The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
269 articles
Nepal AdventuresOff the Beaten Path Treks in the Annapurna Region: 7 Quieter Routes (2026)
Seven quieter Annapurna treks for 2026: Khopra, Mohare Danda, Nar Phu, Sikles, Karbakeli, Panchase and the Royal Trek, with days, altitude and permits.
Nepal AdventuresEasiest Mountains to Climb in Nepal (2026): From Your First Trekking Peak to 8,000 m
The easiest mountains to climb in Nepal, from Yala, Pokalde and Mera to Island Peak, Himlung and Manaslu: heights, grades and 2026 permit fees.
Nepal AdventuresNepal Trekking Routes by Region: Overview of Every Trekking Area (2026)
Nepal's trekking regions compared: Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Dolpo, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and the far west, with altitudes, permits and seasons.
Nepal ExperienceFamily Trekking in Nepal (2026): 7 Family-Friendly Treks and How to Plan One
Family-friendly treks in Nepal, from the Royal Trek and Poon Hill to Mardi Himal, with sleeping altitudes, suggested ages, guides, porters and costs.
Nepal Adventures10 Best Treks in Nepal 2026: Days, Altitude and Permits Compared
Nepal's 10 best treks for 2026 compared: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Manaslu, Three Passes, Mustang and more, with days, high points, permits and prices.
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Base Camp Trek: Complete 2026 Guide to Routes, Permits and Cost
Plan the Annapurna Base Camp trek: 4,130 m route options, day-by-day altitudes, permits (NPR 5,000), guide rule, best months, costs and a sample itinerary.
Nepal10 Best Souvenirs from Nepal: What to Buy, Where to Bargain and What You Can Take Home
Pashmina, khukuri, singing bowls, thangka, lokta paper and tea: the best souvenirs from Nepal, where to buy them, how to bargain and what you can export.
Nepal Adventures11 Adventure Activities in Nepal (2026): Skydiving, Bungee, Rafting and More
Nepal's top adventures for 2026: the Everest Skydive, the 228 m Kushma bungee, Pokhara paragliding and ZipFlyer, rafting and heli-skiing, with seasons and costs.
Nepal AdventuresPasang Dawa Sherpa: The Guide With 31 Everest Summits
Pasang Dawa Sherpa has climbed Everest 31 times, one behind Kami Rita's record 32. His road from Khumbu porter to guide, and the 2023-2026 summit race.
Why Nepal11 Weird and Wonderful Things That Happen in Nepal, and the Stories Behind Them
Dogs in garlands, a girl married to a fruit, a living goddess, nine New Years, yak blood and a UTC+5:45 clock: Nepal's most unusual customs, explained.
Nepal ExperienceSolo Travel in Nepal: Guide Rules, Costs, Safety and the Best Places to Go Alone
Solo travel in Nepal: where you need a licensed guide, the 2026 restricted-area rule, daily costs, safety, visas, SIM cards and the best places to go alone.
Nepal15 Festivals You Shouldn't Miss in Nepal (With 2026 and 2027 Dates)
Nepal's 15 best festivals with 2026-27 dates: Dashain, Tihar (7 to 11 Nov 2026), Holi, Shivaratri, Bisket Jatra, Indra Jatra, Losar and more, plus visitor tips.