Anoj Thapa
Traveller & Mountaineer
Anuj, since completing school has dedicated his life to adventure, immersing himself in the Himalayan region. Over a decade exploring, his journeys have taken me across iconic trekking routes such as the Annapurna Circuit, Manang, Mustang, Upper Mustang, Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, Mardi Himal, ABC, EBC, Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Gosaikunda, Langtang Valley, Manaslu circuit, Panchpokhari and the serene Rara Lake multiple times. He has also stood atop the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest in 2024, and the formidable Mount Ama Dablam in 2023. He is a Wood Badge Scout Master and an active social worker. These roles allow him to give back to the community and inspire others to embrace an adventurous and meaningful lifestyle.
What inspired you to start travelling, and what keeps you exploring new places?
Growing up in Nepal, I was always surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, warmth of the people, and my deep love for nature and the outdoors. The connection with the land and its stories sparked something inside. Joining the scouts played a huge role as it gave me the confidence and skills to explore, and it taught me the value of adventure, service and resilience. While all my colleagues started going abroad in search of better opportunities, I decided to stay back and travel here.
What keeps me going is the fact that Nepal never runs out of surprises. Every journey feels like discovering a piece of myself, whether it’s standing on a remote Himalayan pass, sharing tea with locals in a quiet village, or simply breathing in the stillness of the mountains.
As a guide, I get to share these experiences with others which is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about places, it’s about people, stories and moments that stay with you forever.
Can you share a travel experience that deeply impacted you?
Reaching the summit of Mount Everest is a moment I’ll never forget. Standing there, surrounded by endless peaks, I felt so small yet so alive. It reminded me why I love the mountains; they challenge you but reward you in ways nothing else can. Passing through Khumbu Icefall, the gigantic 8000 meters peaks surrounding me, avalanches coming down from Nuptse ridge, a night at camp 4, I can relive every moment with complete clarity.
Travel is often described as a form of self-discovery. Has there been a journey that reshaped how you see yourself or the world around you?
In 2017, I did the Panchpokhari trek during the monsoons, and it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life. The trail was tough, there were leeches were everywhere, we were wet the whole way, and we had to cook our own food. Despite the hardships, the peaceful lakes and stunning mountain views made it all worth it. Those tough moments taught me resilience and made me realize how much I loved being in nature. That trek sparked my passion for travel and led me to incredible adventures, including summiting Everest. It was a journey that changed me forever.
How do you adapt to unexpected situations or cultural differences while travelling?
As a scout, I was taught to always be prepared, and that lesson has stuck with me since my school days as a boy scout. It has made me confident in handling unexpected situations whether it’s a sudden change in plans, tough weather or something completely new. I see challenges as a chance to learn and grow. I have always enjoyed living with different people. Whether it’s the Sherpa community in the mountains or the warm and vibrant culture of the flatlands in the south, I find joy in connecting with people. Nepal’s incredible diversity of cultures and traditions makes traveling here special. Meeting people, sharing meals, and being part of local festivals is meaningful.
What’s your approach to dealing with travel burnout, especially on long trips? Do you do anything specific to recharge?
I am never tired of traveling as it’s what I love most. It’s hard sometimes, especially being on the road for too long, but I have prepared myself for this lifestyle. Over the years, I have learned how to manage the challenges and keep going. Even though I am often away, I make sure to look after my family and stay connected with them. It’s all about finding the right balance. Knowing that I have their support keeps me motivated and helps me recharge, no matter where I am. When I am tired, I slow down, enjoy a cup of tea, listen to the sounds of nature, or write my thoughts in a journal and these small things help me recharge.
How do you balance the desire to capture moments for social media with staying present in the moment?
I believe in truly living the moment and soaking it all in. For me experience comes first whether it’s watching a sunrise in the mountains or sharing stories with locals. But when I find the right moment and a good frame, I make sure to capture it. It’s my way of saving the memory and sharing it with others later. I try to balance both by not letting the camera take over the experience.
Sirjana Sizzu
Adventurer & Filmmaker
Srijana Sizzu is a passionate solo traveller, content creator and filmmaker widely recognised for her extensive travel journeys, particularly in the Karnali Province. Having visited over 150 locations, Srijana has developed a deep connection with the untapped regions of Nepal, which she shares with her audiences through her YouTube videos.
Since leaving her home in West Rukum for Upper Dolpo in 2020, she has not stayed in any one place for long. Srijana’s work has played a key role in bringing attention to previously unknown destinations, offering a platform to showcase Nepal’s lesser-known gems.
She is the recipient of multiple awards, including recognition from the Nepalese government. She has also won the Solo Travel Award 2024 in the Female Category. Her influence in promoting Nepal makes her a recognised name with Nepal’s travel community.
What inspired you to start travelling, and what keeps you exploring?
