The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
268 articles
Nepal Adventures8 Breathtaking National Parks and Conservation Areas to Visit in Nepal
Explore Nepal's stunning national parks: Chitwan, Bardiya, Sagarmatha, Langtang, Rara, Shey Phoksundo, and more incredible natural sites to discover.
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Circuit Trek in April
April is the perfect time to take the Annapurna Circuit trek. Trails are dry and clear, the weather is pleasant, and the views are uninterrupted.
Nepal ExperienceCanoeing In Nepal: An Adventurer’s Guide
Canoeing in Nepal: paddle Phewa Lake, ride a dugout canoe past crocodiles in Chitwan, and find the best rivers, seasons, gear, and costs.
Nepal AdventuresBest Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the Mardi Himal trek. Here is what to expect month by month, from rhododendron blooms to winter snow.
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.