From CAD 2,220
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
With inspiring cultural experiences and days spent trekking in the Himalayas, this women’s only expedition will give you a unique insight into the diverse lives of Nepalese women. Meet a range of female trailblazers, from chefs at a social enterprise to women campaigning to end menstruation discrimination to your all-female mountain guides and porter’s crew. Listen to personal stories shared by locals and spend time wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park, where you’ll take a safari and a river canoe ride. Connect with Buddhist nuns as you get an inside look at an all-female nunnery challenging patriarchal traditions. Listen, connect and be inspired on this 13-day female-run adventure.
Highlights
- Enjoy a five-day hike in the incredible Annapurna Mountains, wholly supported by an all-female crew of leaders, guides, assistants and porters.
- Spend two days in Chitwan National Park, where you’ll enjoy sunset drinks, a canoe ride and a game drive to spot all the resident wildlife before falling asleep to the sounds of the animals in your jungle lodge.
- Visit an NGO working to abolish the practice of Chhaupadi – the illegal but socially common practice of forbidding women to enter their homes, kitchens, schools and temples during their menstrual cycle as they're believed to be rendered temporarily impure.
- Learn how to create traditional dishes while supporting a unique social enterprise that has changed the lives of disadvantaged women and learn the secrets to creating the perfect MoMo during a cooking class at a Tibetan refugee camp.
- Swap stories and learn about the lives of local Buddhist nuns as you visit an all-female monastery challenging patriarchal Buddhist traditions.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2162
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Plane
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HNSW
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (4), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights),Tea House (4 nights),Jungle Resort (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2220 (CAD 171 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your women’s-only expedition will begin in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel. After, join your trip leader and group members for an included dinner at a local restaurant, where you can dig into local delicacies like momos and dal bhat and enjoy a traditional dance performance to end the evening.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Welcome dinner
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (240 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to Kapan’s Khachoe Ghakyil Ling – a Buddhist nunnery located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The nunnery's mission is to provide women who want to dedicate their lives to the Buddha's teachings with a safe haven for their study and practice. This unique Exclusive Experience will teach you about their daily lives and how they challenge patriarchal Buddhist traditions. After, take a cooking class at Seven Women – an organisation supported by The Intrepid Foundation that socially and economically empowers marginalised women in Nepal through various education programs, skills training and income generation. While the initiative started with just seven participants, now over 5000 women have been educated, trained and employed here. Learn how to make delicious Nepali dishes and swap stories with these women who have overcome discrimination to turn their lives around. Tuck into your freshly made creations for lunch before spending the afternoon at your leisure.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Cooking class at Seven Women
- Khachoe Ghakyil Ling - Kapan Nunnery Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Late morning we head to the Kathmandu airport and fly west to Pokhara.
The 25-minute flight offers views of the Himalaya range to the north (on a clear day). Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the glory of the surrounding Himalayan peaks in the morning light.
Pokhara is set in a beautiful valley overlooked by the Annapurnas and the fishtail-shaped Machhapuchhare, one of the most distinctive of the Himalayan peaks. Arriving in Pokhara take a short orientation walk before heading to a Tibetan Refugee Camp for a special MoMo cooking class. Your class will be hosted by a woman who was born and raised in this very refugee camp – her parents fled Tibet during the China invasion and raised her alongside her four siblings. Now, she makes a living running her MoMo cooking class and making jewellery in the low season. You’ll get a chance to swap stories with her and be inspired by how she overcame her adversities.
If you have time in the afternoon, you might like to visit ‘Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts’ manufacturing site, where people living with disabilities are given skills training in traditional handloom weaving, dyeing and knitting.
Today you’ll stay at 3 Sisters Guesthouse – owned by three sisters who work to promote and empower socially disadvantaged women through adventure tourism. They provide skills-based training programs and employment opportunities to encourage other women to become self-supportive and independent.
