Audience Across Kathmandu Events
Exhibitor numbers in the supplied data range from 70 to 400. The Nepal International Trade Fair is the largest, with 400 exhibitors, followed by the Energy Summit (300) and Build Expo (250). The smallest are the Tourism Expo (70) and Renewable Energy Conference (80). Scale matters for visibility and foot traffic, but smaller events often deliver more qualified audiences.
Audience profiles vary by industry. The Trade Fair attracts a broad mix, while the Health Expo draws medical professionals. The ICT Expo appeals to tech buyers and telecom operators. The Textile Expo connects garment manufacturers with brands. The Agriculture Expo targets farmers and agribusinesses. The Renewable Energy Conference focuses on project developers and policymakers.
Use the table below to compare exhibitor counts and industries. Note that these are supplied figures; actual participation may differ. Always verify with organisers.
| Event | Industry | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal International Trade Fair | General Trade | 400 |
| Nepal Energy Summit | Energy | 300 |
| Nepal Build Expo | Construction & Real Estate | 250 |
| Nepal Food & Beverage Expo | Food & Beverage | 200 |
| Nepal Health Expo | Healthcare | 150 |
| Nepal Agriculture Expo | Agriculture & Food | 120 |
| Nepal ICT Expo | Technology | 100 |
| Nepal Textile & Garment Expo | Textiles & Apparel | 90 |
| Nepal Renewable Energy Conference | Renewable Energy | 80 |
| Nepal Tourism Expo | Tourism & Hospitality | 70 |
Consider the audience quality over quantity. A smaller expo may yield better leads if your target segment is niche.
Combining Two Kathmandu Events in One Trip
If you plan to exhibit or visit multiple events, combining two in one trip can save time and cost. The 2026 calendar offers several pairings. For example, the Agriculture Expo in January and the Trade Fair in February could be combined, though both dates are unconfirmed. Similarly, the Build Expo in April and the Textile Expo in October are months apart, but the Renewable Energy Conference in March and the Health Expo in September might align with a longer stay.
Before combining, check the confirmed dates with each organiser. The supplied data lists months but not specific days for most events, so overlapping is possible. Create a simple matrix of events by month:
- January: Agriculture Expo
- February: Trade Fair
- March: Renewable Energy Conference
- April: Build Expo
- August: Food & Beverage Expo
- September: Energy Summit, Health Expo
- October: Textile & Garment Expo
- November: ICT Expo
- December: Tourism Expo
Two events in September—the Energy Summit and Health Expo—could be attended in one trip if dates do not clash. Verify timing. Also consider travel logistics: Kathmandu’s airport is the main entry point, and internal transport is manageable. Budget for accommodation in advance, as September is peak tourist season.
Measuring Results After a Kathmandu Trade Show
Exhibiting is an investment, so measure returns systematically. Start with lead capture: record every meaningful conversation with contact details and notes. Use a simple scoring system (hot, warm, cold) based on budget, authority, need, and timeline. After the event, follow up within a week while your brand is fresh.
Track metrics beyond leads: booth traffic, cost per lead, and conversion to meetings. For a smaller event like the Tourism Expo (70 exhibitors), you might set a target of 50 qualified conversations. For a larger fair like the International Trade Fair (400 exhibitors), aim for volume but qualify harder. Compare results across events to decide where to reinvest.
Also gather qualitative feedback: Was the audience right? Did the venue work? Did competitors show? Use this to refine your next appearance. Set a 30-day review to assess pipeline impact. Remember, these are illustrative scenarios—your results depend on your offer and execution. No outcome is guaranteed. Keep a record of organiser communications for future planning.
Kathmandu Trade Shows: Frequently Asked Questions
Are the dates for the Kathmandu trade shows in 2026 confirmed?
Most events list months in 2026, but the supplied data marks many as unconfirmed. The Energy Summit has a specific date range (September 10-12, 2026) but is marked as past. Always check with the organiser before booking travel or making commitments. The information here is based on supplied records and has not been independently verified.
Which Kathmandu event has the most exhibitors?
According to supplied records, the Nepal International Trade Fair lists 400 exhibitors, the highest among the ten events. The Energy Summit follows with 300, and the Build Expo with 250. However, exhibitor counts are supplied figures and may not reflect current or future participation. Verify with organisers.
What industries are covered by Kathmandu trade shows?
The events span General Trade, Energy, Construction & Real Estate, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Agriculture & Food, Technology, Textiles & Apparel, Renewable Energy, and Tourism & Hospitality. This diversity reflects Kathmandu's role as a regional hub. Each event targets a specific sector, so choose based on your product or service.
Can I attend two Kathmandu trade shows in one trip?
Possibly, if dates align. For instance, the Energy Summit and Health Expo both occur in September 2026, but the specific days for the Health Expo are unconfirmed. Check with each organiser to see if schedules overlap. Combining events can save travel costs, but plan carefully to avoid conflicts.
What should I do to prepare for a Kathmandu trade show?
Start by confirming dates and venue with the organiser. Then define your objectives, design your booth, and schedule meetings. For international exhibitors, arrange visas and logistics early. Use the event to study competitors and gather market intelligence. After the show, follow up with leads promptly and measure your return on investment.
Is Kathmandu a good gateway for South Asian markets?
Kathmandu's central location and concentration of national decision-makers make it a practical entry point for Nepal. While the supplied data does not detail regional attendance, the presence of global brands suggests an international outlook. Use these events to test products and build networks before expanding to larger markets.
Your next step: shortlist two or three events that match your sector, then contact the organisers directly to confirm dates, venue, and participation details. Use the comparison table to weigh scale against audience fit. With careful planning, Kathmandu’s trade shows can be a cost-effective gateway to Nepal and beyond.