Nepal: Women's Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 13 days
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Nepal: Women's Expedition
13 Days
From AUD $2425
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(20 reviews)

Nepal: Women's Expedition

Nepal: Women's Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 13 days
Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

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.

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

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kathmandu, Nepal

Finishes

Kathmandu, Nepal

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Women Only

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Kathmandu
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)
2
Day 2: Kathmandu
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)
3
Day 3: Pokhara
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)
4
Day 4: Ulleri
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)
5
Day 5: Ghorepani (2874 m/9429 ft)
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)
6
Day 6: Tadapani (2630 m/8629 ft)
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)
7
Day 7: Ghandruk
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)
8
Day 8: Pokhara
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)
9
Day 9: Chitwan National Park
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
10
Day 10: Chitwan National Park
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
11
Day 11: Kathmandu
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)
12
Day 12: Kathmandu
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)
13
Day 13: Kathmandu
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,425
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 26 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Diane
Traveled, March 2024

04/10/2024

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.

4.0
Kathryn
Traveled, November 2023

12/03/2023

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.

Tour Operator

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