The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
268 articles
Nepal ExperienceWhy Nepal Is the Perfect Place for an Academic Tour
The diversity of ethnic groups, cultures, religions and arts in Nepal makes it an ideal destination for educational tours.
Nepal ExperienceWhy hiring a guide is the best way to experience Everest base camp?
For comfort, safety, and an adventurous trek, hiring a trekking guide is the best way to experience Everest base camp.
Nepal ExperienceHow to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the Everest Base Camp Trek
Dealing with high-altitude sickness is one of the greatest difficulties trekkers encounter when attempting to reach Everest Base Camp. Find out more here.
Nepal AdventuresExploring Phakding Village: A Gem in the Khumbu Region
Phakding is a popular overnight stop on the Everest Base Camp trek, sitting at 2,610 m beside the Dudh Koshi River just north of Lukla.
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.