WHAT TRAVELLERS SAY

Reviews from the trail

Six-and-a-half thousand happy travellers since 2005. These are some of their stories.

★★★★★

I had an amazing experience travelling with Swotah for my Everest Three High Passes Trek. I would highly recommend them to everyone and will travel with them again. I researched many other companies, including larger international ones which I had travelled with previously but decided on Swotah. For me, after communicating with others I found Swotah extremely prompt and informative with their communication. When I arrived in Nepal, everything they had organised (money exchange, SIM card, crampons, copies of my documents) was ready and waiting for me. Swotah and it's employees will do everything to ensure your travel with them is amazing. Big shout out to Ajay and Sijal for this. When it came to the trekking Bijay was fabulous. The man who looked after everything, from informative inormation to being our waiter to teaching me Nepali card games and always ensuring you were doing ok. The trek itself was simply spectacular!!!! Unfortunately I only got to achieve one high pass and EBC, as I was helicoptered off the mountain due to altitude sickness. When a trip doesn't go as planned it highlights how much people care and what they will do. Swotah looked after me and made sure I was ok, liaised with my travel insurance, stayed with me to ensure I was picked up, checked up on me when I was admitted to hospital and assisted me to adjust remaining plans that I had actually booked separately. If you are checking reviews, going back and forth, I highly highly recommend traveling with Swotah. The team is amazing and will look after you so well because their care and dedication is authentic.

Stephanie H
Stephanie H
AU
★★★★★

We have done a trek around the Manaslu through the Larkya Pass, with our guide Bijay and his porters Surya and Casi, they have done an incredible job, they have made us feel safe and very comfortable at all times, the human quality of these 3 professionals has been an experience that we will not forget. Thank you SWOTAH TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE for offering us these professionals for our trip, we will recommend 100%

Jaume Climent
Jaume Climent
GB
★★★★★

I thought this three week tour of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet was great - it did what it said on the tin! My tour mostly ran during May, but the last part - Tibet - was in June. This was not a good time of year for mountain views (except in Tibet) but it was great for seeing wildflowers and jacaranda in Bhutan and to benefit from fresh lychees in Nepal! The description indicated quite a lot of overland travel, especially in the Tibet part, so it wasn't a surprise. Bus travel in Nepal is a bit gruelling mostly due to large road infrastructure improvement schemes, so road travel should be smoother in future years. It is an interesting way to see the country, and the bus company Swotah use was pretty good. In Tibet, the road infrastructure is amazing and the very widespread surveillance 'noticeable'. Guides in every location were excellent, especially in Bhutan and Tibet where it was the same guide and driver for the entire time. In the Nepal part, there were different guides in different locations (e.g. Chitwan, Pokhara etc). I only booked a couple of months before the tour, and didn't realise I could have said more of this or less of that, as I thought it was a group tour. It turned out that I was the only person on the Bhutan and Nepal parts, and in a group only for the Tibet part. This was probably a good balance. The tour is shared between different local travel companies in different countries – the organisation was pretty seamless and Swotah – and travel consultant Sijal – were in touch regularly to answer questions and support. Communications are obviously more restricted in Tibet, where the only app I could access on my mobile was my work email, but who wants to have their face in their mobile on a tour like this! A word of advice – the Tibet tour involves time spent at over 5,000 metres; although we were not doing much that was strenuous, all six of us experienced some altitude impacts (headaches, very rapid breathing & dizziness) so I’d recommend you take along some Diamox – in case. On my last evening in Kathmandu, Sijal took me to the Swayamhunath Stupa, on his motorcycle.. This was a pretty special way to end the experience.

Ruth H
Ruth H
GB
★★★★★

It was a wonderful journey visiting Pashupatinath and Muktinath. The Swotah Travel team not only planned everything perfectly but also stayed connected with us throughout the trip to make sure we were always at the right place and had no issues. They were extremely responsive, caring, and professional, and their constant communication gave us great comfort and confidence during the entire journey. Overall, it was a memorable and well-organized experience. Highly recommended to anyone planning a spiritual or adventure trip to Nepal!

Sunil S
Sunil S
SG
★★★★★

We enjoyed an incredible 3-week journey through Nepal from mid-September to mid-October, organized by Swotah Travel in Kathmandu. The entire trip was individually tailored to our interests, combining trekking, nature experiences, cultural highlights, and historical insights into a well- balanced itinerary. From the first planning steps, Swotah impressed us with their professionalism and thoughtful suggestions. Every detail was handled with care, and the execution on the ground was flawless. Our guides, drivers and porters were punctual, reliable, friendly and service-oriented, making us feel safe and well looked after throughout the trip. Special thanks to Bijay, our guide on the Annapurna Trek, whose guided us safely through the mountains and always made sure we felt comfortable. In Kathmandu, Dipesh and Umesh provided cultural and historical context with great enthusiasm. We also want to thank Ajay and Sijal from the Swotah team for their excellent coordination and support during the planning process and the journey behind the scenes. If you're looking for a personalized and well-organized adventure in Nepal, we can wholeheartedly recommend Swotah Travel.

Paul M
Paul M
DE
★★★★★

We had a fantastic time in Nepal. Swotah arranged everything beautifully and was always available for any questions queries or if Travel plans had to change or when the flights were cancelled. The properties we stayed at were completely amazing with spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the weather was wonderful, allowing us to see the Himalayas in all their glory. Would highly recommend a trip to Nepal with Swotah travels.

Adi B
Adi B
US
★★★★★

A beautiful trek (14 days arrival to departure) with 9 days trekking. The scenery was truly amazing, and Nepal is such a lovely country. The days were up to 20km with up to 1300m of ascent, so not for the faint hearted. The rate of ascent and pace were really good, so that there was no issue with the altitude. By guide Bijay Gurung was excellent, really friendly and adaptable. I would happily go with him on another trek.

