Investing 5 Lakh in Gold vs Silver in Nepal (2026): Which is Better?
Investing 5 Lakh in Gold vs Silver in Nepal (2026): Which is Better?
Investing 5 Lakh in Gold vs Silver in Nepal: The 2026 Investor’s Guide
In the current Nepali economy, where the stock market (NEPSE) remains volatile and bank interest rates fluctuate, precious metals have once again emerged as the "safe haven" for investors. If you have NPR 5,00,000 sitting in a savings account, you might be wondering: Should I buy the yellow metal or the white metal?
Here is a data-driven breakdown of how to play your 5 Lakhs in the 2026 Nepali market.
The Snapshot: Gold vs Silver in Nepal (January 2026)
As of mid-January 2026, we are seeing historic highs in the domestic market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association (FENEGOSIDA), here is where the prices stand:
|
Feature |
Gold (Hallmark) |
Silver |
|---|---|---|
|
Current Price (per Tola) |
~NPR 278,000 |
~NPR 5,350 |
|
What 5 Lakh Gets You |
~1.8 Tolas |
~93.4 Tolas |
|
Volatility |
Low to Medium |
High |
|
Storage Need |
Small (Fits in a pocket) |
Large (Requires a safe/box) |
|
Import Duty |
10% |
Variable (Industrial/Jewelry) |
1. The Case for Gold: The "Safe Haven" King
With 5 Lakh rupees, you can currently buy roughly 1.8 tolas of Hallmark gold. In Nepal, gold isn't just an investment; it’s a cultural currency.
- Steady Returns: Gold in Nepal has historically outpaced inflation. In early 2025, gold was hovering around 150k–160k; today it has surged past 275k. That is nearly an 80% increase in just a year.
- High Liquidity: You can walk into any jewelry shop in New Road or your local market and convert gold to cash in minutes.
- Low Maintenance: Gold doesn’t tarnish. You can keep it in a small locker for 20 years, and it will look exactly the same.
2. The Case for Silver: The "High Growth" Underdog
If you spend your 5 Lakh on silver, you will walk away with nearly 93 tolas (roughly 1.1 kg).
- Industrial Demand: Unlike gold, silver is heavily used in electronics and solar panels. As Nepal pushes for more "Green Energy" and tech adoption in 2026, the industrial demand for silver is rising.
- The "Gold-Silver Ratio": Historically, when gold prices skyrocket, silver eventually follows—often with a higher percentage gain. For a risk-taker, silver offers a better "multiplier" effect.
- Affordability: You can buy silver in smaller "SIP-like" chunks more easily than gold.
Key Factors Every Nepali Investor Should Know
The "Suna-Chandi" Tax (Customs & VAT)
The Nepal government recently adjusted customs duties to 10% to curb smuggling. However, when buying jewelry, remember you pay "Jyala" (Making Charges) and "Jat" (Wastage).
- Pro Tip: If you are investing purely for profit, buy Gold/Silver Coins or Biscuits, not jewelry. You lose 10–15% of your investment value immediately in making charges if you buy ornaments.
Storage and Security
Storing 1.8 tolas of gold is easy—you can hide it in a small drawer. Storing 93 tolas of silver requires a dedicated locker. If you don't have a secure home safe, the bank locker charges will eat into your silver profits.
Verdict: Where should you put your 5 Lakh?
- Choose GOLD if: You want peace of mind, high liquidity, and a "long-term" store of value for your family (or future weddings). It is the ultimate hedge against economic uncertainty.
- Choose SILVER if: You have a higher risk appetite and believe the industrial boom will push silver prices higher than gold's percentage growth. It’s for the investor who doesn't mind the "bulk" and "tarnish" for a higher potential return.
The Hybrid Strategy: Many smart investors in Nepal are currently splitting the 5 Lakh: 4 Lakh in Gold (1.4 Tolas) and 1 Lakh in Silver (~18 Tolas). This gives you the stability of gold with the "speculative" upside of silver.
Comments
Post a Comment