Nepal Uncovered: Travel Podcast

Thinking about taking on the "Annapurna Circuit" trek? This episode is your comprehensive audio guide to navigating this legendary route. We break down the logistics so you can focus on the views! 📸 We dive deep into: Route Logistics: Where to start, where to end, and the best side trips (like the stunning Tilicho Lake ). 💧 Acclimatization Tips: How to stay healthy while ascending into...

The crowds are gone, the cafes are quiet, and the 2026 "Ghost Season" has arrived in Nepal. 🇳🇵 While headlines scream about political unrest and insurance blacklists, savvy travelers are finding a rare window of opportunity. In this first episode of Season 2, we go behind the scenes of the current slump to explain why the trails are empty and how you can take advantage of it. From the &q...

Happy New Year! And welcome to Episode 52 (we couldn't resist) We're wrapping up the year with a mega-compilation of everything you need to know before stepping foot in the Himalayas in 2026. Forget the guesswork: this episode is your essential checklist for an unforgettable adventure. We answer all your critical planning questions, including: When to Go 🗓️: We break down the seasons—from...

We've compiled our definitive 2025 round-up of the Top Three Treks in Nepal , perfect for any adventurer, from beginner to seasoned veteran! Join us as we break down the routes, highlights, and hidden gems of three essential journeys: 1️⃣ Langtang Valley Trek (The Classic Valley): Known as the "Valley of Glaciers," this moderate trek offers stunning mountain views of peaks like Langt...

In this three-part deep dive re-cap , we bring you the pivotal moments of Nepal's historic September 2025 uprising, recorded as they happened. This series captures the leaderless, youth-driven movement that started as a rally against a sweeping social media ban 🚫, but quickly became a furious outcry against systemic corruption 💸 , "Nepo Kid" elitism, and deep-seated economic frustration (like 20...

We are taking a short holiday break! Can you believe this is Episode 49 of what was originally meant to be a 10-episode limited series? Thank you so much for the support that has brought us this far. We are taking a brief pause until January to reflect on the past year and plan some exciting improvements for the future. Note: If major news breaks in Nepal during the holidays, we will drop a new ep...

Nepal’s Top 3 Festivals 2025-2026: Dashain, Tihar & Holi | Essential Cultural Travel Guide Ready to swap your trekking boots for a traditional Daura Suruwal ? 🎧 Nepal isn't just a land of mountains; it's a living calendar of world-class festivals. In this episode, we guide you through the absolute must-see cultural celebrations for 2025 and 2026, giving you the dates and destinations you need...

Join us as we break down the most controversial trekking update in the Himalayas! The "Forbidden Kingdom" of Upper Mustang just got a major policy shake-up. Nepal's government has scrapped the mandatory $500 minimum fee for its Restricted Area Permit (RAP), switching to a flexible $50 per day structure. Is this the tourism relief local entrepreneurs are cheering for, or does it open...

Learn Essential Nepali Phrases for Your Trek 🏔️ Join us as we bumble through our first attempts! Master the basics of Nepali language before your adventure! This short fun guide teaches you the most important phrases and words you'll need when visiting Nepal. From greeting locals in tea houses to ordering dal bhat and negotiating porter services, these essential Nepali phrases will enhance your tr...

In this episode, we dive deep into the recent controversy surrounding Nepal's trekking trails. The Ministry of Tourism just introduced a brand new three-category classification system: Hiking, Easy, and Adventure, but its definitions would cause chaos, instantly labeling the accessible Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as 'Adventure' alongside the extreme Three High Passes . 🤦 Is this a sincer...

Conquer Nepal’s iconic trails with confidence and safety! This ultimate guide covers everything: preventing altitude sickness, navigating unpredictable weather, choosing the right gear, securing permits, and building emergency plans. Whether you’re heading to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or hidden gems like Langtang, learn practical risk mitigation strategies from seasoned trekkers. Stay...

Join us for an engaging episode as travel writer and historian David Ways takes you through the rich history of trekking in Nepal. From Salt laden Yaks, to a Russian ballarino, and the digital divide. We'll take you to the ancient trade and pilgrimage routes along the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the groundbreaking 1950 Annapurna and 1953 Everest ascents, discover how Nepal transformed into a global...

