How This Blog Began — My First Step Into Writing
May 14, 2019 • Updated: May 17, 2026 • 4 min read
I started this blog back in 2019 with a simple thought: "I want to write and share things." But honestly, I had no idea what to write or how to begin. Like many people, I felt my life was ordinary — nothing interesting enough to share with the world.
That first post was just a few lines. A confession. I wanted to write, but I didn't know where to start. I felt like I had nothing special to say compared to others who shared their exciting adventures and achievements.
Years passed. Life happened. And somewhere along the way, I discovered something that changed my perspective completely — trekking.
Why I Started Trekking
Growing up in Nepal, the mountains were always there — towering in the distance, covered in snow, catching the first rays of sunrise. But I never really thought about climbing them. They were just part of the landscape, like the hills and rivers I saw every day.
It wasn't until a friend invited me on a short hike near Kathmandu that I realized what I was missing. The moment I stepped onto the trail, breathing fresh air, surrounded by green forests and open skies, something clicked. The silence of the mountains felt louder than the noise of the city. My phone had no signal, and for the first time in a long time, that felt like a relief.
That first short hike led to another. And another. Before I knew it, I was planning multi-day treks, researching routes, saving up for gear, and marking my calendar around trekking seasons.
What Trekking Taught Me
Trekking isn't just about reaching the top or seeing the view (though both are incredible). It taught me things I never expected:
- Patience: The trail doesn't care about your schedule. You go at its pace. Slow is steady, steady is fast.
- Simplicity: When you're on a trail, you realize how little you actually need. A warm meal, a place to sleep, and good company — that's enough.
- Connection: There's something about walking beside someone for hours that builds real friendships. Conversations happen naturally. Stories get shared.
- Gratitude: Standing at 4,000 meters, looking at peaks that have stood there for millions of years, you realize how small your problems really are.
Why I Came Back to This Blog
After my first real trek — Mardi Himal — I came home with hundreds of photos and a head full of stories. I wanted to share them, but I didn't know where. That's when I remembered this old blog. That tiny "First Post" from 2019 was still sitting here, waiting.
So I decided to come back. Not because I'm an expert writer or a professional trekker. But because I believe everyone's experience is worth sharing. If my guide helps one person plan their first trek, or if my photos inspire someone to visit Nepal, then this blog has done its job.
What's Coming Next
I plan to write about:
- Detailed trek guides with practical tips and budgets
- Short weekend trips from Kathmandu for busy people
- Nepali culture, food, and the people I meet along the way
- Personal stories — failures, lessons, and unforgettable moments
A Message to Anyone Reading This
If you're thinking about starting something — a blog, a trek, a business, a skill — my advice is simple: just start. You don't need to have everything figured out. I started this blog with a few lines and no direction. Years later, here I am, still writing, still learning, still exploring.
Your story doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
Thank you for being here. Let's see where this journey takes us.
— Swochan
Keywords: first post, starting a blog, why I started trekking, Nepal trekking beginner, personal story Nepal, learning to write, Mardi Himal first trek