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Map of Nepal: Women's Expedition including Nepal

Experience the natural beauty and culture of Nepal from a female perspective.

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 crew of mountain guides and porters. Listen to personal stories shared by locals and spend time reconnecting with nature at a female-run village homestay on the fringes of Chitwan National Park, which is helping to conserve wildlife in the area. 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.

Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destination
Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Women's Expedition
Code
HNSW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 3, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy a five-day hike in the incredible Annapurnas, wholly supported by an all-female crew of leaders, guides, assistants and porters.

  • Get to know the locals during a homestay in Madi Valley that’s run by women who are working to alleviate human impact on the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.

  • 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 beleived 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.

Is this trip right for you?

  • While far less challenging than Everest Base Camp, you will still need a high level of fitness for the trekking portion of this trip, as you will be walking for between five to seven hours per day. You will ascend and descend uneven ancient stone steps for much of the trek. We recommend using hiking poles which you can bring or purchase for very low costs in country.

  • While you’re trekking, you’ll be provided with a duffel bag that a female porter will carry. Your porter can carry up to 8 kilograms per traveller and any other luggage can be left in Pokhara to collect at the end of the trek.

  • While on a map we aren't travelling particularly far, the reality of road travel in Nepal is that things always take longer than you expect. Some roads will be bumpy, dusty, or even unexpectedly blocked requiring reroutes and plenty of patience – but that’s all part of the adventure. To make the most of your time in Nepal, we take domestic flights when we have long distances to cross.

  • Accommodation in some destinations may vary in standard and facilities and on occasion hot water may be limited. In more remote parts of Nepal, eating at the hotel restaurant may be practical rather than heading out for optional meals.

  • While we would love to open up these unique experiences to all our travellers regardless of gender, it’s simply not yet possible to do so while operating in a socially responsible and culturally sensitive manner. If you want to travel to Nepal on a similar itinerary, check out some other itineraries or consider booking a private group tour.

A group of women travellers at Annapurna Basecamp, Nepal
Travellers planting trees in Madi Valley, Nepal
Nepal: Women's Expedition with Intrepid Travel
A group of women travellers in Annapurna, Nepal
Momo's from a cooking class in Nepal
Women hiking Annapurna, Nepal

Itinerary
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Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu. Your Nepal Women’s Expedition will begin with a welcome meeting at the hotel at 2 pm. After the welcome meeting, join your local leader and other group members for an included dinner at a local restaurant. You’ll have the opportunity to dig into local delicacies like MoMos and Dal Bhat and enjoy a traditional dance performance.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Welcome dinner
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight - USD240
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
The accommodation we use on this trip is small, locally (often female) owned. In some locations like Kathmandu, not all rooms will be the same size and configuration.

This morning, we head to Kapan Nunnery – 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 and exclusive experience will teach you about their daily lives and how they challenge patriarchal Buddhist traditions.

After visiting the nunnery, you’ll take on 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, to date over 5,000 women have now been educated, trained, and employed here. In the cooking class, you’ll learn how to make delicious Nepali dishes and have the chance to swap stories with these women who have overcome discrimination to turn their lives around. After the class you’ll have the opportunity tuck into your freshly made creations for lunch before spending the afternoon at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Cooking class at Seven Women
  • Khachoe Ghakyil Ling - Kapan Nunnery Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Rise bright and early today to catch a short flight to Pokhara in central Nepal. Grab a window seat to catch spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. On landing, we’ll be transferred by our private vehicle to Birethanti where you’ll get the chance to meet your all-female hiking crew – made up 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 back-drop 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 with a climb up 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 you on the journey.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Annapurna Homestay Trek (5 days/4 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's trekking distance is approximately 9km (5hrs)

Ghorepani sits at a cool 2,860 meters 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 half-way along today’s trek. As your climb continues, you’ll meander through thicker wooded areas, filled with towering bamboo plants and trees in bloom. Then, venture beyond Banthanti (2,300m) through a moss-coated jungle before reaching Nangathanti (2,520m) where you’ll continue your journey to Ghorepani and enjoy some well-deserved rest in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today's trekking distance is approximately 8km (5hrs)

Sunrise enthusiasts rejoice – today, we’ll rise early for a pre-dawn hike up Poon Hill to enjoy sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range. You'll then head back and tuck into breakfast at our 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 we continue north along the ridgeline with Annapurnas ranges stretching along the east and west. You’ll follow a forested ridge which serves up views of the ranges in both directions. We’ll descend along a muddy slope before reaching a small settlement and beautiful forested gorge. From here, we 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 (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today's trekking distance is approximately 10km (8hrs including the Poonhill hike)

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 today. 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.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ghandruk - Guided Village Tour
  • Ghandruk - Gurung Women Cultural Dance
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today's trekking distance is approximately 6.5km (6hrs)

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll embark on a short trek down to Shyauli bazaar, where you’ll be transferred to Pokhara by a private vehicle. After reaching Pokhara, your leader will take you for an orientation walk around the lakeside area to discover an elaborate Hindu temple. We'll walk along the lake (Phewa Tal), the second largest in Nepal, and take in the spectacular views of the Annapurnas and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare. If you have time in the afternoon, you might like to visit ‘Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts’ manufacturing site where people with disabilities are given skills training in traditional handloom weaving, dyeing and knitting. This evening, 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.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts
  • Pokhara - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today's trekking distance is approximately 6km (4hrs).

