The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
264 articles
NepalTrekking Permits in Nepal: A Complete 2026 Guide
Every Nepal trekking permit for 2026: TIMS card (NPR 2,000), conservation and national park fees, restricted area permit costs, and the new solo trekker rule.
Nepal AdventuresOffseason Trekking in Nepal: Monsoon and Winter Guide
Why trek Nepal in monsoon (June-Sept) or winter (Dec-Feb): quiet trails, lower prices, rain-shadow treks in Upper Mustang and Dolpo, and winter-friendly routes.
NepalTravelling to Nepal from India: Routes, Borders, and Documents
How to travel from India to Nepal by flight, bus, or train. Documents for Indian citizens, visa on arrival for foreigners, and all six major border crossings.
Nepal ExperienceVipassana Meditation: A Technique to Unwind
A first-person account of a 10-day Vipassana meditation course in Nepal. What to expect, daily schedule, rules, and how to register at Dhamma Shringa, Kathmandu.
Nepal AdventuresMagnificent Mustang: The Forbidden Kingdom Beyond the Himalayas
Discover Mustang - Nepal's ancient forbidden kingdom. High-desert landscapes, cave monasteries, the walled city of Lo-Manthang, Tiji Festival, and Muktinath Temple.
Photography50 Best Inspiring Travel Quotes to Fuel Your Wanderlust
The most inspiring travel quotes from explorers, writers, and mountaineers. 50 quotes on freedom, adventure, the mountains, Nepal, and slow travel.
Nepal ExperienceMy Bittersweet Experience in Nepal
A personal story of trekking the Poon Hill circuit in Nepal - endless stairs, mountain butterflies, a bracelet lost to Annapurna, and everything in between.
NepalWho are Sherpas? Get to Know the Sherpas of Nepal
Who are the Sherpas of Nepal? Their altitude physiology, weekday names, Kami Rita's record 32 Everest summits, and why Sherpa is a people, not a profession.
NepalWhy You Should Take a Guide While Travelling in Nepal
Hiring a guide in Nepal transforms your trip. Discover 8 key benefits - from navigating culture and language barriers to safety on high-altitude treks.
NepalThe Best Lakes of Nepal: A Complete Guide
Explore Nepal's most stunning lakes - from Shey Phoksundo's turquoise depths to sacred Gosaikunda and vast Rara. A complete guide to 7 major Nepali lakes.
Nepal Adventures10 Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks in Nepal
Discover Nepal's 10 best off-the-beaten-path treks - from Rara Lake to Saipal Himal. Remote routes, fewer crowds, and authentic cultural encounters.
Nepal ExperienceBisket Jatra in Bhaktapur Nepal
Everything you need to know about Bisket Jatra — Nepal's most spectacular nine-day festival. History, main events, tongue-piercing ceremony, and visitor tips.