There wasn’t a single defining moment that sparked my passion for travel. However, as I started exploring, I was deeply moved by the simple yet fulfilling lives of people in rural areas. They seem genuinely content with what they have and rarely complain about what they lack. Witnessing their resilience and hard work inspired me to embrace travel more fully and develop a greater sense of gratitude for life.
My desire to continue travelling stems from a mission to uncover Nepal’s hidden gems and share them with the world. Through my vlogs, I aim to inspire others to visit these remote areas. In doing so, I believe both the villagers and I could benefit; increased tourism would bring more opportunities for locals to earn by utilising their resources.
Can you share a travel experience that deeply impacted you?
Every journey brings its own memorable experiences, but my first travel adventure had the most profound impact on me. I vividly remember embarking on that trip with little knowledge about what gear to bring; no clue about the right shoes or jackets for trekking. Yet, the sheer excitement of climbing Lobuche Peak kept me motivated. Back then, resources and information weren’t as readily available on social media as they are now, making the experience both challenging and transformative.
Travel is often described as a form of self-discovery. Has there been a journey that reshaped how you see yourself or the world around you?
As a traveller, every journey brings a whirlwind of emotions. Over the years, I have experienced moments of joy, sorrow and hardship. At some point, you become almost numb to the highs and lows, learning to simply go with the flow. This journey has taught me emotional resilience; no emotion or situation overwhelms me anymore. I have seen and endured so much that I have learnt to navigate life’s challenges with a steady heart.
Travel has also instilled in me the importance of self-reliance. Making independent decisions and planning itineraries are essential. You must embrace your struggles and face them alone. Through this process, you uncover your true interests and preferences. Travel is a tool for exploration, and only by fully immersing yourself in an experience can you truly move forward.
How do you adapt to unexpected situations or cultural differences while travelling?
While travelling within Nepal, I haven’t encountered significant cultural differences, except during my visit to Humla. Everything there, from the food to the language, was distinctly Tibetan. Adapting to such differences largely depends on how you present yourself. It’s essential to approach new experiences with an open mind, embracing unfamiliar foods and customs as your own. Respecting the local culture and language is crucial, as it helps others feel valued and appreciated.
When travelling, it’s important to remember that locals are not obligated to understand you; rather, it’s your responsibility to understand them. Problems arise when travellers carry a sense of superiority, forgetting that they are guests in someone else’s home. However, if you show genuine interest in their culture, locals are often eager to share their knowledge and make you feel welcome. Fortunately, language barriers have become less significant with the rise of social media and increased migration, making it easier to connect with people across cultures.
What’s your approach to dealing with travel burnout, especially on long trips? Do you do anything specific to recharge?
I don’t follow a specific routine while traveling as unexpected situations can arise at any moment, especially when exploring uncharted places. There have been times when I have had to go without food or take shelter in a cave. In such scenarios, success comes down to sheer determination and adaptability.
After years of traveling, I have found that a good night’s sleep is often enough to help me recover from the fatigue of a long trip. Sleeping for 6-7 hours can work wonders, and by the time I wake up, I usually feel refreshed and ready to continue. Of course, during the early stages of travel, experiencing body aches or sore legs after a particularly hectic journey is completely normal. Over time, you learn to manage these challenges and bounce back more quickly.
How do you balance the desire to capture moments for social media with staying present in the moment?
My first trip to Dolpa, around 6-7 years ago, was without any specific gadgets or phones, yet I still managed to capture photos and videos. I uploaded them to YouTube to show the place’s beauty, challenges, and how to fully experience it. Over the years, as I have travelled, I have used whatever phone I had to capture the moments in front of me. My skills and equipment have evolved, from using a simple phonestand to incorporating a drone for more dynamic shots.
Through my work, I always keep in mind that my content not only showcases the beauty of these places but also benefits the local communities. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help others appreciate these destinations and encourage responsible tourism.
Pallav Pandit
Engineer & Traveller
Pallav is an engineer-turned-traveller who has been exploring Nepal from a young age, but he began delving into more serious travel since two years ago. His first trek was the Badimalika trek during the monsoon season of 2022. Since then, he has completed over ten treks, primarily in the western regions of Nepal. Throughout his travels, he has developed a passion for capturing the lifestyle of the local people, which has helped him build a solid digital presence across various platforms. Looking ahead, Pallav plans to explore the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) and promote the country’s lesser-known regions.
What inspired you to start travelling, and what keeps you exploring new places?
From a young age, I was exposed to the landscape of Nepal as I traversed from the eastern to the western regions. This exposure allowed me to see many lifestyles and traditions practiced throughout Nepal, differing from one location to another. The lifestyle of individuals captivated me profoundly; not just for travel but for the exploration of places and the ways in which people harmonize their lifestyle with the natural terrain.
Can you share a travel experience that deeply impacted you?
