Get ready for some of the most intense seven days in recent Nepali history. Between the explosion of color for Holi on March 2nd and the high-stakes General Election on March 5th, travelers in Nepal are facing a week of extreme contrasts. In this episode, we provide the ultimate tactical guide enjoying Holi and avoiding the election!

What we cover in this episode:

• Holi Strategy (March 2): How to join the celebrations in Basantapur and Thamel safely. We cover "dye-proofing" your gear and why you should finish your street festivities by noon.

• The Election (March 5): The reality. We break down what to do, and what not to do during the election

• The "Silence Period": Understanding the 48 hour waiting period for the results ... if they come

• Quick overview of the Holi festival and what to expect
• In-depth look at the Holi festival
• A full article on the Holi festival in 2026 and Nepal's election!

Is the "electric energy" of Kathmandu starting to wear you down? Before you flee to the mountains, there is a hidden side of the valley that most travelers miss. In this episode, we break down the best day trips from Kathmandu. We move beyond the standard "seven UNESCO sites" to show you how to find genuine peace in ancient Newari townships and quiet riverside temples.

Whether you want an Everest glimpse from Nagarkot or a quiet stroll through the pottery squares of Thimi, we give you the exact routes to do it yourself.

What we cover in this episode:

• The "Middle Place": Why Thimi is the best-kept secret for culture seekers and how to visit in under two hours.

• The Saturday Strategy: Why Saturday is the "golden day" for visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and how to time your trip to avoid the traffic.

• Hilltop Escapes: Comparing the sunrise at Nagarkot with the quiet heritage of Dhulikhel and Kirtipur.

• The Riverside Retreat: Exploring the ancient shrines of Gokarna where the Bagmati River is actually clean.

• The Budget Blueprint: How to combine multiple sites into one seamless day trip.

Read more: The best day trips from Kathmandu

The trekking landscape in Nepal has shifted dramatically for the 2026 season. From the political "Ghost Season" and nationwide elections to the total overhaul of the digital permit system, what worked in 2024 will likely get you stranded today. This episode breaks down the logistical "minefield" of 2026 and provides the tactical updates you need to actually reach the trailhead.

What we cover in this episode:

• The 2026 Election & Ghost Season: We explain why the March 5 elections have created an uncharacteristic "Ghost Season" in the Himalayas. We discuss the impact of the 2025 Gen Z protests on international insurance and why many trails are currently empty.

• The Digital Permit Revolution: A deep dive into the new "NepaliPort" system. We explain the transition from paper to online permits and why you should hold off from using the system

• The E-Visa and Entry Reality: E-visas have arrived and they don't work all the time. Avoid the headaches and get a visa on arrival by using our tips to speed up the process

• 2026 Guidebook Updates: We look at the latest resources that have integrated QR codes for real-time trail updates. Learn why a physical guide is still your only reliable backup when the new trekking apps fail in high-altitude "dead zones."

• Treks to be Careful Of: A safety warning for specific high-altitude routes. We highlight the current danger levels on the Kanchenjunga Trek and important February /March treks to be wary of.

• App Updates & Tech Warnings: Which trekking apps are actually being updated for 2026 and which ones are leading trekkers onto outdated, landslide-prone paths.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• 2026 Trekking Updates for Nepal⁠

• Nepal The Essential Travel Guide (2026 Full-Color Edition)