MisterCorn
MisterCorn
GB
★★★★★

Awesome experience. SWOTAH is a great agent and highly recommended. The best part is, whatever they wrote/inform before the trip vs what we got during the trip are all aligned. Their quality of handling people are simply great. Will use them again.

Ziaur Rahman
Ziaur Rahman
BD
★★★★★

We've recently returned from a great 2-week cultural trip to Nepal and Bhutan on a customised itinerary for 3 of us. The Swotah team were responsive to feedback throughout and a WhatsApp group helped with communications during the trip. Everyone we met was warm and welcoming, guides/drivers were punctual and accommodation was comfortable. My personal food favourites were Thukpa (a flavoursome noodle soup) and all the chilli cheese (datshi) dishes in Bhutan. Nepal tour highlights included sunrise at Sarangkot and our stay at the Sapana Village Lodge in Chitwan. Bhutan highlights were the Thimpu festival (despite torrential rain) and the hike to Tiger's Nest. Special thanks to Lesia for her support with trip planning and for responding to all my questions. Also to Sijal for ensuring we were looked after in Nepal, and Ajay for his friendly support.

Reena c
Reena c
US
★★★★★

We did a rock climbing trip with Swotah travel and it was perfectly organized. The guides had a great sense of safety and made sure that everything was secure. The material was all of very good quality. I had mentioned the climbing level of myself and my wife and they managed to find an area that suited both our levels perfectly. The day the trip was originally planned had to be canceled due to bad weather. The responsible of Swotah travel came to talk to us about alternatives and how to solve this problem. The very flexible mindset of the company allowed us to easily change the date of the trip without any hassle. In short: a very well organized trip!!

Jesse B
Jesse B
US
★★★★★

The most memorable and exciting part of my vacation was the incredible scenery and the tough but exhilarating challenge in such an ancient and remote part of the world. For those considering this trip, it's essential to be quite fit. You'll be biking for over 7 hours a day, covering 20-60km, and navigating elevations over 3500m. It's tough on the legs and lungs. My husband and I, both 33, did this trip right after trekking the Manaslu Circuit, which took us up to 5100m with 10-hour days of hiking for two weeks, and we found the biking trip even harder! Don't let that deter you; just be prepared for a real adventure with a mix of ascents and descents on bumpy terrain. Being comfortable on mountain bikes is a plus. Despite the challenges, it was 100% worth every second! Our vacation definitely benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts, and supported conservation. We stayed in small guesthouses and saw our money go directly to local guides and shop owners. The trip was organized by a Nepalese company owned by a wonderful chap named Ajay, who takes great care of his employees and clients. Overall, I would rate this vacation a 10/10. It was an unforgettable trip, and we loved exploring this amazing part of the world by bike. We encountered a small issue during the trip, but Ajay and his colleague Lesia resolved it immediately, and we developed a great relationship with Ajay by the end. Upper Mustang is such an amazing, special, and off-the-beaten-track destination that I wholeheartedly recommend this trip, along with Responsible Travel, through whom my husband and I now book all our adventures. Fetched from: Responsible Travel

Kate Walton
Kate Walton
GB
★★★★★

It was an amazing tracking experience with Swotah Travel. They took care of all my arrangements including accommodation, travel, safety gear, guide, food, everything. Special mention to Bibek my guide for always being there on the trek and helping me do this things! Cheers to Swotah! Highly recommend for trekking enthusiasts.

Jitin Sharma
Jitin Sharma
IN
★★★★

Thank you dear Ajay for organizing a wonderful and memorable five day trip through really local and remote villages. We enjoyed the great hospitality from the peoples and the beautiful landscape and to learn a lot about Nepali Lifestyle and culture. Yes, sometimes it was hard to walk due to the heat but in the end it was really worthy. Lots auf thanks for your great and lovely stuff Temba, Tek, Raj Kumar and Surya! I can really recommend the agency and team and will definitely come to visit you again! Janina

janina
janina
DE
★★★★★

This was my second trip to Nepal, some of my interactions with tour guides (from another company) on my first trip to Nepal exposed me to the exploitation of tourists. This is definitely not the case with Swotah, Ajay and his team are as genuine as they come and go completely out of their way to make sure we had the best experience. Ajay is a well travelled and intelligent person making for a great host while in KTM. The Base camp team are highly experienced and were there to collect us the second we hit the ground at Lukla Airport, leading us to base camp without any problems whatsoever, our EBC guide Nischal and porters Passang Sherpa and Lakpa Sherpa were great leaders and companions. I have no doubt I will be completing another trip with Swotah in the near future. Highly recommended!

owen williams
owen williams
AZ
★★★★★

his May, 2019, I experienced life changing experience while trekking to EBC with my new little Nepali family SWOTAH TRAVEL team. With this post I'd like to advise this agency for few reasons: Incredibly friendly and helpful. My guide Mike, and Sherpa Lopsang couldn't be more helpful. Mike is a very charismatic young (30ish) nepali guy, who knows a lot about mountaineering. He gave me a lot of insights about the trek, Nepali culture, we talked about climbing Everest and other 8 thousandeners. These conversations are really helpful while trakking (well, he was talking, while I was struggling on my way up), because they help you to think of smth else rather then how difficult it is to climb. Another reason why I suggest to deal with these guys is because I felt super safe and taken care of. The road very ofterln is pretty steep and you might need a friendly hand))) Mike was super cousious about assent. He adviced how to use diamox and what food is better for altitude (garlic soup) . It's super important to have someone who knows what to do and who will act simultaneously if some unpredictable situation happen. That's why I don't advice to travel solo without guide. Mike helped one solo traveler who accured altitude sickness in Gorak Shep. And with his help she was evacuated by helicopter. Another great person that deserves appreciation is my Porter Lopsang, who helped my knees to come back home in one piece. Carrying 15kg bag is not a great idea when your knees aren't 100% in shape. Even though they are before the climb you might reconsider and will want a strong guy to help you , after you try going up on the rocks for hours. Trekking is super fun , enjoyable and life changing when you see the beauty of Himalaya especially when it's done wisely. Good luck and have fun.

