The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
269 articles
Nepal ExperienceLangtang Valley Trek: 9 Reasons to Go and Who It Suits (2026)
Why trek the Langtang Valley: closest big-mountain trek to Kathmandu, Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri, permits, costs, and the October 2026 road access update.
Nepal AdventuresOvercrowding on Everest: The Real Price of 5 Minutes on Top of the World
Why Everest gets deadly queues, the record 2026 season (492 permits, 274 summits in a day), deaths by year and every rule Nepal has changed since 2019.
NepalFirst Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport (2026): Step-by-Step Guide to Visa, SIM, Cash and Taxis
Your first arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport, step by step: visa queue, baggage, customs, SIM cards, ATMs and the NPR 800-1,200 taxi to Thamel.
NepalNepal Visa on Arrival and Visa Extension (2026): Airport Steps, Fees and Overstay Rules
Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, paying online before you fly, and extensions: USD 3 a day (USD 45 minimum), USD 5/day fine, 150-day cap.
NepalNepal Tourist Visa 2026: Fees, e-Visa, Visa on Arrival and Who Goes Free
Nepal tourist visa 2026: USD 30, 50 or 125, the new e-visa (since 17 Aug), visa on arrival at airports and land borders, free visas and who must apply ahead.
NepalTrekking Permits in Nepal 2026: Every Permit, Fee and Rule
Every Nepal trekking permit for 2026 by route: TIMS, conservation and park fees, restricted area permit rates, the Khumbu trek card and the new solo rule.
Nepal AdventuresOffseason Trekking in Nepal: Where to Trek in the Monsoon and Winter (2026)
Trek Nepal in the monsoon or winter: rain-shadow routes for June to September, winter treks below the snowbound passes, what closes, permit savings and FAQs.
NepalTravelling to Nepal from India (2026): Documents, Border Crossings, Buses and Flights
India to Nepal in 2026: ID Indians need, visa on arrival at six land borders, INR 500 note rule, Delhi bus, trains, flights and driving your own car.
Nepal ExperienceVipassana Meditation in Nepal: My 10-Day Course at Dhamma Shringa
A first-hand account of a free 10-day Vipassana course at Dhamma Shringa, Kathmandu: daily timetable, rules, noble silence, health notes and how to register.
Nepal AdventuresMagnificent Mustang: Nepal's Forbidden Kingdom, Lo Manthang, Muktinath and How to Visit
Mustang, Nepal's former Kingdom of Lo: Lo Manthang, Muktinath and the Tiji festival, the USD 50 a day Upper Mustang permit, altitudes and the best time to go.
Photography50 Inspiring Travel Quotes and Who Really Said Them, From John Muir to George Mallory
50 inspiring travel and mountain quotes with real sources: Muir, Tolkien, Mallory, Herzog. Plus 7 famous lines with the wrong name on them, and treks to match.
Nepal ExperienceMy Bittersweet Experience in Nepal: Poon Hill, Endless Stairs and a Bracelet Left on the Trail
A first-timer's Poon Hill trek story: endless stone stairs, butterflies, sunrise over the Annapurnas and a lost bracelet, plus tips for your own trek.