The Swotah Journal
Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.
269 articles
Nepal AdventuresMt Everest Dead Bodies: How Many Are There & Why Can't They Be Removed?
More than 200 bodies are thought to remain on Everest. Why recovery costs USD 20,000-200,000, which bodies came down, and where famous climbers lie now.
Nepal Experience247 Best Mountain Captions and Quotes for Instagram (Sources Checked)
247 mountain captions and quotes for Instagram: short, poetic, sunrise and Everest lines, with who really said the famous quotes and 2026 hashtag rules.
Nepal AdventuresEverest Helicopter Ban: 2025 Rules and 2026 Status
What the Khumbu helicopter ban of January 2025 covered, the CAAN dispute and helipad blockade, a dated timeline, and whether Everest heli tours fly in 2026.
Nepal ExperienceKailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: Status, Routes and How Indian Pilgrims Can Go
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra restarted in 2025 and ran June to August 2026. Lipulekh and Nathu La, the private route via Nepal, Kerung closure and 2027 plans.
Nepal AdventuresWhy Are Flights to Nepal So Expensive? Airport Limits, Fuel Costs and How to Fly Cheaper
Why flights to Nepal cost so much: one main airport, costly jet fuel, the EU air safety list and peak-season demand, plus ways to find cheaper fares.
Nepal AdventuresFood and Drinks on the Manaslu Circuit Trek: Menus, Prices and Water (2026)
What you eat on the Manaslu Circuit: dal bhat, momos, tsampa and butter tea, 2026 menu prices by section, safe drinking water and food tips at altitude.
Nepal AdventuresManaslu Circuit Trek in Winter: Temperatures, Larkya La and Tips (2026)
Trekking the Manaslu Circuit from December to February: temperatures by altitude, when the Larkya La closes, which lodges stay open, permits and safety.
Nepal AdventuresTsum Valley Trek 2026: Route, Permits, Difficulty and Itinerary
Tsum Valley trek guide: route from Lokpa to Mu Gompa (3,700 m), 2026 permits (Tsum and Manaslu RAP, MCAP), difficulty, and 19 or 22-day itineraries.
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Circuit Trek in Winter: Temperatures, Thorong La and Tips (2026)
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit from December to February: temperatures by altitude, when the Thorong La closes, which lodges stay open, gear and safety.
Nepal AdventuresClimbing Mt Everest vs Mt Annapurna: Which One Is Harder?
Everest is higher, Annapurna is deadlier. Compare heights, routes, deaths per summit, 2026 permit fees and expedition length, plus the base camp treks.
Nepal AdventuresEverest Base Camp Trek Map
Everest Base Camp trek map with every overnight stop and altitude, from Lukla (2,860 m) to Kala Patthar (5,545 m), plus the Gokyo and Three Passes routes.
Nepal AdventuresAnnapurna Circuit Trek Map: Route, Elevation Profile and Distances (2026)
Annapurna Circuit map explained: the route over the Thorong La (5,416 m), day-by-day elevation, stage distances, where the roads are and offline map tips.