Anastasiia Dmytruk
Anastasiia Dmytruk
CN
★★★★★

We did the Millenium Trek together with Ajay, Raj Kumar, Temba and Tek and it was a wonderful tour. Our group of nine women were not super professional trekkers and for many of us it was a first time experience like that. Our tour guides gave us all great support und we felt in very good hands from the beginning. They went with our flow and shaped the tour according to our needs on the go. The people in the villages we stayed at were really lovely and welcoming - you could tell it was a real pleasure for the to host us. They provided delicious food. Overall I would absolutely recommend to do this tour with Swotah Travel!

KAMA27
KAMA27
DE
★★★★

I just returned from Dhaulagiri Circuit and can say I've never seen views more beautiful than during my trek. So grateful to all of Swotah Travel and Adventure team and especially to my best guide Chandra who eventually became my friend, and the strongest porter I've ever met Passang Sherpa who knows the funniest stories to tell at the right moment. This agency made my adventure once in a lifetime experience which was organized on a high level: reliable equipment, professional guides, sherpas and porters, well thought out trekking route and of course great cooked meals. As was mentioned in previous reviews many times, I want to mention it again: these guys go far beyond of their possibilities to provide the best service with personal touch, I felt like with family with them. Highly recommend Swotah for your adventures in Nepal as definitely this is the best trekking agency and I wish to see you again guys!

spencer
spencer
AT
★★★★★

Excellent from beginning to end. Everything from the quality of the attention paid to our requests down to the excellent guides was spot on. I cannot recommend Swotah highly enough. Ajay knows his business, his country and he knows how to share that knowledge with guests.

philip s
philip s
EG
★★★★

The Annapurna trek was full of stunning views and beautiful forest! Lots of rushing waterfalls and streams everywhere in August makes a nice sound backdrop too. The trek was organized, and guide Vivek was really knowledgeable and made everything easy!

ICNICU
ICNICU
KP
★★★★★

We were 12 italian bikers travelling across Nepal in 2018. Swotah Travel made for us a wonderful plan with excellent transfer to Pokhara, some reservation in hotel and resort not easy to book from Italy, and a wonderful homestay in Bodnath where we knew a marvelous family. If our travel across Nepal was unforgettable .... the credit is from "Swotah Travel and adventures"

Himalayanauti
Himalayanauti
CY
★★★★★

It was an amazing experience, the agency is very professional and we enjoyed the flight a lot.We highly recommend this agency.

Theresa
Theresa
AD
★★★★

I can highly recommend the services of Swotah Travels agency, Ajay who is the director of the company is my good friend, he can understand the western mind and the needs of western people, he is very flexible, friendly and always helpful in any kind of situations.....if you want to travel to Nepal......go for this travel agency.....He is the best. I am professional guide in the area for last 12 years and would always vote for him.....try and you will see....

katerina
katerina
CZ
★★★★

've lived in Nepal for more than 4 years now. But I never had the opportunity to go trekking or climbing because of my extreme busy schedules at work. Last month I decided to go on a trek for 3-4 weeks. After consulting with Ajay I decided to go to Mera peak and Everest Base camp to be able to relax and see the nature contents that I was looking for. Although I am not a pro climber, I found the trek relatively easy and could take my time to get where I was going and really enjoy the trail and the people that I met. For me I was looking for something that would really calm me down and allow me to escape my cray work life over here and when Ajay suggested me this trekking route to everest base camp via Mera I was inclined to agree and he accomodated my trip to take a bit more time so I could really relax and unwind. I had some great company. My Sherpa Padawa was an Everest summiteer. I think he had actually been more than 20 times! He was great to chat too and knew exactly what he was doing so i always felt safe. I have been spreading the word that I trekked with someone who summited everest! As far as good people go Ajay is up there with one of the best. He knew I needed a break and organised this whole trip for me and I couldn't be more thankful for his generosity and support to give me the holiday I needed. Everything was perfect and I couldn't recommend his company highly enough! Ajay has always told me about his motto and the meaning of "Swotah" to be a journey into oneself and I've never really dived into it until I was in the mountains and the word was given life. You truly are able to escape and are put in a different world where you're able to unwind, relax and grow. Thankyou to Ajay and the crew at Swotah for giving me exactly what I needed!

INTER LOCK C
INTER LOCK C
AI
★★★★

My friend and I did the 7 day tour around Nepal and visited 3 places (Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan) organized by Swotah Travel and we had such a great time. Ajay organised everything for us seamlessly, from picking us up at the airport, to our hotel stays, transportation and also our activities. He also planned out our itinerary for us and was very accommodating to to any of our requests and changes. The entire trip went well without any major hiccups and everyone at Swotah Travel were extremely friendly and helpful during the entire trip. I cannot recommend Swotah Travel enough, and would definitely engage Swotah travel again when I'm back in Nepal! Big shout-out to Ajay and team for the amazing time in Nepal!

ZANN T
ZANN T
SG
★★★★

Booked the Annapurna Base Camp trek (7 days) kind of last minute, the group trek had a few places vacant but when I arrived, I found out that the rest of the group cancelled. But, all the better for me! Arriving in Kathmandu team Swotah really helped me in the city with hostel, travel, everything. When I did arrive in Pokhara (gateway city to western Nepal) I met up with my guide, Diwas, who helped me get to my hostel and we planned the journey from Pokhara to the start of the trek which would take place the following day. So, from the beginning to the end, every part of the organisation were truly helpful. The trek was great, we stayed at some very nice guest houses along the trek, my guide was really social, professional and friendly so if you would enjoy conversating during or after the trek, that's not a problem. Diwas knew a lot about the culture and the area around us so I learned a lot! All in all, a truly wonderful trek with nice co-trekkers, guides and locals and especially the travel company arranging it. Great recommendation!

