The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
264 articles
Why Combine Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet in One Tour?
Discover why combining Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet into one unforgettable Himalayan journey is the perfect adventure. Explore culture, UNESCO sites, wildlife,
NepalNepal After the Gen Z Protests: Is It Safe to Travel in 2026?
Nepal's September 2025 Gen Z protests are over, it voted in March 2026, and the US lists it Level 2. A Kathmandu operator's honest take on safety and trekking.
Nepal AdventuresGreen Boots Recovery 2026: India's Plan to Bring the Everest Body Home
India's ITBP has launched a 2026 mission to recover 'Green Boots', the body at 8,500 m on Everest's north side for 30 years. Who he is, and why it's so hard.
Nepal AdventuresEverest Base Camp Trek Training: Fitness, 12-Week Plan & Altitude Prep
How fit do you need to be for Everest Base Camp? A 12-week training plan covering cardio, leg strength, hill and stair work, and altitude preparation.
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Base Camp Trek Training: How to Get Fit & Prepare
How to train for the Annapurna Base Camp trek: a week-by-week fitness plan for the stone staircases, covering cardio, leg strength, stairs and altitude.
Nepal AdventuresMonsoon Trekking in Nepal 2026: Best Rain-Shadow Treks for July & August
Trek Nepal's dry rain-shadow valleys in the monsoon: Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Nar Phu stay clear and leech-free in July and August, and are now solo-friendly.
Nepal AdventuresUpper Mustang Permit 2026: Solo Trekking Now Allowed & Cost Per Day
Upper Mustang now allows solo trekking (March 2026) and the permit is USD 50 per person per day. The permits you need, 2026 costs, and how to get them.
Nepal AdventuresKanchenjunga Trek Permit 2026: Solo Rule, RAP Cost & Requirements
Kanchenjunga now allows solo trekking (March 2026). The two permits you need (RAP + KCAP), 2026 costs, and why a licensed guide is still required.
Nepal AdventuresManaslu Circuit Solo Trekking 2026: New Permit Rule & Cost
Solo trekking is now allowed on the Manaslu Circuit (March 2026 rule). The three permits you need, 2026 costs, and why a licensed guide is still required.
NepalTop Buddhist Destinations to Visit in Nepal
There are literally hundreds of Buddhist gompas (monasteries), shrines, stupas and sacred caves in Nepal. Despite this being a Hindu country. In add...
Why NepalPashupatinath Temple: Where Life, Death, and Devotion Meet
Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is Nepal's most sacred Hindu site. Discover the Aarti ceremony, ghats, visiting rules, entry fees, and what to expect as a traveller.
Nepal AdventuresThe 1996 Mount Everest Disaster
The 1996 Mount Everest disaster remains one of the deadliest events in climbing history. Learn what happened, the causes of the tragedy.
Nepal AdventuresHillary Step on Mount Everest: Where It Is and Why It Matters
Learn about the Hillary Step, Everest’s famous final obstacle at 8,790 m. Explore its history, technical difficulty, and changes after the 2015 earthquake.