Looking for a manicure and pedicure in Kathmandu and trying to work out why one salon charges NPR 800 and another NPR 4,500 for what sounds like the same thing? The difference is almost never the polish. It is whether the treatment is wet or dry, whether the tools are sterilised or shared, and how long the appointment actually runs. This is our full 2026 price list with what each treatment includes, so you can compare properly.
2026 manicure and pedicure price list
| Treatment | Price (NPR) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manicure with Gel Polish | 2,500 | 30–60 min | Everyday hands, 2–3 weeks of shine |
| Dry Pedicure with Gel Polish | 2,000 | 60–75 min | Neat feet, chip-resistant colour |
| Dry Pedicure with Extension | 2,500 | 75 min | Damaged or short toenails |
| Gel Pedicure in Massage Chair | 4,500 | 75–90 min | A proper treat, tired feet |
| Acrylic Nail Extension with Dry Manicure | From 2,500 | 90 min | Length and strength that lasts |
| Gel Nail Extension with Dry Manicure | From 2,500 | 60 min | Lighter, more natural extensions |
Dry manicure vs wet manicure — the difference that matters
Most cheap manicures in Kathmandu are wet manicures: your hands soak in a bowl of water, cuticles soften, and they are pushed back and trimmed. It feels lovely and it is the reason your gel polish lifts a week later.
Water makes the nail plate swell. Polish applied to a swollen nail sits fine until the nail contracts back to its normal size a few hours later — and then the product loses its grip at the edges. A dry manicure uses an electric file and a cuticle pusher on dry skin, so the nail is at its true size when the product goes on. That is why every extension and gel service on our menu is built on a dry manicure, and why the wear is measured in weeks rather than days.
Wet soaking has a second problem: shared foot spas and pedicure bowls are one of the most common sources of nail and skin infection in salons anywhere. Ask any salon how they disinfect between clients. If there is no clear answer, that is your answer.
What a proper appointment includes
- Shape and length filed to your preference, matched to your nail bed rather than a house default.
- Cuticle work without cutting live skin. Cuticles are pushed and tidied, not stripped — the cuticle is a seal against infection.
- Surface prep — light buffing, dehydrator and primer, which is what makes gel last.
- Gel application in thin layers, cured properly between coats. Thick coats are what cause chipping and lifting at the free edge.
- Cuticle oil and hand or foot massage to finish.
Gel polish, gel extension or acrylic?
This is the question we get asked at the desk every day.
- Gel polish on your natural nail (NPR 2,500) — colour and shine for two to three weeks, no added length. The right choice if your natural nails are healthy and you just want them to look finished.
- Gel extensions (from NPR 2,500) — lighter, more flexible, more natural-looking. Best for shorter, everyday lengths and for anyone who finds acrylic too rigid.
- Acrylic extensions (from NPR 2,500) — stronger and better for long or dramatic shapes, and easier to repair if one breaks. Our full comparison is in the guide to nail extensions in Kathmandu.
Whichever you choose, book infills every two to three weeks. The gap that appears at the cuticle as your nail grows is where moisture gets trapped, and that is what causes lifting and, occasionally, a fungal problem.
Pedicures: why the price range is wider
A pedicure is more work than a manicure, and the price reflects how much of it is done. Our dry pedicure with gel polish at NPR 2,000 covers nail shaping, cuticle care, hard skin removal and long-wear colour in 60 to 75 minutes. The gel pedicure in our massage chair at NPR 4,500 adds a longer, more thorough treatment with the massage chair running throughout — the difference is time, comfort and detail, not a different colour bottle.
Dry pedicure with extension at NPR 2,500 is the one most people do not know exists. If a toenail is short, damaged after a fall, or growing back after being lost, an extension gives it a normal shape immediately instead of waiting months. It is popular before weddings and holidays.
Aftercare that keeps your money working
Use cuticle oil daily — this is the single highest-return habit for anyone with gel or extensions, because flexible product stays bonded while dry product cracks. Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning. Never peel gel off; peeling takes layers of your natural nail with it and that damage takes months to grow out. Book a proper removal instead — soaking and gentle filing takes 15 minutes and leaves the nail intact.
Thinking about doing this professionally?
Nails are the most reliable entry point into the beauty industry in Nepal: the kit is affordable, clients return every two to three weeks, and a technician who is genuinely good at extensions is never short of work. Our 45-day Professional Nail Course costs NPR 1,50,000 and includes a full professional nail kit, acrylic and gel extensions, manicure, pedicure and gel polish, nail art, practice on real models, a certificate and internship support. There is a full career breakdown in our guide to nail and lash courses in Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a manicure and pedicure cost in Kathmandu?
At Artistry Academy a manicure with gel polish is NPR 2,500 and a dry pedicure with gel polish is NPR 2,000. A gel pedicure in the massage chair is NPR 4,500, and a dry pedicure with toenail extension is NPR 2,500.
What is a dry manicure and why is it better?
A dry manicure skips the water soak and uses an electric file and cuticle pusher on dry skin. Soaking swells the nail plate, so polish applied over it loses grip when the nail contracts, which is why wet manicures chip and lift sooner. Every gel and extension service should be built on a dry manicure.
How long does gel polish last?
Two to three weeks on natural nails with proper prep. Daily cuticle oil, gloves for washing up and never peeling the gel off are what get you to the top of that range.
How often should I get infills?
Every two to three weeks for acrylic or gel extensions. Leaving it longer creates a gap at the cuticle where moisture gets trapped, which causes lifting and can lead to a fungal issue under the product.
Is gel or acrylic better for nail extensions?
Gel is lighter, more flexible and looks more natural, so it suits shorter everyday lengths. Acrylic is stronger and holds long or dramatic shapes better, and is easier to repair. Both start from NPR 2,500 with a dry manicure included.
Can I get a pedicure if my toenail is damaged?
Yes. A dry pedicure with extension at NPR 2,500 rebuilds the shape of a short, damaged or regrowing toenail so it looks normal straight away. If there is any sign of infection, see a doctor first — a good salon will tell you the same.
Book your manicure or pedicure in Kathmandu
We are at Sohrakhutte Chowk, Kathmandu, open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tools are sterilised between every client and files and buffers are single-use. Book online or call +977-9708274017 — and see recent nail work in our gallery.