HANS
HANS
FR
★★★★

An amazing experience in the most beautiful setting! I’d never been to Nepal before but my love for the mountains had the strongest pull to get me there, and I’m so glad I did. I booked with Swotah as I wanted the safety of having a guide as a solo, female traveller navigating these mountains for the first time. Tika, my guide, was the absolute best and took such good care especially when I did fall ill a few times. I completely credit the fact that I was able to pull through and make it over the pass to him! The itinerary composed by Swotah itself is relatively true to form with a few custom tweaks here and there made along the way. The package itself was definitely the best amongst its competitors, with guide, porter and all meals included. I will be back in the coming years to take on more challenges that the Himalayas have to offer!

KATHLEEN J
KATHLEEN J
NG
★★★★

Ajay and the Swotah team take amazing care of their guests from start to finish and made the Three Passes Trek the trip of a lifetime! Every detail was taken care of from the second we landed in Kathmandu and were picked up at the airport. Ajay and the team were there every step of the way to help with hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations and sorting equipment for the trek as well as sharing first hand experience from the Himalayas and explaining the rich history and culture of Nepal. After meeting up with our guide Kendra in Lukla at the start of The Three Passes, he and our porter Milan took amazing care of us throughout the trek and made sure we had the best time during our two weeks on the trail ensuring we stayed in the best tea houses, enjoyed the best food and were always happy, warm and hydrated during our hours of walking. The Three Passes Trek itself allows you to enjoy the best that the Khumbu has to offer from the lush green forests of the foothills up to Tengboche to the imposing peaks and glaciers of the upper Khumbu and Everest base camp, to the breathtaking scenery of Gokyo. I would definitely recommend travelling with Swotah for your trips to Nepal.

luke p
luke p
CZ
★★★★

I completed the ABC 7 days trek with Swotah. Bibek was excellent in terms of the knowledge of the trails, local hotels, food and most of all made me feel like i was travelling with a good friend. He took care and paid attention to all my needs and made sure that the trek was very enjoyable and memorable for me. Thanks Bibek and Swotah.

VISHAL P.
VISHAL P.
AU
★★★★

My itinerary: Pokhara for seven day six night Millennium trek, Chopper flight to Annapurna base camp from Pokhara, Guided tour of Kathmandu. First of all I would like to thank the team at Swotah travel: Ajay, Lesia, and my guides for the trek = Raj Kummar and Chandra, and my guide for Kathmandu = Bikash. You are kind and personable people. It is my pleasure to have met ya’ll. At the risk of sounding effusive this team is a collection of exemplary ambassadors; true emissary’s of Nepali culture and heritage. The Millennium trek takes a circuit through the Himalayan foothills that is off the beaten path. I believe that Raj kummar and Chandra know every: rock staircase, goat trail, and shortcut through a village there is to be had in a seven day ridge run; around the valley. Both men are upbeat and kind, so the days are full of laughter, surrounded by the ineffable views of the jungle and Annapurna mountain range. The family's at all the home stays where always kind and welcoming. These are rural areas, so do not expect resort stays. If you like cultural immersion and a good physical challenge then this trek is highly recommended. The guided tour of Kathmandu given by Bikash was most excellent. We saw four UNESCO world heritage sites. It was given in a private car with a driver. Bikash works for the National Art Museum and has a degree in art restoration. He is very knowledgeable about: Nepali history, art, and the religions of Nepal. He is a distinguished conversationalist and wealth of knowledge about his country. Although I may be biased, as this is my first trip to Nepal, and for what my opinion is worth to someone who does not know me. Swotah travel is highly recommended by me. They handled all my hotel bookings, tour bookings and helped me to prepare for the trek. All with personal attention to me and the minute details. They did what they said they would do, when they said it would be done.

jon whitham
jon whitham
AU
★★★★

This trip was exactly what I had envisioned. I think it is ideal for a reasonably fit traveller who wants to combine a trek with local experience. The trek was at lower altitude than the treks to Anapurna and Everest base camps. That meant that the trek was somewhat easier than at higher altitude, but was still enough to provide a challenge. In contrast to those treks, it was non-commercial. During the week of the trek we saw only local people. The lifestyle of the people we saw has changed little over time. Stays were in people's homes, where we shared the food that they cooked for their families. The people we met were universally friendly, although little English was spoken. They welcomed being photographed. This was very much a genuine experience where we were able to participate to a limited extent in the usual lives of the people we met. Ajay and Lesia, who operate the travel company were remarkably friendly and helpful. I had dinner with them on two occasions. The two guides Kumar and Chandra were both excellent and helpful. I have travelled to over 40 countries and this was definitely in the top few experiences. There are very few people who take this trek, which is unfortunate. Someone like me who enjoys being in places that other tourists are not will particularly enjoy the experience.

inspiration
inspiration
AU
★★★★

A last minute relatively short trip was arranged at my request. It involved more than 8 hours driving each way, accommodation, meals, and a tour guide.Everything was OUTSTANDING, with friendly and excellent safe drivers, staff at the hotel, and food both during the journey and at our destination.I can highly recommend this Company if you have any desire to see the beautiful country of Nepal.If you are in London right now, go and visit them at the Swotah Travel and Adventure Stand at the Adventure Travel Show 2020.THEY"RE THE BEST!!! Visit and chat to them and find out for yourself.

Carole Ross
Carole Ross
AU
★★★★

This is my second time with Swotah Travel and Adventure. I did Macchapucchre and Mardi peak trekking in wintertime. First off, Nepal is so beautiful. The mountains are so beautiful and grand that only word description cannot do full justice. I have added some pictures here with this review. Swotah Travel has been incredible company to trek with. We had an amazing guide Bibek, who knew the routes well. The sherpa dai - Pasang Sherpa is incredibly funny and cool. Swotah arranged my tours so well, I barely had any hiccups during the whole process. I would strongly recommend this company for adventure tourism in Nepal. Managing director Ajay is very amicable, thorough guy who makes sure that your trip is very comfortable and enjoyable. I am hoping to return back to Nepal for Everest base camp trekking in the year 2021. Until then - wish you guys a safe, incredible, fun, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Nepal.

anup s
anup s
AS
★★★★★

Highest compliments for Lesia at Swotah Travel. I knew from the beginning I wanted a local provider, and despite the 12 hours time difference Lesia was always available and responsive to answer all my questions in detail. Lesia listened to my desires and also made recommendations for adjustments to the itinerary that she thought would result in an improved travel experience and I appreciated the local insight. When I unexpectedly had to change travel itinerary and dates at the last minute, Lesia accommodated everything and the trip was way better than I ever could have imagined. Thank you!

