The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
264 articles
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Base Camp Trek - A Complete Guide
Everything for the Annapurna Base Camp trek: route and itinerary, 2026 permits (ACAP + TIMS), best seasons, difficulty, weather at 4,130 m, and packing essentials.
Nepal10 Best Souvenirs from Nepal (And How to Take Them Home)
The best souvenirs from Nepal: pashmina, khukuri, singing bowls, thangka, prayer flags, rudraksha, and lokta paper, plus bargaining tips and export rules.
Nepal Adventures11 Incredible Adventure Activities in Nepal
Nepal's best adventures: Everest skydiving, the 228m Kushma bungee, paragliding over Pokhara, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, zip-lining, and more.
Nepal AdventuresPasang Dawa Sherpa
The story of Pasang Dawa Sherpa, the quiet Khumbu guide with 31 Everest summits, second only to Kami Rita, and what his life says about the Sherpa profession.
Why Nepal11 Weirdest Things That Happen Only in Nepal
From worshipping dogs and a living goddess to cliff honey hunting, nine new years a year, and a calendar set to 2083: the strangest things that happen in Nepal.
Nepal ExperienceEverything You Need to Know About Solo Travel in Nepal
Solo travel in Nepal in 2026: where you still need a guide (and where you don't), the new restricted-area rules, safety tips, and the best places to go alone.
Nepal15 Festivals You Shouldn't Miss in Nepal
The 15 best festivals in Nepal and when they fall: Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Indra Jatra, Shivaratri, Teej, Losar, Mani Rimdu, Chhath, and more, with visitor tips.
Nepal Experience9 Reasons to Go for the Langtang Valley Trek
Why trek Langtang: closest Himalayan valley to Kathmandu (6-7 hr drive), moderate 7-8 day trail to Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri views, red pandas, Tamang culture.
Nepal AdventuresOvercrowding on Everest: The Real Price of 5 Minutes on Top of the World
Why Everest gets deadly traffic jams: weather windows, record permits, price wars, and what Nepal changed since 2019 - the USD 15,000 royalty, tracking, new rules.
NepalSurviving Your First Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
Step-by-step first arrival at Kathmandu airport: visa on arrival, immigration queues, baggage, money exchange, SIM cards, and taxi fares to Thamel.
NepalNepal Visa on Arrival and Visa Extension: Complete 2026 Guide
Nepal visa on arrival in 3 steps at Kathmandu airport, plus visa extension fees (USD 45 for 15 days, USD 3/day), the online form, and overstay penalties.
NepalAll You Need to Know About Nepal Tourist Visa 2026
Nepal tourist visa fees (USD 30/50/125), visa on arrival at airports and land borders, the online form, free visas for SAARC and Chinese citizens, and extensions.