Before you head into the Himalayas, or immediately after you step off the bus from Kathmandu, there is one thing every traveler craves: a perfect breakfast.

In this episode, we move away from local street food to explore the high-quality tourist restaurants that have mastered the art of the morning meal. We look at the evolution of Kathmandu’s dining scene and review the legendary spots where the coffee is real, the sourdough is fresh, and the hygiene is guaranteed. ☕🍳

Full travel guide:Breakfast restaurants in Kathmandu

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 thin air of the Mustang region. 🧘‍♂️

• What to Pack: The gear essentials you actually need for a trek that spans both tropical heat and freezing mountain passes. 🧥

• Food & Stay: From the famous apple pies of Marpha to the cozy stoves of high-altitude lodges. 🥧

Full trekking guide https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/travel-resources/trekking/annapurna-circuit-trek-information.html

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 "helicopter rescue scam" fallout to the March 5th General Election, we’re cutting through the noise to give you the truth on the ground.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• 📉 The Perfect Storm: Why Gen Z protests and the 2026 election created a tourism vacuum.

• 🚁 The Insurance Deadlock: How "rescue scams" caused insurers to blacklist Nepal and what you can do about it.

• 🏨 Buyer’s Market: Why empty luxury resorts are a win for independent travelers.

• 📖 2026 Digital Launch: Why the new Digital Edition guidebooks are the only ones to help you get the best deals.

Links & Resources:

• 📘 Get the 2026 Nepal Digital Guidebook: https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/nepal-guidebook-shop.html

• 📰 Read the full "Ghost Season" Post: https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/nepal-ghost-season-2026/

  
  

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 the perfect post-monsoon clarity of Autumn (Sep-Nov) and the vibrant blooms of Spring (Mar-May)—to help you choose the ideal time for trekking and sightseeing.

• Trek Prep 🏃: Getting fit for the mountain! Essential tips on cardio, strength training (stairs are your friend!), and how to break in those all-important hiking boots.

• Stay Connected 📶: The lowdown on getting reliable internet in Nepal. Should you get a local SIM or an eSIM? Plus, connectivity on the major trekking routes.

• Souvenir Shopping 🛍️: The best keepsakes to bring home! We talk authentic Thangka paintings, singing bowls, yak wool, and Lokta paper products.

• Trekking FAQs & Budgeting 💰: Common questions on permits, altitude sickness prevention, and how to realistically budget for your tea house trek versus a luxury experience.

• Accommodation Check-In 🛌: What to expect from city hotels and the charming, rustic tea houses on the trails—from hot showers to cozy blankets.

• Festival Calendar 🥳: Mark your 2026 calendar! We look ahead to major cultural highlights like Dashain (Oct), Tihar (Nov), Nepali New Year (April), and the colorful chaos of Holi (Mar).

Start your 2026 planning right here, right now, and make that Himalayan dream a reality!

We'll be back in 2026 with an all new episodes!

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 Langtang Lirung, cultural immersion with the welcoming Tamang people, and a journey through the pristine Langtang National Park. It's the perfect balance of accessibility and raw Himalayan beauty, often less crowded than its famous neighbors. 🐐

• 2️⃣ Panchase Short Trek (The 2 day Short-Cut): Starting near Pokhara, this easy-to-moderate, shorter trek is your go-to for breathtaking sunrise views 🌅 over the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, including the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Hike through lush, traditional Gurung villages and terraced hillsides for maximum reward with minimum time commitment.

• 3️⃣ Manaslu Circuit Trek (The Grand Circuit): This is the challenging, high-altitude expedition of the list. Circling the world's eighth-highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), this remote route takes you through Tibetan-influenced villages and across the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106m). A true wilderness experience for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and rugged beauty. 🧊

Whether you've got two weeks or just a few days, find the perfect trail to start your Himalayan adventure Next Year!

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%+ youth unemployment 📉).

• Episode 1: The Spark 🔥: The social media ban and the initial peaceful mass gathering of students at Maitighar Mandala 📍.

• Episode 2: The Escalation 🚨: The deadly turn of events, the clashes with security forces, and the spreading unrest beyond Kathmandu.

• Episode 3: The Aftermath 🗳️: The resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, the burning of government buildings, and the unprecedented digital election of an interim leader.

Hear the voices and the raw emotion of a generation determined to rewrite Nepal's political future. 💪

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 episode immediately. Otherwise, see you in the New Year!

Please Subscribe: You'll be among the first to get a notification when we return. Subscribing also signals the podcast algorithms that you enjoy our content, which directly helps us produce more episodes.

Meanwhile, Merry Christmas, Happy Ho;odaus. amd Happy New Year from Ryan, Sarah, Aisha, Sara, and David at Nepal Uncovered!

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 to plan your most vibrant Himalayan trip yet.

✨ We dive into the country's most significant festivals: the imporant but uneventful (for tourists) Dashain, the illuminating Tihar (Festival of Lights), and the famously colorful Holi. Learn the profound meaning behind the tika blessings, the magic of the five days of Tihar, and where in Kathmandu Valley you can find the wildest water fights for Holi.

💃 But it's not just the big three! We also uncover hidden gems like the dramatic Bisket Jatra chariot pulling in Bhaktapur and the spiritual gathering of Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath. This is your essential guide to understanding the history, rituals, and unforgettable atmosphere of Nepal’s year-round celebrations.

Perfect for: Travelers planning a Nepal itinerary, cultural immersion enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the dynamic religious and social life of the Himalayas.

Here is a full list of festivals in Nepal