KNichols528
KNichols528
AT
★★★★★

This was truly a magnificent experience. Even before we started we were able to speak with Ajay from Swotah travel, he help us with all our inquiries and help us sort out all the equipment required. When we suddenly had to return home due to the Covid-19 virus, Ajay went above and beyond all his duties to organise a helicopter transfer back to Kathmandu so we could catch alternative flight. Our guide (Tsewang Sherpa ) was exceptional, he had a lot of patience for us 60 year olds. Long and challenging days walking on rocks, ice and snow but very rewarding.

Adventurer73352
Adventurer73352
AL
★★★★★

Lesia and Ajay at Swotah travel were great from beginning to end, available to answer any questions we had. They gave the personal touch, meeting with us after we arrived in the country to introducing us to the culture through a tour and dinner out and followed up with us before leaving Nepal. I would definitely use Swotah Travel again if I return to Nepal. Having not done much in the way of trekking this challenged me in many ways but we were so well supported by our guide and our porter they helped make the trip what it was. The scenery incredible, the cold more than I have ever experienced, being in snow upto my knees making walking difficult with the feeling of getting to Gokyo Lakes being one of the hardest but best things I have ever done.

robyn
robyn
DZ
★★★★★

My sister and I travelled to Nepal for a wedding and were referred to Ajay and the team at Swotah Travel for the insider knowledge and expertise in all things Nepalese. We had limited time in Nepal punctuated by family events, and Ajay and the team put together a custom itinerary covering the best of Kathmandu and Pokhara on a whim! It's also worth mentioning that they where most accomodating and understanding when things didn't go to plan (my poor planning that is), very much appreciated! A particular highlight was the chance to go hot air ballooning in Pokhara above the Annapurna mountains, and spending the day sightseeing in Kathmandu listening to the knowledge and passion that Bikash has for Nepalese history, art and culture! Fabulous! We look forward to one day returning to Nepal with a little more time to do some trekking- will definitely using Swotah for our next adventure!

lenna c
lenna c
DE
★★★★★

Nepal is definitely place to be and visit at least once in life. Its charming and beautifully located country with rich culture and traditions, so be aware, if you come here once, it may be NOT enough. But its ok,, because Nepal and Nepali ppl will always welcome you warmly And if you decide to visit this place, dont hesitate to travel with Swotah, for stimulating, safe and adventurous experience.

mary
mary
AT
★★★★★

Well, I did the Mardi Himal Trek in October 2020 during Covid after the lockdown was partially lifted and few trekking routes got open. The whole trip got planned with assistance from Ajay in just 2 days and I must say it was one of the best times I had during my stay in Nepal. The trek was scenic and presence of our guide Kumar ji and porter John made it more wonderful. Both of them were very friendly and Kumar ji with his contacts in the trekking route made our food and lodging comfortable. I would like to thank the whole team for their support, guidance and transparent behavior during the association. I personally would recommend fellow travelers to take services from Swatah for a perfect escape into the scenic landscapes of Nepal. Love and wishes!!

SHASHWAT
SHASHWAT
NP
★★★★★

Trek to Poonhill, Nepal. Very nice trip and life long memories. The route as well as stay was arranged at its best. Special thanks to Mr. Kumar for his kind support we did enjoyed the trip.

dksahi
dksahi
NP
★★★★

My experience with Swotah was absolutely phenomenal. I signed up for the three pass trek. The beauty was nothing like I’ve ever seen before, I totally recommend it. Ajay was very helpful with the pre and post trek with information on what and what not to bring, how the trek works, and being a positive person! Bibek is a great porter that you should ask for if booking a trip. He became a great friend to me and still is today. He is the type of person you want to take in your trek. And for the guide Niesel he was great as well, always going at your comfortable speed and has no fear. Thank you Swotah for this opportunity.

michal f
michal f
AT
★★★★★

I had a great trekking experience with Swotah Travel. From the start, Lesia was so helpful with all the arrangements and any questions. Then on arrival Ajay came to meet me when I got to Kathmandu. During the trek my guide Sabin was always looking out for me and I felt in very safe hands. The lodges booked were of a good standard and overall the trek was good value. And the trek itself was amazing, very beautiful. Also challenging but very do-able with the support of a guide and porter! 100% recommended!

nicola t
nicola t
NZ
★★★★★

Swotah arranged our trip to Nepal to include Katmandu sightseeing, rafting, and the Poon Hill Circuit trek of Annapurna. They did a great job arranging everything. Best of all they arranged for the greatest guides. Chandra was an excellent guide for Katmandu. RajKumar, Bibek, and Binod were amazing. They not only safely guided us through the trails but shared their culture and proactively sought to meet our needs. I highly recommend them. When our return flight to Katmandu was delayed by a day, Swotah administrators and RajKumar jumped into action to help us arrange for transport, another night in the hotel, and guided us through booking a new flight.

