NEPAL  |  BHUTAN  |  TIBET

A Journey into the HimalayasA journey into oneself

Privately guided, locally rooted journeys across Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet — designed in Kathmandu, one traveller at a time, since 2016.

TripAdvisor 2025
★★★★★
5.0 · TripAdvisor
Eco
Responsible Practices
150+
Routes Available
Since 2016
In the Himalayas
Scroll

Designed Around You

Every itinerary hand-built by a Kathmandu specialist who has personally walked the trail.

Run by Locals, For the World

Nepali-owned and Nepali-led since 2016, with porters and guides drawn from the villages you'll pass through.

Protected & Insured

TAAN-licensed, NMA-permitted, transparent pricing, free cancellation up to 60 days before departure.

Travel That Gives Back

5–10% of every trip funds schooling for porters' children in remote Nepal.

We are licensed, audited and accountable — to the regulators, the mountains and to you.

TAAN
NMA
NTB
Government of Nepal
TripadvisorVerified review

“The most carefully crafted trip we've ever taken”

Ajay and the Swotah team built our 14-day Nepal itinerary around exactly who we are. Our guide Bijay knew every family along the route. It never felt like a tour — it felt like being a guest in someone's world.

James & Sarah T.United Kingdom · October 2024
Read all 200+ reviews →
Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2025
Travellers' Choice 2025

Recognised by Tripadvisor every year since 2018 — seven consecutive years of verified five-star reviews from travellers across the UK, USA, Australia and Europe.

See our Tripadvisor profile →
Nepal · Bhutan · Tibet

Three kingdoms. One journey.

A carefully crafted Himalayan journey connecting the vibrant culture of Nepal, the serenity of Bhutan, and the mystique of Tibet.

21Days
3Countries
Max 8Travellers
ModerateDifficulty
View Full Itinerary
Nepal
01
8 Days
Nepal
Tour Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO temples, Pokhara's Annapurna sunrise and Chitwan's jungle safari.
Bhutan
02
6 Days
Bhutan
Hike to the Tiger's Nest monastery perched 900m above the Paro valley.
Tibet
03
7 Days
Tibet
Stand before the Potala Palace and roam Lhasa's ancient pilgrim routes.
Choose your departure · 2026
See all →
From
$3,490
per person · twin share
Free cancellation up to 60 days before
Book now, pay later — secure with deposit
Book Now →
Not ready to book? Let's just talk — 20 minutes, no agenda, no pressure
Our part of the world

Destinations we've walked a thousand times

Three Himalayan kingdoms. One operator with a permanent office, a permanent team and a permanent reputation in each.

Set departures

Travel on dates we’ve already set

Summit ambitions

Beyond the trail — climbs & expeditions

From first-time 6,000-metre peaks to full Himalayan expeditions, led by NMA-certified climbers who live where they lead.

Beyond the trails

Tours & Experiences

Cultural journeys, wildlife safaris, pilgrimage circuits and multi-country adventures — curated for travellers who want more than a trek.

Quietly popular

Privately guided, most requested

Hand-built itineraries our travellers come back asking for by name — small groups, named Sherpa guides, and a safety margin built into every day.

North Annapurna Base Camp TrekPopular
From
$1,999
Nepal

North Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Duration
14 days
Everest Base Camp Helicopter TourPopular
From
$1,800
Nepal

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

Duration
1 days
What sets us apart

The Swotah
Difference

For ten years we’ve designed private Himalayan journeys for travellers who measure a trip not in photographs but in the way it changes them. Every Swotah itinerary is hand-built by a Kathmandu specialist, led on the ground by a Nepali guide we’ve personally trained, and quietly underwritten by the village families who’ll welcome you in.

2,400+
Trekkers guided
98%
Summit success rate
10+
Years in the Himalayas
5.0
TripAdvisor rating
01

Local Expertise & Experience

Get the most out of your Himalayan adventure by tapping into the expertise of Swotah's local professionals.

02

Responsible Travel Practices

We promote responsible travel practices to minimize our environmental impact and provide a sustainable experience for our travelers.

03

Giving Back Initiative

We are committed to giving back to the communities we visit. For every booking, we donate a portion of the proceeds to local schools and charities in Nepal.

