MRI scan cost in Kathmandu, Nepal
What an MRI costs in Kathmandu by body part, from the rate lists hospitals publish themselves, and what changes the price.
- Lowest found
- NPR 8,000
- Highest found
- NPR 12,150
- Based on
- 4 prices from 4 centres
Hospitals charge in Nepali rupees (NPR). Conversions use Nepal Rastra Bank selling rates, 22/10/2026. Prices last reviewed 10/2026.
MRI scans: average prices in Kathmandu
Averages are worked out from rate lists published by hospitals and diagnostic centres in Kathmandu Valley. Click a test to see each centre's price and the source.
| Test | Average in Kathmandu | Range | Centres |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRI brain | NPR 9,500 about US$63 | NPR 8,000 to 12,150 | 4 |
| MRI cervical spine (neck) | NPR 9,500 about US$63 | NPR 8,000 to 12,100 | 4 |
| MRI lumbar spine (lower back) | NPR 9,500 about US$63 | NPR 8,000 to 12,100 | 4 |
| MRI whole spine | NPR 19,500 about US$129 | NPR 14,000 to 28,100 | 3 |
| MRI knee | NPR 10,400 about US$69 | NPR 8,000 to 15,500 | 4 |
| MRI shoulder | NPR 10,400 about US$69 | NPR 8,000 to 15,550 | 4 |
| MRI other joint (ankle, wrist, hip, elbow) | NPR 8,000 about US$53 | NPR 8,000 | 2 |
| MRI abdomen or pelvis | NPR 11,400 about US$75 | NPR 10,800 to 12,000 | 2 |
| MRI prostate | NPR 12,000 about US$79 | NPR 12,000 | 1 |
| MRCP | NPR 14,800 about US$98 | NPR 12,000 to 17,500 | 2 |
| MR angiography (MRA) | NPR 13,500 about US$89 | NPR 13,500 | 1 |
| Contrast charge for MRI | NPR 3,300 about US$22 | NPR 2,400 to 5,100 | 3 |
| Whole body MRI | Ask the centre |
What changes the price of an MRI
- Body part and number of regions. Some hospitals charge by "organ" or region. Two regions usually cost much more than one.
- Contrast. An injection of gadolinium adds NPR 2,400 to NPR 5,100 on the lists we checked.
- Hospital type. Government and teaching hospitals list single region MRI from NPR 8,000; private hospitals list up to NPR 12,150 for the same scan.
- Time of day. HAMS Hospital publishes separate, higher rates for out-of-hours scans.
- Extras. Some lists add a film charge, and reprints or extra copies cost more.
Private hospitals that do not publish prices
Several well known private hospitals, such as Norvic, Grande and Nepal Mediciti, do not publish their MRI prices. A 05/2026 cost guide reported MRI at private hospitals in the range of NPR 14,000 to 25,000, compared with NPR 8,000 to 12,000 at Bir and TU Teaching Hospital (Kharchapatra). These are reported ranges, not rate lists, so they are not included in our averages.
Centres that list a 3T MRI
- Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMC), Sinamangal, Kathmandu
- Norvic International Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu
- Annapurna Neuro Hospital, Maitighar, Kathmandu
- TU Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
- Kundalini Diagnostic Center, Chandol, Kathmandu
- Jeebanta Advanced Kathmandu Imaging, Durbarmarg, Kathmandu
- Lalitpur Three Tesla MRI and Diagnostic Center, Lalitpur
Kathmandu compared with the UK
A one part MRI costs £366 to £510 at the UK self pay providers whose prices we checked in 10/2026. In Kathmandu the same kind of scan averages £47. The saving on the scan alone will not cover a return flight, so it makes most sense if you are already travelling to Nepal. Read the full comparison.
Before you book
Bring your doctor's referral, previous scans and a list of implants or metal in your body. Ask the centre for the full price including the report, and when the report will be ready. MRI safety and preparation.