Nepal: Women's Expedition
Experience Overview
With plenty of cultural experiences and a five-day trek with an all-female crew of mountain guides and porters, this 13-day Women's Expedition gives you a unique insight into the lives of Nepali women. Travel with a female leader and meet a range of female trailblazers along the way – from chefs at a social enterprise to a women-led NGO on a mission to end period stigma. Meet Buddhist nuns as you get an inside look at an all-female nunnery, make momos with a local woman at a Tibetan refugee camp and treat yourself to a traditional Newari pedicure in Kathmandu. Listen to personal stories, connect with like-minded travellers and be inspired on an adventure that puts women front and centre.
Highlights
- Experience the beauty of the Annapurna region on the five-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Learn about the lives of your all-female trekking crew, stay in traditional teahouses and see some of Nepal’s tallest peaks.
- Spend two days in Chitwan National Park, where you’ll enjoy sunset drinks, a canoe ride and a game drive to spot the resident wildlife before falling asleep to the sounds of nature in your jungle lodge.
- Visit an NGO working to abolish menstrual stigma and chhaupadi – the illegal but socially common practice of banishing women and girls to makeshift huts during their period.
- Learn how to cook traditional Nepali dishes at a social enterprise that has changed the lives of disadvantaged women, then learn the secrets of creating the perfect momo at a cooking class in a Tibetan refugee camp.
- Listen to the morning prayers and learn about the lives of Buddhist nuns at an all-female monastery in Kathmandu that's challenging patriarchal traditions.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2162
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle, Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Women Only
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HNSW
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not 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 $2420 ($186 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your Women’s Expedition begins in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel. After, join your leader and fellow travellers for an included dinner at a local restaurant, where you can dig into local flavours and try Nepali favourites like momos and dal bhat. The dinner also includes a traditional dance performance to end the evening. If you arrive early, maybe check out the many shops and cafes in the Thamel (the city’s main tourist district) or visit some of Kathmandu’s most sacred sites on the Kathmandu: Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure.
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)
Wake early and head to Kapan’s Khachoe Ghakyil Ling – a Buddhist nunnery on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The nunnery's mission is to provide a safe place for women who want to dedicate their lives to the Buddha's teachings. This unique experience offers insight into their daily lives and how they’re challenging patriarchal Buddhist traditions. For lunch today, join an authentic cooking class to gain a true understanding of Nepal’s culinary heritage. Here you will learn of the traditions that have spanned centuries and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Master the local methods of cooking and put together some classic dishes, then tuck into your creations before returning to Kathmandu to spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Cooking Class
- Khachoe Ghakyil Ling - Kapan Nunnery Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll take a 30-minute flight to the city of Pokhara – set in a beautiful valley overlooked by the Annapurna Mountains. The flight offers views of the Himalaya range to the north on a clear day, so keep your camera handy. Join your leader for a quick orientation walk, then head to a Tibetan refugee settlement for a special momo cooking class. The class is hosted by a woman born and raised in the camp – her parents fled Tibet during the China invasion and raised her here along with her siblings. Swap stories and be inspired by how she overcame her adversities. After, you’ll visit Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts, where people with disabilities are trained in traditional handloom weaving, dyeing and knitting. Your accommodation tonight is 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 women to become 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 crew of assistant guides and porters and begin your five-day trek. Today’s route takes you through rural villages, rice paddies and terraced fields. You can expect the first part of this trek to be relatively flat and easy-going, but after you reach Tikhedhunga, be prepared to get your blood pumping as you climb hundreds of stone steps to Ulleri. Go at a nice steady pace and take plenty of rest stops to take in the amazing views along the way. When you arrive at Ulleri (2070 m), settle into your first teahouse of the trek and maybe get your first peek of the Annapurna Range if the skies are clear.
Included Activities:
- Annapurna Region – 5 Day / 4 Night Trek
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 teahouses 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 a well-deserved rest this 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. On a clear day, it offers 180-degree views of giant snow-clad peaks. You'll then head back to your teahouse for breakfast before lacing up your boots for today’s trek to Tadapani (2630 m). Expect more magnificent views to frame your hike as you continue north along the ridgeline with the Annapurna Range stretching along the east and west. You’ll follow a forested ridge that serves up views of the mountains in both directions. Descend along a muddy slope before reaching a small settlement and forested gorge. From here, head toward the mountain village of Tadapani to 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 (2000 m). The route from Tadapani to Ghandruk is tranquil and blooms with wildflowers in spring. After reaching Ghandruk, enjoy a well-earned lunch and then explore this traditional stone house village on a guided tour to learn about the Gurung culture here. This evening, you’ll be treated to a cultural performance of traditional Gurung folk song and dance by a group of women from the community.
Included Activities:
- Ghandruk - Guided Village Tour
- Ghandruk - Gurung Women Cultural Dance
Accommodation:
- Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a short trek down to Shyauli bazaar, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara. Take some time to freshen up, then regroup for a boat ride across Phewa Lake. You’ll also visit Tal Barahi temple in the lake's centre. After lunch, head over to the International Mountain Museum to dive into the history of trekking in Nepal and the people who call the mountains home. This evening is all yours to relax and enjoy 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, drive to Chitwan National Park. UNESCO declared this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. When you arrive, meet the camp staff and resident naturalists at your jungle lodge for the next two nights. Built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the sounds of the jungle. Take some time to 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 riverbanks to watch the sunset with some local Nepali snacks and drinks – keep your eyes peeled for deer and different species of birds on the other side of the river. After, head back to the lodge for dinner and a demonstration of Tharu cultural dance.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan NP - Tharu village visit
- Chitwan National Park - Sunset Drinks by the River
Accommodation:
- Jungle Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
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, various bird species and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. The rest of the afternoon is free to unwind at the lodge.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan National Park - Jeep safari
- Chitwan NP - Village tour
- Chitwan - Canoe Safari
Accommodation:
- Jungle Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
If you’re a 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 Kathmandu. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a women-led NGO called Days for Girls Nepal where you’ll learn about their menstrual health education projects and mission to eliminate the chhaupadi practice in Nepal. Chhaupadi prohibits Hindu women and girls from participating in normal family activities while menstruating, as they're 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)
Today you’ll explore Kathmandu’s Durbar Square on a guided tour – including a stop at a building known as Kumari Ghar, where visitors and worshippers congregate daily to catch a glimpse of Kumari – Nepal’s most prominent living Hindu goddess. Kumari is chosen early in childhood and remains a goddess until she begins menstruating or loses blood from an injury, and then reverts to mortal status and re-enters society. After, drive to the Newari town of Kirtipur just outside of Kathmandu – an area visited by few travellers – to observe daily life in the old alleys and visit Chilancho Temple, Bagh Bhairav Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple. You’ll then be treated to a manicure or pedicure by Napits (Newari women). This ritual is traditionally performed to clean and purify the body for special occasions. Tonight, head to The Village Cafe for your final group dinner. This restaurant allows women who would otherwise be based at home to earn a living cooking traditional Newari cuisine.
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)
Your Women’s Expedition comes to an end after breakfast. If you’re not quite ready for your adventure to end and want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time 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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