04

Community Focus

Our trips are designed with a focus on community involvement, such as homestays and village-to-village treks, to provide an authentic and immersive experience.

Community focused
Responsible travel practices
Local expertise
Giving back to the community
Travel that gives back

Travel that leaves more than it takes

5–10%
Of every trip funds schooling for porters' children
10
Newari homestay villages supported via the Millennium Homestay Trek
34
Students currently on scholarship, funded directly through trip proceeds

Between 5% and 10% of the price of every Swotah trip funds schooling for the children of porters and remote-village families. Our Millennium Homestay Trek directs spend to ten Newari ethnic communities.

Carbon-conscious by design — we publish a transparent footprint estimate with every itinerary.

Ajay Shrestha in the Himalayas
Ajay Kumar Shrestha in the Himalayas
Ajay Kumar Shrestha, Founder of Swotah Travel
Founder · Swotah Travel
The people behind your journey

Meet Ajay (AJ)

Swotah was founded in 2016 by Ajay Kumar Shrestha — a Kathmandu-born mountaineer who guided his first informal Himalayan trek before he owned a business card. A decade later, the company he built is one of the most-reviewed independent operators in Nepal, working across three Himalayan kingdoms with a permanent local team in each.

Ajay still personally briefs every private-itinerary client before departure — because the trail is not abstract to him; it’s where he grew up. When you book with Swotah, you’re not booking with an agency. You’re booking with the man who’ll text your specialist guide the night before you summit, asking how the wind looks.

— Ajay

…and a team of named mountain guides: Bijay Gurung, Sijal, Tika Ram, and others — most repeatedly praised by name in our Tripadvisor reviews.

Since 2016

A decade on the trail

01 / 05

The beginning

Founded in Kathmandu. Our first Annapurna group departs — eight travellers, one guide, one shared conviction that the Himalayas deserve more than a hurried itinerary.

2016
What travellers say

In our travellers’ own words

Honest accounts from travellers across a decade of guided journeys and 150+ Himalayan routes.

TripAdvisor
★★★★★4.9· Excellent
View on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★

Our trip to Nepal was fuelled by my husbands long help dream of seeing Everest but turned out to be so much more. Swotah put together a perfect itinerary to mee...

Carole H
Carole H
uk · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I had an amazing experience travelling with Swotah for my Everest Three High Passes Trek. I would highly recommend them to everyone and will travel with them again. I researched many other companies, including larger international ones which I had travelled with previously but decided on Swotah. For me, after communicating with others I found Swotah extremely prompt and informative with their communication. When I arrived in Nepal, everything they had organised (money exchange, SIM card, crampons, copies of my documents) was ready and waiting for me. Swotah and it's employees will do ev

Stephanie H
Stephanie H
AU · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We have done a trek around the Manaslu through the Larkya Pass, with our guide Bijay and his porters Surya and Casi, they have done an incredible job, they have made us feel safe and very comfortable at all times, the human quality of these 3 professionals has been an experience that we will not forget. Thank you SWOTAH TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE for offering us these professionals for our trip, we will recommend 100%

Jaume Climent
Jaume Climent
GB · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I thought this three week tour of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet was great - it did what it said on the tin! My tour mostly ran during May, but the last part - Tibet - was in June. This was not a good time of year for mountain views (except in Tibet) but it was great for seeing wildflowers and jacaranda in Bhutan and to benefit from fresh lychees in Nepal! The description indicated quite a lot of overland travel, especially in the Tibet part, so it wasn't a surprise. Bus travel in Nepal is a bit gruelling mostly due to large road infrastructure improvement schemes, so road travel should be smoother i

Ruth H
Ruth H
GB · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

It was a wonderful journey visiting Pashupatinath and Muktinath. The Swotah Travel team not only planned everything perfectly but also stayed connected with us throughout the trip to make sure we were always at the right place and had no issues. They were extremely responsive, caring, and professional, and their constant communication gave us great comfort and confidence during the entire journey. Overall, it was a memorable and well-organized experience. Highly recommended to anyone planning a spiritual or adventure trip to Nepal!

