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 $2695
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

  • 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

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Plane

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 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)
2
Day 2: Kathmandu
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)
3
Day 3: Pokhara
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)
4
Day 4: Ulleri
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)
5
Day 5: Ghorepani
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)
6
Day 6: Tadapani
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)
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 (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)
8
Day 8: Pokhara
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)
9
Day 9: Chitwan National Park
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)
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, 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)
11
Day 11: Kathmandu
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)
12
Day 12: Kathmandu
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)
13
Day 13: Kathmandu
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.
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 will do 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.

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 $2,695
(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 20 Sep 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