Navigating Your Domain’s Lifespan
Owning a domain name is the most fundamental step in building an online business in Nepal. But once you’ve secured your .com address, you’ll encounter two critical terms: Domain Renewal and Domain Transfer.
These terms are often confused, but they serve completely different purposes. Understanding the distinction is vital for maintaining ownership, securing fair pricing, and ensuring the stability of your website in Kathmandu.
This updated 2025 guide clearly explains the difference, tells you when a domain transfer is essential, and details the process specifically for the Nepali market.
Understanding Domain Renewal: Maintaining Ownership
What is it? Domain Renewal is the process of extending the registration period of your domain name with your current registrar.
| Key Facts about Renewal | Why It Matters for Nepal |
| Simple Extension: It simply pays your current host to keep your domain for another 1-10 years. | Avoid Catastrophe: If you miss the renewal date, your website vanishes, and your domain can be bought by a competitor after a grace period. |
| No Change of Service: Everything stays exactly the same—the hosting, the name servers, and the management portal. | Local Pricing Transparency: Always renew with a reputable local registrar that offers competitive, transparent renewal rates in NPR. |
Understanding Domain Transfer: Changing Your Registrar
What is it? Domain Transfer is the process of moving your domain name from your old registrar (where you originally bought it) to a new registrar (like KathmanduHost).
| Key Facts about Transfer | When is Transfer Essential? |
| Minimum 60 Days: The domain must be registered for at least 60 days before it can be transferred. | Poor Support: If your current host offers slow or inadequate support, especially during crucial troubleshooting times. |
| 1-Year Extension: A successful transfer always adds one year to your domain’s existing registration period. | High Renewal Fees: If your current international host is charging excessively high renewal rates. |
| Requires an EPP Code: A security key (Authorization Code) issued by your current registrar is needed to authorize the move. | Consolidation: If you want to manage your domain and hosting services together under one provider (like KathmanduHost) for simplicity. |
The Domain Transfer Process in Nepal (Step-by-Step)
Transferring your domain to KathmanduHost is simple and secure. Follow these steps:
- Unlock Your Domain: Log in to your old registrar’s account and disable the Domain Lock.
- Request EPP Code: Request the Authorization Code (EPP Code) from your old registrar. They must provide this upon request.
- Initiate Transfer: Place a transfer order with KathmanduHost on our website and provide the EPP code.
- Confirm via Email: You will receive a final authorization email (usually within 24 hours). You must click the confirmation link to approve the transfer.
- Wait for Completion: The process typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete. Once done, your domain is managed by KathmanduHost, and one year has been added to its expiry date.
Ready for better support and fairer pricing? Click here to instantly check eligibility and start your Domain Transfer Service today.
Domain Transfer Mistakes to Avoid
- Transferring Too Late: Never try to transfer a domain just a few days before it expires. The transfer could fail, and you risk losing the domain. Renew it first, then transfer.
- Ignoring the Transfer Email: The confirmation email is mandatory. If you miss it, the transfer will fail.
- Changing WHOIS Information: Do not change the owner’s contact information just before a transfer, as this can trigger a 60-day transfer lock.
Conclusion: Control Your Digital Asset
Both renewal and transfer are important steps in your domain’s lifecycle. Renewal is about maintaining your status quo; transfer is about improving your support, saving money, and consolidating your digital assets. For the best security, local support, and transparent pricing in Nepal, choosing a reliable local registrar is key.
Stop paying excessive fees or dealing with poor international support. Transfer your domain to KathmanduHost today and take control of your online presence!