PAUL B
PAUL B
NG
★★★★★

It's Torsten writing this (AJ will redirect you for sure if you'd like to talk to me in person). So the whole thing started with Claudius 40th birthday getting a 4 weeks off family present (how tempting this is ?). His always dream was for a high tour in Himalayas, which I somewhat already had, Lahaul + Spiti + Sikkim, along with my Indian friends. Called up on that birthday (we're 8 hrs apart) .. telling me the story .. I replied on immediately "call me in". On top, Claudius got to know Ajay via a friend before, also, via ITB. The plan was set, thourougly set up for Mar 2020. At last minute before airplane takeoff, after 4 hrs of constant video calls forth and back with Ajay, this had to be cancelled as for no future. That was both rationally and emotionally terrible, for all of us. We kept constant forth and back about possible dates and still there was no good base until we decided for a poker game back in fall 2021. Now that we won the poker game, it's about a team, the buddy you are travelling with, the guide that tells you the whereabouts and whatabouts, introduced us to our porters, Nima + Lekh (in alphabetical order). To make a long story straight, they carried our bulk load and eventually made us us summit. These guys were strong, barely english talking, however I hope they are fine. Yes, of course, they got tipped whatever is good. It was too sad one couldn't learn there inner views. So here, aside of all the ovens we shared, dhyanyabad to you guys, you were key (glad to meet to next time). Claudius is eager, and cautious. In that order. So .. surprises ahead. It's fine. Aj looks for socialism. Gr8. I felt very well in that team. Padawa came in, certainly the most important figure ? Without him one cannot even dare to climb starting midnight, or shortly after ? So one sits an Padawa's home and he knows you from the afternoon climb. He just knows how you step climbs or the stairs of your house. You cannot trust more than this. He's your life insurance at top. When you come to straight rock, Padawa watches what your skills are for, helps you, forces you, he's smart, and keeps you pushing, he won't let go if your're too weak. The most of the time we spent walking up + down in AJ's company - without any exaggeration this was just heaven on earth. We shared soo many moments that will last. The strongest moment I felt on the plateau between Pangboche and Dingboche, AJ playing classic music and conducted the orchestra with his walking sticks. Thanks ! is a small word for the memories experienced, it's rather a start. The whole trip felt like one entire blast ! From the bottom of my heart, Torsten

torsten
torsten
US
★★★★★

2 years ago we already wanted to visit Nepal and the Himalaya. At that time we decided to organize the trip through swotahtravel.com, as I was introduced to Ajay in Berlin some years ago. After Ajay had clarified our interests, it quickly became clear that we intended to climb two 6000m peaks. Island Peak and Lobuche East. The trip was perfectly organized. Unfortunately, covid slowed us down on the original day of departure, but the dream lived on and contact with AJ didn't break off. In March 2022 our time had come. After weeks of sporting preparations, we were on our way to Nepal. The greeting at the airport was sensational. The next day the final organizational things for the mountains were made and the last equipment was bought in Thamel. Now we finally went to Lukla, accompanied by Ajay. From there we hiked several days in the direction of Island Peak. On the way we always had the perfect accommodation with the best service every day. Our team also worked without any problems. Our two strong porters Nima & Lekh were always courteous and did a great job. Finally, Pasang Dawa Sherpa joined us as our climbing Sherpa, so we were in the best hands. This 23-time Everest climber is truly an impressive person. Ajay, Padawa, Nima & Lekh greeted us every morning with positive vibes. Spectacular mountains and lots of fun were guaranteed day by day. In the end we were able to fulfill our dream and reached both planned summits within 4 days and without any bigger problems. Thanks to Padawa and AJ, we had ideal conditions for success here, both in the base camp and on the mountain itself. The moments on the windless peaks under the blue sky remain unforgettable. The walk back to Lukla went smoothly. The accommodation and the rest day in Namche Bazar will also remain in my memories, as we were able to listen to many stories of locals and gain deep insights into the life and culture of the Sherpa. Flights to and from Lukla remain something special. But when we arrived in Kathmandu, Ajay picked a great hotel for us again. After we had left the mountains behind us, a few days of city, culture and nightlife were ahead of us, including a 2-day-trip to Pokhara. That rounded off this trip perfectly. What remains in the end are memories of a spectacular time in the mountains, but also the memories of the lovely, hospitable people in this beautiful country. Ajay was the best tour guide imaginable. He has always made the impossible possible and removed all obstacles with his positive nature. This was definitely not my last visit to Nepal and next time I will definitely go with Swotah Travel again. 5 stars and thanks for the best 4 weeks of my life.

claudius
claudius
AU
★★★★★

Ajay helped organize a helicopter tour for 15 of us from Kathmandu to Everest and back. It was simply magnificent, and he took care of EVERYTHING. Really made the process super seamless for us. I would really highly recommend using Ajay to help you plan your Nepal adventure. Based on all the other experiences people in our group had with other travel companies (many of which were also great), Ajay is clearly among the very best in the business. Give him a shout!

shan k
shan k
AF
★★★★★

Swotah travel has organized for me a wonderful trip to discover Nepal. Kathmandu + trekking to Everest base camp. The guide who assisted me, Chandra, was amazing, made my vacation unique. I highly recommend this tour operator.

Cecilia T
Cecilia T
GB
★★★★★

The trek was an incredible experience, with breathtaking scenery and friendly locals. The tour company I booked through (Swotah Travels) took care of everything for me, from arranging transportation to providing gear, and I never had to worry about a thing. It was an unforgettable experience and I highly recommend booking through a tour company if you're thinking about doing the trek.

alicia jhonston
alicia jhonston
AS
★★★★★

My experience at the Millennium Homestay Trek was amazing. We hiked to these colorful villages with my partner last week. It was really worth visiting, and it was precisely what we were expecting from this off-the-beaten trail. Local lifestyle and untouched beauty of the hills. This trek is a must for those who can't do high-altitude treks in the Himalayas. We simply loved it. We highly recommend taking Kumar as a guide for this hike, as he is certainly the best in the business. Funny one. Never seen such friendly people on any other trail. Ajay went above and beyond to ensure we were doing fine, and he managed it well. Really recommend this trek to all, and Swotah Travel is really professional. We would go with them again if we were to visit Nepal again.

