The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
264 articles
BhutanHow Much Does a Bhutan Trip Cost? Complete Budget Guide
Bhutan travel costs explained: the USD 100 per night Sustainable Development Fee, the USD 40 visa, flights, hotels, and typical daily tour budgets.
Nepal AdventuresHow to travel to Everest base camp on a budget?
Avoiding peak season, trekking independently or in a group, and staying in local teahouses are the best ways to cut costs on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Nepal ExperienceThe Best Treks in Nepal to Experience Local Festivals
The Mani Rimdu, Tiji, and Gosainkunda festival treks let you combine Himalayan trekking with Nepal's living Buddhist and Hindu festival culture.
Nepal AdventuresThe Mani Rimdu Festival: Ancient Sherpa Festival
The Mani Rimdu festival explained: 2026 public dates (Oct 24-26) at Tengboche Monastery, the masked Chham dances, sand mandala, fire puja, and how to attend.
Nepal AdventuresHow Much Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost? 2026 Breakdown
What EBC really costs in 2026: USD 1,200-1,800 standard packages, USD 215+ Lukla flights, permits, daily food prices up high, and where the money actually goes.
Nepal ExperienceGroup Trekking in Nepal – The Best Way to Explore and Meet New Friends
Group trekking in Nepal explained: fixed departures on EBC, ABC, and Manaslu, what to expect day to day, the social upside, and the honest drawbacks.
.webp)
BhutanBhutan Geography: Everything Travelers Should Know
Bhutan's geography for travellers: from 100m subtropical valleys to 7,570m Gangkhar Puensum, its glaciers, rivers, hydropower, and why the land shaped the culture.
Nepal AdventuresNamche Bazaar: the capital of sherpas
Namche Bazaar explained: the Sherpa capital's history, the Saturday market, monasteries, acclimatisation hikes, weather, and its role on the EBC trail.
BhutanDiscovering the Tiger's Nest monastery in Bhutan
Visiting Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest): the legend, the 2-3 hour hike, entry fees, opening times, and the tips that make Bhutan's iconic monastery visit work.
Nepal Adventures8 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Makalu Barun National Park
Makalu Barun National Park explained: the 8,000m elevation span, the Arun valley, wildlife from red pandas to snow leopards, entry fees, and how to trek it.
Bhutan10 Surprising facts about Bhutan you may not know!
Bhutan facts that surprise: Gross National Happiness, carbon-negative forests, no traffic lights, the world's highest unclimbed peak, and a tobacco-sales ban.
Nepal ExperienceWhere to Have Dinner with Traditional Dances in Kathmandu
Where to combine good food with live cultural shows in Kathmandu: Nepali Chulo, Bhojan Griha, Krishnarpan at Dwarika's, and the Newari restaurants locals pick.