Alnus nepalensis is a large alder tree found in the subtropical highlands of the Himalayas.

Alnus nepalensis is a large deciduous alder with silver-gray bark that reaches up to 30 m in height and 60 cm in diameter.

It occurs throughout the Himalaya at 500–3000 m of elevation from Pakistan through India, Nepal and Bhutan to Yunnan in southwest China.

[3] The tree grows quickly and is sometimes planted as erosion control on hillsides and for land recovery in shifting cultivation.

Currently, this tree species is preferred by different indigenous ethnic groups such as H'mong, Nung and Thu Lao in Simacai district, Lao Cai province, Northern Vietnam to regreen and enrich the forest by local knowledge (SPERI, CENDI).