hans peter
hans peter
AR
★★★★★

It was an amazing experience with Swotah.. The entire trip was made comfortable and enjoyable with excellent staff. We travelled to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Nagarkot.. each place had its own beauty and highlights like the site seeing at Durbar square, the lakeside chilling at Pokhara along with the Gandakari trout farm tour, the beautiful safari , canoeing and elephant ride at Chitwan ( as we spotted the majestic one horned Rhino) and the relaxing,mesmerising views at Nagarkot . Thank you Swotah for this wholesome experience of the best of Nepal ..

mchitz
mchitz
NL
★★★★★

It was a great experience! We visited Pokhara, Kathmandu and Chitwan and made a hiking tour to poonhill. Swotah Travel has managed the whole journey. He made everything possible for our individuell adventure. With his positive mind he made all our wishes coming true. All the times he was reachable for every questions. We would book with Swotah Travel again. Our guide, Bibek, was like a best friend and on the same time an excellent and courteous guide. He told us a lot of informations about local lifestyle and untouched landscapes. Thank you for making this journey unforgettable.

nicholas
nicholas
GB
★★★★★

It was a great experience! We visited Pokhara, Kathmandu and Chitwan and made a hiking tour to poonhill. Swotah Travel has managed the whole journey. He made everything possible for our individuell adventure. With his positive mind he made all our wishes coming true. All the times he was reachable for every questions. We would book with Swotah Travel again. Our guide, Bibek, was like a best friend and on the same time an excellent and courteous guide. He told us a lot of informations about local lifestyle and untouched landscapes. Thank you for making this journey unforgettable.

hilda k
hilda k
AQ
★★★★★

The Millenium Homestay Trek was simply AMAZING! Truly the best way to experience the beauty of Nepal's otherworldly landscapes up close in person. Homestays in the villages enabled us to meet local people and learn about their unique and beautiful culture. The home cooked meals were delicious and gave us strength for the journey. Ajay and his team handled all details -including flights, hotels and extra adventures around the Trek. He stayed in touch through out and made sure everything was going well. Excellent customer service -and really nice guy! PJ Neely

polly n
polly n
GE
★★★★★

We experienced so many things on this low-altitude trek it’s hard to choose a highlight. We loved homestays in villages that we otherwise couldn’t have visited, and appreciated home-cooked meals. After our first day of hiking up, up, up we already had met many people and learned a bit about different communities. Then we saw the Himalayan peaks for the very first time. Later we adventured through rice fields to an underground waterfall that felt sacred, We were well cared for, especially when a group member wasn’t feeling well. Ajay and our wonderful guide Kumar were in constant communication, adjusting the schedule and accommodations. As a result, we had an unplanned recovery day that we spent “visiting” meeting village elders, receiving blessings and having authentic conversations, facilitated by Kumar, that were deeply meaningful. Kumar is a delightful guide and Ajay is a true professional who went above and beyond to arrange details before and after our trek. Both are excellent communicators. They were highly responsive and made our travel worry-free and memorable. Deepest gratitude!

amanda t
amanda t
GE
★★★★

Swotah looked after us really well from arrival to departure. We trekked up to kanchenjunga base camps using teahouses and the guide and porter were awesome. Beautiful part of Nepal and very peaceful.

GILL H
GILL H
AU
★★★★★

Ajay and his company Swotah Travel did a magnificent job for us seamlessly linking together essentially three trips over 1 month: trekking in Nepal to Annapurna base camp (ABC), touring western Bhutan, and traveling through the Golden Triangle of Northern India. On all three segments we were met at the airport by representatives of the company, transferred to our hotels and subsequently met with our very professional guides and drivers. In Nepal our guide Kumar and his son and our porter Mark couldn't have been more professional, friendly, and caring. In Bhutan our very knowledgeable guides Dev and Dorje lead our cultural and spiritual adventure through Bhutan. In India Anuja arranged a trip without hitch through Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Jodpur with excellent guides Ashutosh, Amit and Kuldeep and our incredibly skilled driver Uttam Singh. Throughout the trip we were in touch with Ajay who made sure our trip ran smoothly and was able to make small adjustments to our itinerary as necessary. Thanks to all of them we had a most excellent adventure. I could not more fully recommend Ajay and his company Swotah Travel.

rick and bonnie
rick and bonnie
FR
★★★★★

If you have not yet visited Nepal then you must…! and before doing I strongly recommend that you contact Ajay and his small but agile team at Swotah Travel. This independent Nepali travel company punches well above its weight in terms of delivering of a truly personal experience and excellent value for money, outsmarting those more traditional ‘rent a crowd’ tours offered by the bigger operators every time. Whether it’s trekking to Everest Base, climbing Lobuche East Peak, spotting Rhino and crocodile in Chitwan National Park or sightseeing in Kathmandu, Swotah Travel have your back and you can relax knowing all your needs however small are covered. I can honestly say Swotah Travel have gone the extra mile to ensure we had a wonderful and unforgettable experience. No ask is too much and they effortless rose to the challenges of our request for change’s to the itinerary however big or small, night or day!

jim g
jim g
AT
★★★★★

Thanks to AJ, Lesia and the team for a great holiday and a wonderful experience. We trekked to Everest Base Camp and stopped along the way to climb Lobouche East Peak. Everything was well organised and to the highest quality and worked like clockwork. Our hotels in Kathmandu were excellent, quiet, and out the way but also accessible to all the main attractions. All the guides that helped us when out and about were knowledgeable and also had very good English. The trekking and climbing a peak were fantastic again everything went smoothly, and the experience of the guide and porters were fantastic. Our climbing guide was beyond brilliant, massively experienced and super confident and assured. This made reaching the peak much more enjoyable as you knew you were in safe hands. We had built a number of days into our trekking schedule, in case of bad weather, which was not needed. This meant we had more time at the end of our trip than expected. This is when the team really stepped up, and at short notice arranged for us to visit the game reserve and undertake a number of cultural activities. These were organised at short notice, but this did not impact on the quality or attention to detail. I talked to AJ, the owner about the money that they use for community / charitable projects, these were hugely inspiring and the team clearly believe in supporting Nepal and using every trip to give back. The Swotah team were fantastic throughout our trip and did everything from start to finish to make sure it was a success. Thanks for all your help.

