The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
269 articles
Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash
Quick answer In brief we recommend the best time to visit Mount Kailash is in spring and autumn. Indeed the main season for pilgrims to this area is mid-A...
Nepal AdventuresWhere Is Mount Everest? Exact Location, Coordinates and How to Get There
Mount Everest sits on the Nepal-Tibet border at 27.9881 N, 86.9250 E, about 160 km from Kathmandu. Height, districts, permits, routes and the best viewpoints.
Why NepalWhy Visiting Nepal After the Flood Does More Than a Donation
The Rasuwa flood hit one valley. Cancellations hit all of Nepal. What one trek pays for, the 2015 lesson, and what is open now, Langtang included.
Nepal AdventuresWhat Actually Caused the Rasuwa Flood (It Wasn't a GLOF)
The 26 Aug 2026 Rasuwa flood began as a rock-ice avalanche off Langtang Lirung, not a glacial lake burst. Timeline, how it differs from a GLOF, latest toll.
Nepal AdventuresNepal Flood 2026 Trekking Update: Is It Safe to Trek Now?
Updated 25 Oct 2026: Langtang reopened from Thulo Syabru, Manaslu running after the Budhi Gandaki flood, Everest and Annapurna never affected. What is still closed.
NepalNepal, Bhutan and Tibet in One Trip (2026): Routes, Permits, Fees and Example Itineraries
How to combine Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet in 2026: flights from Kathmandu, the Kerung border closure, Bhutan SDF, Tibet permits and 10 to 18 day itineraries.
NepalNepal After the Gen Z Protests: Is It Safe to Travel in 2026?
Nepal's Gen Z protests ended in September 2025, it elected a government in March 2026 and the US rates it Level 2. What happened and what changed for travellers.
Nepal AdventuresGreen Boots Recovery: Why Dorje Morup Is Still on Everest (2026 Update)
Green Boots was identified as Dorje Morup in 2026, but the June-September recovery window passed. What happened, why it was delayed, and the 2027 plan.
Nepal AdventuresEverest Base Camp Trek Training: Fitness, 12-Week Plan & Altitude Prep
How fit do you need to be for Everest Base Camp? A week-by-week 12-week training plan, cardio, leg strength, hill and stair work, a readiness self-test and FAQs.
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Base Camp Trek Training: How to Get Fit and Prepare (10-Week Plan)
How fit you need to be for Annapurna Base Camp, a 10-week training plan built around the stone steps, what each part of the trail demands, a self-test and FAQs.
Nepal AdventuresMonsoon Trekking in Nepal: Best Rain-Shadow Treks for July and August (2027 Guide)
Where to trek in Nepal's monsoon: Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Dolpo and Limi stay dry while Pokhara gets 940 mm in July. Rainfall, permits, prices and tips.
Nepal AdventuresUpper Mustang Permit 2026: Solo Trekking Rules and the USD 50 a Day Cost
Upper Mustang permit 2026: USD 50 a day from Kagbeni since Nov 2025, plus NPR 3,000 ACAP. Solo trekkers allowed with a guide. Costs by trip length.
Nepal AdventuresKanchenjunga Trek Permit 2026: Solo Rule, RAP Cost and Requirements
Kanchenjunga permits in 2026: RAP USD 20 a week, KCAP NPR 2,000, no TIMS. Solo permits allowed since March 2026, but a licensed guide is still required.