The Swotah Journal

Route guides, permits, packing lists and dispatches from the trail.

268 articles

Best Places to Ski in NepalNepal Adventures

Best Places to Ski in Nepal

Discover the top skiing destinations in Nepal, from Kalinchowk to the Annapurna backcountry, with permit costs, gear rental, and the best season to go.

Apr 18, 202410 min read
Trash on the Trail: The Everest Base Camp Trail's Untold StoryNepal Adventures

Trash on the Trail: The Everest Base Camp Trail's Untold Story

Explore the pressing issue of litter at Everest Base Camp and the efforts to preserve the purity of this iconic trek.

Apr 11, 20248 min read
The Essential Guide to Everest’s Three Passes TrekNepal Adventures

The Essential Guide to Everest’s Three Passes Trek

Experience Everest's raw beauty with the Three Passes Trek: Cross iconic passes, explore Sherpa traditions, and witness stunning views.

Apr 3, 20247 min read
Sherpa Foods: Where to Eat in Kathmandu?Nepal Experience

Sherpa Foods: Where to Eat in Kathmandu?

Discover the best places in Kathmandu to savour authentic Sherpa cuisine. Explore our guide for top restaurants offering traditional Sherpa foods.

Mar 24, 20248 min read
Upper Mustang Trek Permits: Fees, Requirements & How to Get ThemNepal Adventures

Upper Mustang Trek Permits: Fees, Requirements & How to Get Them

Upper Mustang trek permits explained: the USD 500 restricted area permit, ACAP fee, guide rules, required documents, fines, and how to apply.

Feb 25, 20248 min read
Nepal E-Visa and Online Visa Application: How It WorksNepal Experience

Nepal E-Visa and Online Visa Application: How It Works

Nepal's e-visa system makes arriving easier than ever. Learn how to apply online, what it costs, what documents you need, and what to expect at immigration.

Feb 10, 20245 min read
13 Best Things to Do in PokharaNepal Experience

13 Best Things to Do in Pokhara

From paragliding and boating on Phewa Lake to the World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot sunrise: discover the 13 best things to do in Pokhara, Nepal.

Feb 1, 20248 min read
Complete Guide to Gokyo Ri TrekNepal Experience

Complete Guide to Gokyo Ri Trek

Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) offers a quieter alternative to Everest Base Camp. Routes via Lukla and Jiri, day-by-day itineraries, permits, seasons, and costs.

Jan 21, 202410 min read
Nepal Tourist Arrivals: Statistics, Trends, and Source MarketsNepal Experience

Nepal Tourist Arrivals: Statistics, Trends, and Source Markets

Nepal crossed one million tourist arrivals in 2023 and kept climbing in 2024 and 2025. Full country-wise data, top source markets, and what comes next.

Jan 9, 20248 min read
Economical Everest? The Realities of Low-Cost Trekking in NepalNepal Experience

Economical Everest? The Realities of Low-Cost Trekking in Nepal

Uncover the truth of low-cost trekking in Nepal, exploring its hidden costs and what to expect on these economical journeys.

Dec 20, 202310 min read
Himalayan Mountaineering: Everything you need to knowNepal Adventures

Himalayan Mountaineering: Everything you need to know

Embark on a journey through the Himalayas with our detailed guide. Learn about the key routes, essential skills, and safety measures for mountaineering.

Nov 28, 202316 min read
The Mystical Machapuchare: Why Nepal's Holy Mountain Remains UntouchedNepal Adventures

The Mystical Machapuchare: Why Nepal's Holy Mountain Remains Untouched

Uncover the mysteries of Machapuchare/Fishtail Mountain of Nepal as we examine the cultural and spiritual reasons that have kept this peak unclimbed.

Nov 20, 20237 min read