Rob H
Rob H
US
★★★

Swotah travel and adventure managed our business trip to India and were very proficient with documentations and communications throughout our travel. Highly recommend them for travel management related consultancy services. Their hospitality partner in India were also always available and courteous. There were some communication gaps during our week long trips, but despite the changes to the itinerary, they adjusted to our revised schedule without any hesitation. If you are looking for a tour planner, who are also proficient with documentations, I highly recommend Swotah Travel and Adventure.

Sarwagya Raj
Sarwagya Raj
NP
★★★★

We had a most excellent adventure in Nepal with Swotah. Friendly, knowledgable guides and well organised throughout. Lots of temples, rafting, hiking and all the good things Nepal has to offer Not everything went to plan (as you would expect in Nepal with weather issues) but Ajay and the Swotah team were always on hand to sort any issues. Highly recommended.

jero sullivan
jero sullivan
QA
★★★★★

We had an awesome holiday in Nepal with Swotah Travels and adventure. Ajay and our guide Kumar helped make it an incredible experience throughout our 10 day trip. We started in Kathmandu with 2 day sightseeing then flew to Pokhara, city of lakes. We trekked to picturesque Ghandruk village for an overnight stay. We then flew into the mountain region of Lower Mustang in a small aircraft which was a thrilling experience in itself. After landing in Jomsom we travelled a short distance to a beautiful village called Marpha where we stayed. It felt like we were transported back in time. Next we had a short trek to Dhumba lake. We visited Kagbeni and Muktinath and back to Jomsom. The landscape in Lower Mustang was absolutely breathtaking. Well worth a visit. We had such memorable trip all thanks to careful planning and co- ordination of Swotah Travels team. Well done guys.

prema sobiech
prema sobiech
DE
★★★★★

I recently completed the Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek with Swotah Travel. Overall I would highly recommend Swotah Travel to anyone looking to experience the Annapurna Circuit with the Tilicho Lake trek. They are a reliable and professional.

Mario Rossi
Mario Rossi
IT
★★★★★

Everything about the trip was fantastic! It absolutely blew us away and exceeded our expectations. you may have gone above and beyond. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you for sharing incredible knowledge and an incredible country with us.

Ayman Muhor
Ayman Muhor
AU
★★★★★

Thanks to AJ, Lesia, and the team for a great holiday and a wonderful experience. We trekked to Everest Base Camp and stopped along the way to climb Lobouche East Peak. Everything was well organized and of the highest quality and worked like clockwork. Our hotels in Kathmandu were excellent, quiet, and out of the way but also accessible to all the main attractions. All the guides that helped us when out and about were knowledgeable and also had very good English. The trekking and climbing a peak were fantastic again everything went smoothly, and the experience of the guide and porters were fantastic. Our climbing guide was beyond brilliant, massively experienced, and super confident and assured. This made reaching the peak much more enjoyable as you knew you were in safe hands. We had built a number of days into our trekking schedule, in case of bad weather, which was not needed. This meant we had more time at the end of our trip than expected. This is when the team really stepped up, and at short notice arranged for us to visit the game reserve and undertake a number of cultural activities. These were organized at short notice, but this did not impact the quality or attention to detail. I talked to AJ, the owner about the money that they use for community / charitable projects, these were hugely inspiring and the team clearly believes in supporting Nepal and using every trip to give back. The Swotah team was fantastic throughout our trip and did everything from start to finish to make sure it was a success. Thanks for all your help.

rob hyland
rob hyland
GB
★★★★★

It's about a team, the buddy you are traveling with, the guide that tells you the whereabouts and introduced us to our porters, Nima + Lekh (in alphabetical order). To make a long story straight, they carried our bulk load and eventually made us summit the mountain. These guys were strong, barely English talking, however, Padawa watches what your skills are for, helps you, and forces you, he's smart, and keeps you pushing, he won't let go if you're too weak. Most of the time we spent walking up + down in AJ's company - without any exaggeration, this was just heaven on earth. The strongest moment I felt on the plateau between Pangboche and Dingboche, was AJ playing classic music and conducted the orchestra with his walking sticks. Thanks ! is a small word for the memories experienced, it's rather a start. The whole trip felt like one entire blast! From the bottom of my heart, Torsten</p>

Torsten Grambs
Torsten Grambs
DE
★★★★

IT'S HAS BEEN A GOOD CHOICE - AJAY IS WELL EXPERIENCED, GOOD AVAILABILITY AND TIME RESPECT. I'D SUGGEST HIM AS A TOURIST AGENT FOR JOURNEY AROUND NEPAL'

Giorgio Btuni
Giorgio Btuni
IT
★★★★★

Very Professional'

Gistri Massimo
Gistri Massimo
IT
★★★★

'Un Viaggio in Nepal Era un mio sogno si e avverato.'

Alessandro Doretti (Alex)
Alessandro Doretti (Alex)
IT
★★★★

Swotah made this journey to Mustang an unforgettable one. Great staff, guide and great management. We are coming again in March 2018. Highly recommend everyone willing to travel in Nepal. We would like to be in a group next time even though it was a solo trip for me this time.'

Brady Thompson
Brady Thompson
GB
★★★★

Very Nice holiday

Vincenzo Orsi
Vincenzo Orsi
IT
★★★★

L'agencia ci ha sempre supportato per ogni nostra esigenza-La vacanza non ha auto problemi'

Paolo Mancianti
Paolo Mancianti
IT
★★★★★

Personale facile, e pronto & resolvere problem

Claudio Torsellini
Claudio Torsellini
IT
★★★★★

Many Thanks to you for all. It was marvellous for us to have Swotah as travel agency in Nepal, the best service of all in Himalayan land! A hug!!'

Mauro Fazzi
Mauro Fazzi
IT