Sunil S
Sunil S
SG · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We enjoyed an incredible 3-week journey through Nepal from mid-September to mid-October, organized by Swotah Travel in Kathmandu. The entire trip was individually tailored to our interests, combining trekking, nature experiences, cultural highlights, and historical insights into a well- balanced itinerary. From the first planning steps, Swotah impressed us with their professionalism and thoughtful suggestions. Every detail was handled with care, and the execution on the ground was flawless. Our guides, drivers and porters were punctual, reliable, friendly and service-oriented, making us feel

Paul M
Paul M
DE · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We had a fantastic time in Nepal. Swotah arranged everything beautifully and was always available for any questions queries or if Travel plans had to change or when the flights were cancelled. The properties we stayed at were completely amazing with spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the weather was wonderful, allowing us to see the Himalayas in all their glory. Would highly recommend a trip to Nepal with Swotah travels.

Adi B
Adi B
US · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

A beautiful trek (14 days arrival to departure) with 9 days trekking. The scenery was truly amazing, and Nepal is such a lovely country. The days were up to 20km with up to 1300m of ascent, so not for the faint hearted. The rate of ascent and pace were really good, so that there was no issue with the altitude. By guide Bijay Gurung was excellent, really friendly and adaptable. I would happily go with him on another trek.

MisterCorn
MisterCorn
GB · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Awesome experience. SWOTAH is a great agent and highly recommended. The best part is, whatever they wrote/inform before the trip vs what we got during the trip are all aligned. Their quality of handling people are simply great. Will use them again.

Ziaur Rahman
Ziaur Rahman
BD · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We've recently returned from a great 2-week cultural trip to Nepal and Bhutan on a customised itinerary for 3 of us. The Swotah team were responsive to feedback throughout and a WhatsApp group helped with communications during the trip. Everyone we met was warm and welcoming, guides/drivers were punctual and accommodation was comfortable. My personal food favourites were Thukpa (a flavoursome noodle soup) and all the chilli cheese (datshi) dishes in Bhutan. Nepal tour highlights included sunrise at Sarangkot and our stay at the Sapana Village Lodge in Chitwan. Bhutan highlights were the Th

Reena c
Reena c
US · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We've recently returned from a great 2-week cultural trip to Nepal and Bhutan on a customised itinerary for 3 of us. The Swotah team were responsive to feedback throughout and a WhatsApp group helped with communications during the trip. Everyone we met was warm and welcoming, guides/drivers were punctual and accommodation was comfortable. My personal food favourites were Thukpa (a flavoursome noodle soup) and all the chilli cheese (datshi) dishes in Bhutan. Nepal tour highlights included sunrise at Sarangkot and our stay at the Sapana Village Lodge in Chitwan. Bhutan highlights were the Th

Reena c
Reena c
US · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Awesome experience. SWOTAH is a great agent and highly recommended. The best part is, whatever they wrote/inform before the trip vs what we got during the trip are all aligned. Their quality of handling people are simply great. Will use them again.

Ziaur Rahman
Ziaur Rahman
BD · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

A beautiful trek (14 days arrival to departure) with 9 days trekking. The scenery was truly amazing, and Nepal is such a lovely country. The days were up to 20km with up to 1300m of ascent, so not for the faint hearted. The rate of ascent and pace were really good, so that there was no issue with the altitude. By guide Bijay Gurung was excellent, really friendly and adaptable. I would happily go with him on another trek.

MisterCorn
MisterCorn
GB · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We had a fantastic time in Nepal. Swotah arranged everything beautifully and was always available for any questions queries or if Travel plans had to change or when the flights were cancelled. The properties we stayed at were completely amazing with spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the weather was wonderful, allowing us to see the Himalayas in all their glory. Would highly recommend a trip to Nepal with Swotah travels.