Included Activities:
- Pokhara - Orientation Walk
- Pokhara - Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts
- Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
Accommodation:
- Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)
Transfer by private vehicle to Birethanti, where you’ll meet your all-female hiking crew of assistant guides and porters. In the afternoon, they’ll lead you into a world of friendly villagers, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forest set before a backdrop of snow-clad peaks. You can expect the first part of this trek to be relatively flat and easy-going, however, after you reach Tikhedhunga, be prepared to get your blood pumping by climbing hundreds of stone steps to Ulleri. Don’t worry, you’ll have beautiful views of the villages, forests and mountains to keep you distracted while on the journey.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Ghorepani sits at a cool 2860 m above sea level, so you can expect to get your heart rate pumping on today’s exciting uphill climb. You’ll pass traditional homes and tea houses along a path that winds up and down hills before rewarding you with views of Annapurna South halfway along the trek. Meander through thicker wooded areas filled with towering bamboo plants and blooming trees. Then, venture beyond Banthanti (2300 m) through a moss-coated jungle before reaching Nangathanti (2520 m) where you’ll continue your journey to Ghorepani and enjoy some well-deserved rest in the evening.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Sunrise enthusiasts rejoice – today, you’ll rise early for a pre-dawn hike up Poon Hill to enjoy the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range. You'll then head back and tuck into breakfast at your tea house accommodation before lacing up your boots for today’s trek to Tadapani. Expect more magnificent views to frame your walking trail today as you continue north along the ridgeline with the Annapurna Ranges stretching along the east and west. You’ll follow a forested ridge that serves up views of the ranges in both directions. Descend along a muddy slope before reaching a small settlement and beautiful forested gorge. From here, head toward the mountain village of Tadapani where you’ll get a chance to relax, wander the local township and put your feet up for the evening.
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up with relief, knowing that today's trail is shorter and easier than you’ve become accustomed to over the last few days. You’ll take in the sunrise from Tadapani and then hike to Ghandruk village. The route from Tadapani to Ghandruk is tranquil and bursting with colourful wildflowers in spring. After reaching Ghandruk, you’ll explore this fascinating mountain village, take in the mesmerizing views and get acquainted with the ethnic Gurung culture here.
Included Activities:
- Ghandruk - Guided Village Tour
- Ghandruk - Gurung Women Cultural Dance
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, embark on a short trek down to Shyauli bazaar, where you’ll be transferred to Pokhara by a private vehicle.
Take a boat ride across Phewa Lake to visit Tal Barahi temple in the lake's centre. After lunch, visit International Mountain Museum.
This evening is all yours to relax and admire the lakeside scenery.
Included Activities:
- Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
- Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
Optional Activities:
- Pokhara - Peace Pagoda - Free
Accommodation:
- Guest house (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head to Chitwan National Park – considered one of Asia's best national parks. UNESCO declared this park a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. You’ll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists at your jungle lodge and home for the next two nights. Built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the exotic sounds of the jungle. Relax or swim before visiting Tharu Village, where you’ll learn about the lifestyles of the Tharu women. Later, head to a special location on the banks of river’s edge to watch the sunset over the horizon. Enjoy local Nepali snacks and drinks and keep your eyes peeled for groups of deer and different species of birds which can often be seen on the other side of the riverbank. Head back to the lodge for dinner and a demonstration of Tharu cultural dance by local women.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan NP - Tharu village visit
- Chitwan National Park - Sunset Drinks by the River
Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop in a jeep for a 4-hour safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the Shere Khan-Royal Bengal tigers that call the park home. After your safari, you’ll float down the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the great Indian rhino as well as deer, exotic bird life and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan National Park - Jeep safari
- Chitwan NP - Village tour
- Chitwan - Canoe Safari
If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer back to the bustling capital of Kathmandu. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local NGO called Days for Girls Nepal. Here, learn from a team of local women about their work to provide menstrual care and education and their mission to eliminate the Chhaupadi practice in Nepal. To shatter the stigma associated with women’s health, they campaign against Chhaupadi, a tradition in western Nepal, which prohibits Hindu women and girls from participating in normal family activities while menstruating, as they are considered impure. Tonight, you’re free to relax and recharge.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Days for Girls NGO Visit
Optional Activities:
