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.

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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 · March 2026
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 countries. 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.

Join a Group

Upcoming Small Group Departures

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
$1,910
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
4.9
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 →
★★★★★

Great experience, we won't ever forget the trip of 18 days in the Himalayas. Felt immediatelly safe and home due to our local tourguide. We extremely enjoyed the service of all Swotah team members. It was a really well organized trip from A-Z. Thank you!

F
Florith J
Netherland · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I did the Everest Base Camp trek with Swotah Travel (1–12 Sep 2025) and had an amazing experience. From the start, Sijal handled everything smoothly—flight tickets, gear rental, airport transfers, and even stayed in close contact when my return flight was delayed due to weather, offering alternatives like a helicopter or jeep. My guide Ramesh was patient, adaptive, and helped me reach EBC a day earlier than planned. After the trek, I also enjoyed a well-organized cultural tour of four UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu. Professional, caring, and reliable—highly recommend Swotah Travel for anyo

A
Anonymous
Taiwan · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Totally brilliant trip with every last detail perfectly planned. Ajay and his team are so knowledgeable and accommodating. Everything we needed for an epic trip of a lifetime . Thank you all for looking after us so impeccably

P
Philippa Bowen
US · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Exciting and adrenaline-filled Everest Base Camp excursion organized by Swotah Travel. Perfect organization, competent and friendly guide, always attentive and helpful porters, good quality accommodations. During some difficult moments, the agency offered decisive support. Thank you so much!!!

R
Roberto Rossi
Italy · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

To safely ascend Everest Base Camp, it's essential to rely on true professionals: Swotah Travel provided us with highly competent guides and porters who were also extremely kind and helpful. During the trek, due to flight disruptions between Ramechap and Lukla and health issues among group members, we had to make changes to our plans, request helicopter assistance, and rescue two people stranded on the glacier in the dark. Swotah Travel helped us safely resolve all the unexpected issues, even the most worrying ones. They also assisted us in choosing refuges/hotels and ensuring we quickly acces

C
cristina cristofoli
IT · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I completed the 15-day Annapurna Circuit trek with Bijay as my guide, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, he was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive, always making sure I was feeling good both physically and mentally, especially as the altitude started to hit. Bijay knows the mountains so well, and it really shows. He set a steady, manageable pace, chose great places to stop, and made sure everything ran smoothly the entire time. I always felt safe and well taken care of, which made such a difference on a trek like this. What stood ou

amy f
amy f
5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Great experience across the board, guides and porters were unreal. Everything was sorted before we arrived. Would recommend.

Alec N
Alec N
Australia · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We completed the Annapurna circuit trek with Swotah during May this year. The company itself was very easy to work with leading up to the trip organising every aspect of the trip to our requirements. On arrival we had seamless airport collection and a day of sightseeing with Sonika which we had not planned on doing but was extremely enjoyable and informative learning all about Nepalese history and culture. The Annapurna circuit trek itself was easily one of the best experiences of my life with phenomenal views of the Annapurna mountains throughout. Bihjay was an excellent guide modifying the t

Thomas Kelsey
Thomas Kelsey
Australia · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Excellent tour that is fully customisable to your budget, level of comfort. Elisha who helped planned the trip was extremely responsive from the beginning and responded quickly when I requested a modification in my itinerary halfway through the trip. Tour guides Sonika and Binod were informative and helpful. Special thanks to Sonika for making the trip memorable.

Vincent Lo
Vincent Lo
Singapore · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Was an incredible experience that with the talented team was tailored to us by the absolute man Bijay.

Noah Chandler
Noah Chandler
5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Was an incredible experience that with the talented team was tailored to us by the absolute man Bijay.

Noah Chandler
Noah Chandler
5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Excellent tour that is fully customisable to your budget, level of comfort. Elisha who helped planned the trip was extremely responsive from the beginning and responded quickly when I requested a modification in my itinerary halfway through the trip. Tour guides Sonika and Binod were informative and helpful. Special thanks to Sonika for making the trip memorable.

Vincent Lo
Vincent Lo
Singapore · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

We completed the Annapurna circuit trek with Swotah during May this year. The company itself was very easy to work with leading up to the trip organising every aspect of the trip to our requirements. On arrival we had seamless airport collection and a day of sightseeing with Sonika which we had not planned on doing but was extremely enjoyable and informative learning all about Nepalese history and culture. The Annapurna circuit trek itself was easily one of the best experiences of my life with phenomenal views of the Annapurna mountains throughout. Bihjay was an excellent guide modifying the t

Thomas Kelsey
Thomas Kelsey
Australia · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Great experience across the board, guides and porters were unreal. Everything was sorted before we arrived. Would recommend.

Alec N
Alec N
Australia · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I completed the 15-day Annapurna Circuit trek with Bijay as my guide, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, he was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive, always making sure I was feeling good both physically and mentally, especially as the altitude started to hit. Bijay knows the mountains so well, and it really shows. He set a steady, manageable pace, chose great places to stop, and made sure everything ran smoothly the entire time. I always felt safe and well taken care of, which made such a difference on a trek like this. What stood ou

amy f
amy f
5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

To safely ascend Everest Base Camp, it's essential to rely on true professionals: Swotah Travel provided us with highly competent guides and porters who were also extremely kind and helpful. During the trek, due to flight disruptions between Ramechap and Lukla and health issues among group members, we had to make changes to our plans, request helicopter assistance, and rescue two people stranded on the glacier in the dark. Swotah Travel helped us safely resolve all the unexpected issues, even the most worrying ones. They also assisted us in choosing refuges/hotels and ensuring we quickly acces

C
cristina cristofoli
IT · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Exciting and adrenaline-filled Everest Base Camp excursion organized by Swotah Travel. Perfect organization, competent and friendly guide, always attentive and helpful porters, good quality accommodations. During some difficult moments, the agency offered decisive support. Thank you so much!!!

R
Roberto Rossi
Italy · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Totally brilliant trip with every last detail perfectly planned. Ajay and his team are so knowledgeable and accommodating. Everything we needed for an epic trip of a lifetime . Thank you all for looking after us so impeccably

P
Philippa Bowen
US · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

I did the Everest Base Camp trek with Swotah Travel (1–12 Sep 2025) and had an amazing experience. From the start, Sijal handled everything smoothly—flight tickets, gear rental, airport transfers, and even stayed in close contact when my return flight was delayed due to weather, offering alternatives like a helicopter or jeep. My guide Ramesh was patient, adaptive, and helped me reach EBC a day earlier than planned. After the trek, I also enjoyed a well-organized cultural tour of four UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu. Professional, caring, and reliable—highly recommend Swotah Travel for anyo

A
Anonymous
Taiwan · 5.0
Verified Review
★★★★★

Great experience, we won't ever forget the trip of 18 days in the Himalayas. Felt immediatelly safe and home due to our local tourguide. We extremely enjoyed the service of all Swotah team members. It was a really well organized trip from A-Z. Thank you!

F
Florith J
Netherland · 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.

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