During my second-day trip in the Dhorpatan-Phoksundo trek, I meet with a 75-year-old gentleman walking the trails. He recounted the difficulties he had throughout his life during our journey. Despite his financial difficulties, he generously offered me accommodation and food for the night upon witnessing my solo journey through the wilderness. The only concerns he had were whether a city dweller like myself would appreciate staying in his modest mud house, given their lower caste status and limited food supplies. The following morning, the family did not desire any financial compensation from me. This experience taught me that empathy and hospitality cannot be purchased; they are shaped by an individual’s perspective.
Travel is often described as a form of self-discovery. Has there been a journey that reshaped how you see yourself or the world around you?
Prior to traveling, I was a shy introvert who was frequently tangled in self-doubt and primarily connected to materialistic possessions. However, following my travels, I re-established my identity, gaining considerable confidence and love for the mountains, landscapes, and people. Indeed, my 24-day solo expedition from Dhorpatan to Phoksundo significantly transformed me. It was a rugged, remote journey through monsoon-soaked trails and untamed landscapes. Owing to the challenging terrain and no lifeline to the outside world, I discovered a deep connection with myself, something that has enhanced my mental strength
How do you adapt to unexpected situations or cultural differences while traveling?
If you learn about the area or the people who live there before you visit and are respectful of their culture, then cultural differences are not a big deal. Not everyone speaks the same language, but that’s usually does not matter. For unplanned incidents, it’s mostly about how well you are prepared for the unexpected. If you know about the conditions ahead of time, either by talking to the local officials or reading the news, you can solve almost 90% of the problems. But if something goes wrong, I would rather stay cool and think of a way to fix it than break into a sweat.
What’s your approach to dealing with travel burnout, especially on long trips? Do you do anything specific to recharge?
Travel burnout is really difficult to deal with. Physical burnout can be avoided if we pace the trip and ensure proper sleep and diet. What’s more difficult is the mental burnout, especially when you are traveling alone as there is no one to motivate you or take care of you. For that, I like to do some meditation or yoga as well as try to stay in the moment and not think much about the digital world. I also do not mix my study/work assignments during travel. Also, on most of my long trips, if I don’t feel like going any further, I return.
How do you balance the desire to capture moments for social media with staying present in the moment?
I have always loved taking pictures of people, places and scenery, so I don’t see it as work or a burden. It’s more like an artful adventure, a chance to share the raw beauty of a place with my followers and family. But having said that, it is one of the main reasons I am not very active on YouTube as it consumes a lot of time to shoot long-form videos, especially when you are trekking, which takes away the essence of traveling, turning what should be a break into just another task.
Pratikcha Karki
Travel Vlogger
Pratikcha Karki is a full-time traveller who feels most alive in the midst of nature. The Himalayas are her second home, where the beauty of the mountains and the peace of the trails have taught her all about of life.
She loves to pace her travel, taking time to truly connect with the places she visits and the people she meets. Through her stories and photos, she hopes to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and explore the hidden wonders of this beautiful world.
She believes in living simply, valuing experiences over things, and being grateful.
What inspired you to start travelling and what keeps you exploring new places?
I was never an outdoorsy person, but after college, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore. It turned out to be a transformative experience as I discovered the joy of connecting with nature and meeting new people. I prefer offbeat destinations over crowded, touristy spots and enjoy slow traveling, taking the time to truly immerse myself in the experience.
Can you share a travel experience that deeply impacted you?
I had a small accident during a camping trek where I fainted and ended up hurting my head. It was a bit scary but it definitely turned into a memorable experience, though not in the way I had expected!
Travel is often described as a form of self-discovery. Has there been a journey that reshaped how you see yourself or the world around you?
I used to be a big consumer, owning over 40 pairs of shoes and sandals along with countless trendy clothes. However, once I started traveling, my mindset shifted. I realized I didn’t need so much and found joy in simplicity. Now, I can spend days in the same clothes and shoes without feeling ashamed or worrying about being judged. This change has shaped me into the person I am today and I am truly grateful for living this way now.
How do you adapt to unexpected situations or cultural differences while travelling?
Dealing with unexpected situations and cultural differences might seem like a big deal, but for me, it’s manageable because I have trained my mind to handle such uncertainties. I have learned to expect the unexpected which helps me adapt more easily and navigate the challenges.
What’s your approach to dealing with travel burnout, especially on long trips? Do you do anything specific to recharge?
Travel burnout does happen sometimes, especially on long trips. There are moments when you feel physically and mentally exhausted but the excitement of exploring new places and trying new things keeps you going. For me, the real challenge comes after the trip when the adventure is over. I often experience what I call “post-travel trauma,” but in a good way. You miss the journey, the thrill of travel, and the constant novelty. To recharge, I take it slow. I spend time at home, do nothing, and just relax. It’s my way of resetting and preparing for the next adventure.
How do you balance the desire to capture moments for social media with staying present in the moment?
I really enjoy capturing moments and it all balances out naturally for me. I love both experiencing the moment and photographing it so it doesn’t really matter if I miss a shot; I am just as happy to sit back and relax. There’s also some great gear and cameras that make it easier to enjoy the experience while capturing it.
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