- Chitwan - Bird watching walk - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you’ll stop at a brick building known as Kumari Ghar. Visitors and worshippers congregate daily in the courtyard beneath the balcony to catch a glimpse of Nepal’s most prominent living Hindu goddess – Kumari. A fascinating Hindu ritual, there are several Kumari in Nepal who are chosen early in childhood and remain goddesses until they begin menstruating or lose blood from an injury (when they revert back to mortal status and re-enter society). Then, drive to Kirtipur – visited by only a handful of tourists, this is a gem of history and culture. Visit Chilancho Temple, Bagh Bhairav Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple. Walk down the old alleys and observe the local way of life as the locals chat, spin wool or knit. As this is the penultimate day of your adventure, maybe treat yourself to a traditional Nau manicure or pedicure performed by local Newari women – Napits. The role these women play, to clean and purify the body, is a respected part of the local culture, and to receive treatment is an opportunity not just to gain an insight into this tradition but also to connect. Tonight, head to Village Café for your final group dinner. The Village Café allows women who would otherwise be based at home to earn a living cooking traditional Newari cuisine, using ingredients they’ve grown in their own fields.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Dinner at The Village Cafe
- Kirtipur - Newari Traditional Pedicure
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today your women’s expedition comes to an end. No included activities are planned, so you’re welcome to check out of the hotel any time before midday. If you’re not quite ready for your adventure to finish, just speak to your booking agent to organise extra accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Diane - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip through Nepal with the Women's Expedition! Our leader Srishiti was an excellent enthusiastic leader with an infectious laugh who encouraged us all along the way. We travelled through the beautiful rhododendrum forest and were fortunate to view the beautiful Annapurnas. While the trekking was difficult, it was completely manageable and I had so much fun chatting with the new friends I met from around the world. This trip gives a great combination of the history, culture and beautiful landscape of Nepal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, November 2023
This tour is fantastic - great introduction to hiking in the Himalayas region! Our tour leader, Srishti, really made out trip so special - I learnt so much about Nepal, the people, women's experiences in Nepal and some of the fantastic work going on to support women! So much good food and what a beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Sarah - Traveled, November 2023
This was truly a spectacular trip. Srishti was an exceptional, supportive & inspiring leader, constantly bringing a beautiful, positive energy that bolstered us as a group. Nandu was also such an amazing assistant guide, and I felt so safe having her around to guide us through the trek. All of the team and porters were wonderful overall. The trek was immensely beautiful and the activities that followed were so much fun and a great way to experience the magic of Nepal. I was fortunate to be blessed with an amazing group of women, which made the experience all the more special. Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Luzia - Traveled, November 2023
I had an amazing experience on the Nepal Women‘s Expedition. It gave a wonderful insight into Nepali culture. Our all female crew were an amazing example of female empowerment. The group was absolutely lovely and our leader Srishti was an absolute joy, entusiastic, knowledgable and helpful. I would absolutely recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Brittni - Traveled, November 2023
This trip is truly an experience of a lifetime. It was so special to have a trip dedicated to Women's empowerment, especially in a very patriarchal country and culture. It felt impactful to have a trip that was so focused on supporting and empowering the women of Nepal and hearing the stories from everyone we met including our guides and porters was so special. Our leader Srishti made the trip an amazing experience as well with her knowledge, her huge smile, and knowledge and support the whole way through. This trip was fun, educational, safe, and empowering. I would recommend to any woman looking to travel to Nepal!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Caroline - Traveled, November 2023
I got really lucky with the group of woman attending, as we all got along so well! But overall the trip was incredible. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Stefanie - Traveled, November 2023
My female-lead and all female participant trip through Nepal with Intrepid left me speechless, inspired, empowered and all together completely resettled and balanced. I especially appreciate the social responsibility Intrepid demonstrated in the curation of the trip's iternary. It was wonderful to be able to get to know many local women, - their culture, lifes, hopes and worries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Ella - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent trip. We were properly immersed into the culture and beauty of Nepal. I walk away from this experience with many fond memories. The group was lovely and Srishti, our tour guide, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and safety.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Debbie - Traveled, October 2023