Adi B
Adi B
US · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We enjoyed an incredible 3-week journey through Nepal from mid-September to mid-October, organized by Swotah Travel in Kathmandu. The entire trip was individually tailored to our interests, combining trekking, nature experiences, cultural highlights, and historical insights into a well- balanced itinerary. From the first planning steps, Swotah impressed us with their professionalism and thoughtful suggestions. Every detail was handled with care, and the execution on the ground was flawless. Our guides, drivers and porters were punctual, reliable, friendly and service-oriented, making us feel

Paul M
Paul M
DE · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

It was a wonderful journey visiting Pashupatinath and Muktinath. The Swotah Travel team not only planned everything perfectly but also stayed connected with us throughout the trip to make sure we were always at the right place and had no issues. They were extremely responsive, caring, and professional, and their constant communication gave us great comfort and confidence during the entire journey. Overall, it was a memorable and well-organized experience. Highly recommended to anyone planning a spiritual or adventure trip to Nepal!

Sunil S
Sunil S
SG · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I thought this three week tour of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet was great - it did what it said on the tin! My tour mostly ran during May, but the last part - Tibet - was in June. This was not a good time of year for mountain views (except in Tibet) but it was great for seeing wildflowers and jacaranda in Bhutan and to benefit from fresh lychees in Nepal! The description indicated quite a lot of overland travel, especially in the Tibet part, so it wasn't a surprise. Bus travel in Nepal is a bit gruelling mostly due to large road infrastructure improvement schemes, so road travel should be smoother i

Ruth H
Ruth H
GB · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We have done a trek around the Manaslu through the Larkya Pass, with our guide Bijay and his porters Surya and Casi, they have done an incredible job, they have made us feel safe and very comfortable at all times, the human quality of these 3 professionals has been an experience that we will not forget. Thank you SWOTAH TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE for offering us these professionals for our trip, we will recommend 100%

Jaume Climent
Jaume Climent
GB · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I had an amazing experience travelling with Swotah for my Everest Three High Passes Trek. I would highly recommend them to everyone and will travel with them again. I researched many other companies, including larger international ones which I had travelled with previously but decided on Swotah. For me, after communicating with others I found Swotah extremely prompt and informative with their communication. When I arrived in Nepal, everything they had organised (money exchange, SIM card, crampons, copies of my documents) was ready and waiting for me. Swotah and it's employees will do ev

Stephanie H
Stephanie H
AU · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Our trip to Nepal was fuelled by my husbands long help dream of seeing Everest but turned out to be so much more. Swotah put together a perfect itinerary to mee...

Carole H
Carole H
uk · 5.0
Verified Review
Meet your specialists
AJ
AJ
Lesia
Lesia
Elisha
Elisha
Sampanna
Sampanna
+977 984 159 596224/7Usually replies within minutes

Every trip is personally briefed by your named Kathmandu-based specialist.

How it works

Your journey,
designed in Kathmandu

  1. 01

    Tell us how you want to feel

    Not just where you want to go — the experience you're after. One message starts it all.

  2. 02

    Meet your specialist

    Within 2 hours, a named Kathmandu-based specialist replies. Personally. Not a chatbot.

  3. 03

    Receive your proposal

    Two to three tailored options, transparent pricing. Refine until it feels exactly right.

  4. 04

    Travel, fully supported

    From airport pickup to summit. Never more than a WhatsApp away from your specialist.

No deposit No commitment Reply in 2 hrs
Plan with us

Let us Guide Your Next Getaway

Planning a trek in the Himalayas can seem daunting, but our team of experienced guides can help you make your dream trek a reality. With our knowledge of the region and your preferences, we can design an unforgettable trek based on your location, timeframe, and budget. Get in touch with us, and let us help you plan your perfect trek.

Himalayan journeyHimalayan journeyHimalayan journey
Tripadvisor recognition

Quietly recognised
since 2018

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice every year since — awarded by the people who actually walked the trail.

Tripadvisor 2018
2018
Tripadvisor 2019
2019
Tripadvisor 2020
2020
Tripadvisor 2021
2021
Tripadvisor 2022
2022
Tripadvisor 2023
2023
Tripadvisor 2025
2025
Our network

A network rooted in the mountains

Six sister companies — each Nepali-owned and deeply rooted in one valley, region or specialism across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

Learn about our network
Annapurna TrekkingEverest Trekking GuideLonely Planet NepalTrek ManasluHomestay TrekReisen Nepal

Trail Notes — our monthly briefing

One email a month. Trail updates, permit changes, the occasional photograph. No spam — that's a Himalayan promise.

Join 12,000+ adventurers · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime