The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
264 articles
Nepal AdventuresNepal's Top 5 Helicopter Destinations
Everest, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, Mustang, Lumbini, and Annapurna: Nepal's five best helicopter tour destinations, with current costs and booking tips.
Nepal AdventuresKala Patthar: The Viewpoint of Everest
Kala Patthar, the 5,545 m black ridge above Gorak Shep, offers the closest unobstructed view of Everest. How to get there, best time, and what to expect.
Nepal ExperienceSamay Baji: The Newari Khaja Set
Samay Baji, the classic Newari khaja set: its origins, every item on the platter from chiura to chhwela, and the best places to try it in Kathmandu.
Nepal ExperienceTraditional and Popular Nepali Dishes You Need to Try
From momos to gundruk, discover the flavours of Nepal with these delicious traditional and popular food items.
Nepal ExperienceTop 11 Traditional Newari Dishes to Try
Get a taste of authentic Newari cuisine with its wide range of dishes, including Chatamari, Yomari, Bara, and Samay Baji.
Nepal ExperienceShakpa (Shyakpa): Traditional Sherpa Stew
Shyakpa, the hearty Sherpa noodle stew: what goes into it, an easy step-by-step recipe, and where to taste the real thing on the Everest trail.
Nepal Experience10 Sherpa Foods to Try During The Everest Base Camp Trek
From tsampa and shyakpa to salty butter tea, here are 10 authentic Sherpa foods to try in the teahouses on your Everest Base Camp trek.
Nepal AdventuresThe Bon Religion of Nepal: History, Beliefs, and Practices
Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet and the Himalayas, lives on in Nepal's Dolpo and Mustang. Its history, gods, rituals, and how it differs from Buddhism.
Nepal ExperienceMount Everest Compared to the World's Tallest Buildings
How does 8,848.86 m Mount Everest compare to the Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, and the Empire State Building? Height comparisons that put the peak in scale.
Nepal AdventuresYarsagumba (Cordyceps) Nepal: Benefits, Cost & What Science Says
Yarsagumba (Himalayan caterpillar fungus): what it is, claimed benefits vs actual science, prices up to USD 100,000/kg, harvest season, and side-effect cautions.
Nepal AdventuresRafting in Nepal: A Complete Guide
Rafting in Nepal explained: the best rivers from the Trishuli to the Bhote Koshi, rapid grades, costs, seasons, gear, and safety tips for first-timers.
Nepal ExperienceLangtang Trekking Permits: Everything You Need to Know
Langtang trek permit guide: national park entry fee (NPR 3,000), TIMS card rules since 2023, mandatory guides, Shivapuri fees, and where to buy each permit.