In this episode, we dive into the unwritten trekking rules in Nepal , crafted by seasoned travel writer David Ways from The Longest Way Home. Discover everything you need to know about navigating Nepal’s complex regulations, from securing visas and National Park permits to understanding TIMS cards and mandatory guides. We’ll break down the 2023 solo trekking ban, restricted area requirements, and...

Join us for an exciting episode of Nepal on a Budget: A Backpacker's Travel Guide ! With deep insights by guidebook author David Ways, discover how to explore the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual heart of Nepal without breaking the bank. From affordable treks in the Himalayas to budget-friendly stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara, we share insider tips on cheap eats, local tr...

Dive into the vibrant heart of Nepal’s Tihar festival , a dazzling 5-day celebration kicking off on October 19, 2025 ! Join us as we explore the Festival of Lights, where twinkling oil lamps, colorful rangolis, and heartfelt rituals honor crows, dogs, cows, and the goddess Laxmi. It's one of guidebook author David Ways favourite festivals to experience in Nepal. From the joyous worship of loya...

Join us for a special episode on the day of Dashain , the longest and most anticipated festival in Nepal. For many, this 10-day celebration is the most important time of the year, bringing families together from near and far. But, for tourists it's the best of festivals to experience with booked out buses, and closed offices. . Tune in to understand why this festival holds such a special place in...

Nepal's Peak Trekking Season has kicked off this September, leading into October, November, and indeed parts of December. We take a look at if the protests earlier this month will affect tourist arrivals, what's new in the world of "do I need a TIMS card"?! New permits for popular treks. David Ways has a warning to solo trekkers in restricted trekking areas that nobody else cover...

What a week in Nepal! From a planned protest, to a social media ban, to the shooting of students, a government collapse and the rise of Nepal's first female prime minister. We look to see if Nepal is now safe for tourists? We take a look at the overall situation in Nepal today. What's open? And we take a look at the new Prime Minister Sushila Karki Full aricle on Nepal in 2025: safe to visit?

Only 72 hours after our podcast about the Social Media Ban in #Nepal - the Government fell. We jump right in with an easy to follow listen on the who, how and whys of what happend. Anti-corruption #GenZ protests and what happens next? The 2025 Nepal Protests

Join us as we unpack Nepal’s sudden 2025 social media ban, blocking 26 platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Explore its impact on tourists in trekking or traveling around Nepal, local businesses, and digital freedom. Hear about the #GenZ and #NepoBabies protest in Kathmandu, and learn how VPNs and DNS changes can keep you connected. David Ways Nepal travel author expands on this with real-time in...

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of internet access, Wi-Fi, mobile data, and SIM cards for travelers in Nepal. From bustling Kathmandu to remote Himalayan trails, discover the best ways to stay connected, including top SIM providers, e-sims, data plans, and tips for reliable Wi-Fi in the mountains. Tune in for practical advice to keep you online during your Nepali adventure! Read about the i...

Join us for a truely immersive guide to one of Nepals most popular easy treks Poon Hill. We cover everything from what you'll see, prices, accommodation, meals, trekking guides or more. Going to Poon Hill, listen here first! For the very latest, inlcuding if you need a trekking guide read the full Poon Hill Trekking Guide *Audio fixed.

It's rare that a travel writer says "don't go there!". But that's just what Nepal travel author David Ways recommends about Nuwakot this year ... and next year. Why? It's being torn down and rebuilt. The whole area is covered in scaffolding. Only those with a connection to Nuwakot, historians, or those who like ruins would have an interest in Nuwakot during this period. It's a difficult enough pla...

It's one of those last minute question that catches many people out. How much should you tip your trekking guide in Nepal? Should you tip at all? Should you tip your porter? What's the best practice? Full article on how much to tip your trekking guide in Nepal?

Join us as we dive into Nepal’s 2025 tourism challenges, where skyrocketing costs, USD-pegged $500 Upper Mustang permits, and NTB’s elitist push for high-end tourists are sidelining backpackers who sustain local economies. We explore the collapse of Chinese tourism, with revenue leaking to China, and Nepal’s bizarre obsession with controversial airports like Lumbini and Pokhara, which fail to attr...