Niguro launches Pako Browser with Nepal-focused tools and privacy features

Niguro has launched Pako Browser, a new lightweight web browser designed specifically with Nepali users in mind, adding another product to the growing ecosystem of Nepal’s independent search engine.

Pako is built around the Chromium engine but takes a different approach from mainstream browsers by combining a lightweight interface with Nepal-specific services, offline utilities and privacy controls.

The browser is currently available free for Windows 10 and Windows 11 64-bit systems. Niguro says the browser is designed to remain lightweight, with the installation package kept below 100 MB. The current release listed on the Pako website is version 0.3.27.

A browser built around Nepal

One of Pako’s main differences is its focus on features that are particularly relevant to Nepali users.

The browser includes an offline Bikram Sambat calendar, an AD-to-BS and BS-to-AD date converter, and word and sentence counting tools. These utilities are built into the browser and can be used without an internet connection.

Pako’s new-tab page also incorporates Nepal-oriented information, including festival countdowns for occasions such as Dashain, Tihar and Teej.

Niguro search is integrated into the new-tab experience, while users can also access Niguro News and other Nepali news sources from the browser.

The company describes Pako as a browser where “the little things are actually Nepali”, highlighting its intention to build services around local internet habits rather than simply adding Nepali branding to an existing browser.

Lightweight approach

Pako uses Chromium as its underlying browser engine, allowing it to maintain compatibility with the modern web while avoiding the need to ship a separate large browser engine.

According to its website, Pako includes a memory-saving system intended to reduce the amount of RAM consumed by background tabs.

The browser is also distributed as a per-user Windows application, meaning users can install it without requiring administrator access. A portable ZIP version is also offered.

Privacy and built-in protection

Privacy is another major part of Pako’s pitch.

The browser includes built-in ad and tracker blocking, with users able to view blocking activity and disable protection for individual websites when necessary.

Its private browsing mode uses a separate temporary profile. Pako says that profile is deleted when the private window is closed, preventing browsing history and cookies from being retained in that session. Third-party cookies are also blocked.

The browser’s website says user data remains on the device rather than being uploaded to third parties.

Users can also select their preferred search engine, homepage and startup page, meaning Pako does not permanently lock users into a single search provider.

Niguro ecosystem

Pako is closely connected to Niguro, which describes itself as an independent search engine from Nepal.

Users can sign in with a Niguro account, with the company positioning the browser as another part of its wider collection of services. Niguro search is included out of the box, alongside links to services such as Niguro News and Niguro Trends.

The browser also provides quick access to Nepal-oriented information such as NEPSE, currency services and other Niguro offerings.

This makes Pako more than a standalone browser project for Niguro. It represents an attempt to build a broader Nepali internet ecosystem in which search, news and browser services are connected.

Customisation and new-tab features

Pako’s new-tab screen is designed to function as a dashboard rather than simply displaying a search box.

Users can add up to eight shortcuts to frequently visited websites, select wallpapers and switch between light, dark and system themes.

The browser also supports custom accent colours that are applied throughout the interface.

Festival countdowns are another prominent feature, allowing users to see the approaching dates of major Nepali festivals directly from the new-tab page.

More than a browser project

The launch comes as Niguro continues to expand beyond its original search-engine identity.

With Pako, the company is moving into the browser market and attempting to differentiate itself through localisation rather than competing solely on browser speed or the size of its feature list.

For Nepali users, that means features such as Bikram Sambat conversion, festival countdowns, Nepali news access and local services are integrated into the browsing experience instead of requiring separate websites or extensions.

Pako is currently free to download, and Niguro describes it as “free forever”. The browser is presently available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 64-bit computers.

The current release remains relatively early in its development, with the website listing version 0.3.27. That leaves room for Niguro to expand the browser with additional services and features as the project develops.

For now, Pako’s launch gives Nepal a locally developed browser aimed at combining everyday web browsing with tools and services specifically designed around Nepali users.