After breakfast today, you’ll take a boat ride across Phew Lake to visit Tal Barahi temple in the lake's centre. After exploring the temple, you’ll head 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, here. 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. After your cooking class and lunch, you’ll visit International Mountain Museum and World Peace Pagoda to enjoy the sweeping views across the lake and the city. Then, this evening is all yours to relax and admire the lakeside scenery.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
  • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

After breakfast this morning, we’ll hit the road for Madi Valley. On arrival at your homestay, the local women, dressed in their traditional Magar attire, will be ready to greet and welcome you into their homes. Tonight, we’ll be staying at Intrepid’s community-based tourism project, the Madi Valley Homestay program. This project provides sustainable income and encourages the communities living on the fringes of Chitwan National Park to conserve the wilderness and wildlife around them. This evening, the women will teach you to cook local dishes which you’ll enjoy for dinner as a group. This is a great opportunity to get to know the women better and chat with them about their lives and work. After dinner, you’ll be treated to a cultural performance by the women, where they’ll demonstrate one of the oldest ethnic dance forms of the Magar community; the Maruni Naach.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Madi Valley - Cultural performance
  • Madi Valley - Cooking class
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll head to Chitwan National Park – considered one of Asia's best national parks – for a half-day safari. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who’ll take you on a safari through the forests to spot rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys and deer today - to name just a few. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Green Mansion Jungle Resort, your home for the evening. You’ll have time to relax or the option of a swim or spa treatment before visiting Tharu Village, where you’ll learn about the lifestyles of the Tharu women and observe a traditional cooking demonstration, before sharing dinner together.
Accommodation
  • Jungle resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan NP - Jeep safari
  • Chitwan NP - Village tour
  • Chitwan NP - Tharu village visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

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 fly back to the bustling capital of Kathmandu. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local NGO called Days for Girls Nepal. You’ll 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. After some time learning from the women here, you’ll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the city where we’ll stop at a brick building known as Kumari Ghar. Visitors and worshippers congregate daily in the courtyard beneath Kumari Ghar's balcony to catch a glimpse of Nepal’s most prominent living Hindu goddess – Kumari. Each day she occasionally appears from her balcony where crowds below wait to see her. A fascinating Hindu ritual - there are several Kumari in Nepal who are chosen early in childhood and remain goddess’s until they begin menstruating, or lose blood from an injury, at which time they revert back to mortal status and re-enter society.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Days for Girls NGO Visit
  • Kathmandu - Durbar Square
Optional Activities
  • Chitwan - Bird watching walk - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we’ll drive to Kirtipur. Located in the southwestern suburbs of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is visited by only a handful of tourists, but is a gem in terms of history and culture. You’ll get a chance to visit the popular temples and Buddhist shrines – Chilancho Temple, Bagh Bhairav Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple. Walk down the olden alleys and observe the local way of life as the locals leisurely chat, spin wool or knit. As this is the penultimate day of your adventure, you might like to 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 a treatment from them is an opportunity not just to gain an insight into this tradition but also connect with them. This evening, we head to Village Café for our 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. It’s the ideal place to say goodbye to your fellow female adventurers and celebrate the connections you’ve made with other women from around the world.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Dinner at The Village Cafe
  • Kirtipur - Newari Traditional Manicure
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD68
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today your women’s expedition in Nepal 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, you can speak to our team to arrange extra nights' accommodation, subject to availability. If you decide to stay on, there are plenty of activities in and around the city to enjoy, as well as many Urban Adventures on offer.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (5 nights), Jungle resort (1 night)

Included activities

  • Kathmandu - Welcome dinner
  • Kathmandu - Cooking class at Seven Women
  • Khachoe Ghakyil Ling - Kapan Nunnery Visit
  • Pokhara - Annapurna Homestay Trek (5 days/4 nights)
  • Ghandruk - Guided Village Tour
  • Ghandruk - Gurung Women Cultural Dance
  • Pokhara - Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts
  • Pokhara - Orientation Walk
  • Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
  • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
  • Madi Valley - Cultural performance
  • Madi Valley - Cooking class
  • Chitwan NP - Jeep safari
  • Chitwan NP - Village tour
  • Chitwan NP - Tharu village visit
  • Kathmandu - Days for Girls NGO Visit
  • Kathmandu - Durbar Square
  • Kathmandu - Dinner at The Village Cafe
  • Kirtipur - Newari Traditional Manicure

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available to purchase and is valid for all nights on the trip except for those spent in teahouses (Days 3-6).
2. Please bring 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
3. Between June and August, it is monsoon season in Nepal. If you do choose to travel during this time, please note that you will encounter wet conditions, obscured views, and an extra leech or two. During the monsoon, there is a chance that your itinerary may be adjusted pending water levels in rivers. Don't forget to pack rain proof jackets and trousers. Please see alternative monsoon season itinerary in the weather section of these notes.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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