A JOURNEY INTO THE HIMALAYAS
A JOURNEY INTO ONESELF
Travel has been a significant part of my life. Having dedicated more than two-thirds of my existence to exploring Nepal’s vast terrains, from the remote west to the far reaches of the east, I’ve been fortunate enough to traverse almost every district on foot, by bicycle, and through hikes. My journeys didn’t confine themselves within the borders of Nepal; my adventurous spirit led me across Asia and through various countries in Europe. Each adventure, each encounter, has been a step towards better understanding myself and the world around me.
My entry into tourism wasn’t merely a career choice; it was a calling. Witnessing the unethical practices marring Nepal’s tourism industry, I was determined to initiate change. I aspired to create a brand synonymous with integrity, one that would showcase the true beauty of Nepal to the world. This resolve steered me towards becoming a mountain guide and eventually founding Swotah, a platform to share my love for adventure while adhering to ethical principles. Our greatest joy is the community we’ve built, filled with stories of the mountains, shared by climbers and nature lovers from around the globe.
अतिथि देवो भव:
About me
Beginning my journey as a boy from a modest town, my life’s story has unfolded into a rich mosaic, crafted from moments of adventure, resilience, and a profound connection to the towering Himalayas.
I am Ajay Shrestha, a mountain guide, group leader, and passionate traveler. After completing my schooling in India, I furthered my academic journey by pursuing a Master’s in Business Studies and am currently diving into an MPhil-PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy, proudly hailing from Tanahun, Nepal, a stone’s throw away from the country’s tourism heart.
Swotah was born from my passion for these adventures, a testament to turning a love for the mountains into a mission. To me, traveling in the Himalayas is more than discovering new places; it’s about discovering oneself. That’s the ethos Swotah stands by. On many treks in those mighty mountains, I discovered parts of myself I never knew existed. This personal journey, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas’ grandeur, is ongoing and at the heart of everything we do at Swotah.
Swotah isn’t just about travel; it’s about giving back. We support students in Tanahun by providing scholarships to those who dream of achieving more. These efforts are an integral part of our story, a narrative we’re eager to share.
Our days are filled with planning the next adventure, the next journey into the Himalayas. There’s nothing better than looking forward to another trek in the mountains.
So, I invite you to join us. Let’s embrace adventure and discover not just the beauty of the mountains but also the depths within ourselves. This is more than my story of transitioning from a small town to establishing a name in Kathmandu’s tourism scene. It’s an invitation to explore, to advocate for what’s right, and to find joy in the journey. At Swotah, we’re on a mission to share Nepal’s beauty ethically and meaningfully. Join us on this journey, and let’s discover our paths together, with the mountains guiding us every step of the way.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Keeping Corporate Social Responsibility in our minds and adhering to the business ethics I have been contributing to society long before the inception of my Travel and Adventure.
We believe that society should benefit from our activities. We aim to contribute to social equality by providing scholarships to the children of porters and villagers from the remote areas of Nepal. We earmark a portion (5%-10%) of the revenues from our trips for financing the education of children who would otherwise never be schooled. Please ask us about this project which is very dear to our hearts. We have been conducting many charitable and noble programs to bring positivity in lives of many people
Certificates
I am proud to share that I have successfully completed a series of certifications. These certificates represent my knowledge in tourism management, sustainable tourism practices, and customer service excellence.
My Journey
Here’s a sneak peek into my global adventures, showcasing some of the most memorable moments from my travels across different countries.
Charitable Commitments
Annual Scholarship Programs
Every year, as part of our commitment to making education accessible to all, we proudly offer full scholarships to four or five students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
Trip for Trip Tours
In partnership with a like-minded organization, we've dedicated ourselves to conducting the Trip for Trip tours on a regular basis, targeting children from rural school settings.
Jajarkot Earthquake: School Supplies Aid for Kids
To support the resilience of Jajarkot's youngest survivors, our team has distributed essential learning materials to school kids, aiming to restore a sense of normalcy and hope in their educational paths..
Empowering Special Needs Childrens
We are dedicated to supporting children with special needs, and Sushil is one of the many children we are privileged to assist.
More about
Sushil
Sushil Gurung faced immense hardships, including his family’s poverty and his own struggles with ADHD, which complicated his education. His life transformed when he met us and was introduced to SERC School for Special Kids in Kathmandu, where he found a nurturing environment that catered to his needs, offering hope for a brighter future.
Environmental Projects
The Millennium Homestay Trail Restoration Initiative
With the Millennium Homestay Trail Renovation Initiative, we're setting a new standard for sustainable tourism. Our comprehensive approach includes enhancing the trail's accessibility, bolstering the charm of homestay accommodations, and safeguarding the area's ecological integrity.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
By implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting local economies, and fostering environmental awareness among visitors, we aim to ensure that tourism contributes positively to both the environment and the communities that host travelers.
Learn more about millennium homestay trek
Gallary