If you are a woman travelling solo, I totally recommend this trip! It’s great to be with a group of likeminded woman and enjoy so much of what Nepal offers, trekking, Nepalese culture, women’s causes, cooking classes,, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and Katmandu. This is a must do!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Constantina - Traveled, September 2023
This tour is excellent and I highly recommend it. The trekking is wonderful and the landscape is beautiful. The tea houses were welcoming and had lots of delicious food. My guide was Srishti who is incredibly inspiring and is a superb tour guide. I am the first person to have done this itinerary and I am really impressed with what it offers. The nunnery experience felt really special and it was great being able to ask so many questions to the women I met along the way. Loved it! Hope to see Nepal again very soon. Thank you!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Debbie - Traveled, April 2024
Nepal is an incredibly diverse nation. This tour covers so much ground, and does it from a woman's perspective, with female guides, porters and experiences with local women. I was constantly amazed, humbled, and very glad I joined this tour. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Shannon - Traveled, April 2024
The Nepal Women's Expedition was life changing and I could not recommend it enough. As a first time international solo female traveler, I felt supported the whole way and found this experience to be perfect. The other women in the group were so much fun to spend time with and I felt I left with new friends that I'll keep in touch with for years to come. Sumitra, our group leader, was the best part of the trip. She made our two weeks incredibly fun, informative, and she was an amazing person to be around. The trek was the best part of the trip because of our full female team. Ritu, our assistant guide, was a delight to have on the trek and I wished she was with us for the full two weeks. It was incredible spending time with all the porters too and getting to have dinner with them to learn about their lives. Do not hesitate on taking this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2024
Hannah - Traveled, April 2024
Not a question- you should do this remarkable trek, led by exceptional and inspiring Nepali women while connecting deeply with the community & culture. These women are FIERCE and fun! Nothing else like it in this country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024
Emma - Traveled, April 2024
The women’s only expedition was just wonderful- what an amazing experience to share with likeminded travellers and the beautiful women of Nepal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2024
Sally - Traveled, April 2024
My first all-women expedition and won't be my last. We had a blast from the beginning to the end, including the trekking which was tougher than some of us had imagined. The trek involved female guides and porters, which initially made us feel a bit indulged, but their pleasure at being able to work independently while trekking with us meant this feeling soon passed. The cultural excursions had a female perspective to them, including dancing, cooking classes and a Buddhist nunnery (my spiritual highlight of this tour). Highly recommend. My best intrepid tour so far
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2024
Valeria - Traveled, April 2024
There are no words to describe just how amazing this trip was! I loved all of it; rom the activities selected (which were almost all focused on empowering women or marginalized communities) to the amazing group leader (Srishti), and the amazing group of women I was lucky enough to share this trip with. For me, the most inspiring part was giving opportunities to female porters and getting to know just how amazing and inspiring their life stories are. I loved this trip so much that I would even do it again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2024
Andrea - Traveled, April 2024
Considering this trip? JUST DO IT! It will be an experience like no other! I am so thankful for all the amazing women I was able to meet, to speak to, to cook with, to dance with, to become friends with and especially to laugh with. My heart is so full.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Sophie - Traveled, April 2024
It was a truly fantastic trip, packed with unique opportunities to visit and connect with local Nepalese women; from our incredible leader Sumitra, to our strong women porters, to inspiring innovative local project leaders and even a living goddess! We hiked, we danced, we laughed, we spotted rhino, we cooked momo and we sipped masala tea. We felt a togetherness and left the trip with special and powerful memories. I’d recommend this trip to any women hoping to get a deeper understanding of Nepal from a women’s perspective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Amanda - Traveled, April 2024
My women's trip to Nepal was transformative and the itinerary was both enjoyable and empowering. We had an amazing group of participants and a stellar guide Sumitra (Sumi) and trekking crew. We had access to so many unique female-focused activities - traditional pedicures, chats with female-focused NGOs, home visits, etc - that would have been harder to achieve in a mixed gender group. I felt energized each day by the things we saw, did and learned. Wouldn't hesitate to take another women's trip in the future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Pamela - Traveled, March 2024
It was wonderful being back in Nepal again and trekking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Visiting and learning about the various NGOs operating and supporting marginalized women was incredible to see and experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
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