Trip Overview

Experience the splendor of the Himalayan Mountains in Fall 2020 on a high-energy but low-altitude trekking tour in Nepal with river rafting and wildlife safaris and a unique opportunity to experience Nepal’s many cultural treasures from its temples to its artisans!

Meet the women with whom you’ll be adventuring in Kathmandu then fly straight to Pokhara, the capital of western Nepal, to begin trekking beneath the sharp peaks and vertiginous valleys of the Annapurna Mountains. Get to know your fellow adventurers on a phenomenal hike of the lower Himalayan foothills, trekking to 7,500 feet before dropping into the Modi River Valley. A challenging full-day of hiking follows as you climb upward passing terraced farms, thick forests, and picturesque hamlets on your way to Ghandruk. This wonderful Nepalese village is built high on a mountainside and features precipitous drops, picturesque stone walkways winding between homes, and fabulous views of the surrounding Annapurna peaks. Join your fellow trekers to walk to its beautiful temple or meet Ghandruk’s female weavers who create traditional Nepalese rugs.

Absorb the peace and energy of the snow-capped Himalayas on your hike to Birethanti. From this resting point, enjoy down time with your AdventureWomen companions. Meander ancient stone paths and stairways alongside passing load-laden donkeys, walk beside a milky blue river, or hike to a nearby waterfall. To reach picturesque Majgaun, cross a swaying cable bridge and trek up a series of paved steps and switchbacks, then set back out for Pokhara where  you repack carefully because tomorrow your Nepal hiking adventure moves to the water!

River rafting on a float trip on the pristine Seti River is a gentle ride that allows you to watch pastoral villages and stunning scenery float by. Stop for one day at a river camp to eat and rest, and you may also hike to one of the nearby local villages to see Nepalese culture truly untouched by tourism, a favorite of many Adventure Women.

A spectacular two-day wildlife safari by canoe and jeep through Chitwan National Park will be a highlight of your adventure in Nepal. This remote jungle has a wide variety of monkey, deer, and crocodile species and is also the habitat of the rare Royal Bengal Tiger and Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros. Sightings of these elusive creatures are also few, but if you remain quiet and alert, you just might be the lucky woman who spots one! The birdsong and scents of nature will surround and enchant you.

End your journey in Kathmandu, where you’ll have a chance to explore the city or “flightsee” Mount Everest’s infamous peak.

For women who crave a unique Himalayan experience, this low-altitude trekking tour in Nepal with cultural opportunities to meet local artisans and villagers, river rafting and wildlife safaris provides momentous thrills and spectacular moments every adventurer will love!

 

Main Attractions

  • Experience the exotic culture of Nepal and meet artisans and local villagers making their living in Nepalese villages
  • Trek to the heights of the Himalaya Mountains on a low altitude route allowing for maximum gain but spectacular views
  • Travel back in time as you raft the Seti River through Nepal’s pastoral countryside
  • Paddle through Chitwan National Park on a wildlife safari

What You'll See and Do

  • Anthropology
  • Buddhism
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Photography
  • Trekking
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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    If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

    Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
    Email Us
    Browse Detailed Itinerary

    Download Extended Itinerary

      Browse Detailed Itinerary

      Download Extended Itinerary

        Trip Itinerary

        Day 1

        Arrive in Kathmandu
        You will be met at the Kathmandu Airport and transferred to your hotel.

        This afternoon at 4:00pm, meet in the lobby of the Yak and Yeti Hotel. Have a full briefing on your adventure. You will be given your trek duffel bags and reminded how to pack for the trek.

        Enjoy a welcome dinner and group orientation this evening.

        Dinner
        Overnight: Yak & Yeti Hotel

        Day 2

        Kathmandu to Birethanti
        This morning you fly to Pokhara (3,300 feet), the rural capital of Western Nepal.

        Have a trek briefing before departing with your guides and porters for the one-hour drive to the trek starting point. Your first day’s trek follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas, with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, home to Sanctuary Lodge and your first night’s stay. Trekking time is 4-6 hours.

        Enjoy a picnic lunch in the village of Chandrakot before continuing your trek to the lodge.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Sanctuary Lodge

         

        Day 3

        Birethanti to Ghandruk
        Leave Sanctuary Lodge and walk through outlying farms along the Modi River Valley. After an hour of easy walking, you begin to climb out of the valley and up towards the mountains. Snacks are provided en-route. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forests. Trekking Time 6-8 hours.

        Arrive in the afternoon at the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (6,600 feet) and enjoy a late lunch while taking in the spectacular close-up views of the surrounding mountains.

        Take some time to freshen up and take a hot shower, change from your hiking clothes, and enjoy the evening Annapurna panorama before dinner.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Himalaya Lodge

        Day 4

        Ghandruk
        Today you have a free morning to explore the mountain village of Ghandruk, a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers. Meet and talk with the women of Ghandruk, who maintain a local industry weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.

        This afternoon you may choose an optional walk to an altitude of 7,500 feet, or relax in the beautiful garden area of the lodge.

        Lunch and dinner are at the Himalaya Lodge today.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Himalaya Lodge

        Day 5

        Ghandruk to Birethanti
        After breakfast, depart the Himalaya Lodge and return to Birethanti via the village of Kimche, about midway through the trek. Hike approximately 4-6 hours back to Sanctuary Lodge.

        Enjoy lunch at the lodge.

        This afternoon, you can relax by the river or in the landscaped gardens from which the magnificent 23,000-foot Machapuchare can be viewed. Alternatively, join an optional guided hike to a nearby waterfall.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Sanctuary Lodge

        Day 6

        Birethanti to Majgaun
        After breakfast, leave the Sanctuary Lodge and follow the Modi River until arriving at a cable bridge about 20 minutes up river. After crossing the bridge, ascend partly on well-paved steps and partly on switch-backs, until you reach the welcome sign of the Gurung Lodge after about 2-4 hours of trekking.

        Spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby picturesque villages of Majgaun and Patleket.

        Enjoy dinner at the lodge tonight.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Gurung Lodge

        Day 7

        Majgaun to Pokhara
        After early morning tea and coffee served on your verandah, you have the opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery of the Annapurnas from several different locations around the lodge.

        Arrive at the village of Lumle, situated at 5,300 feet, where a vehicle is waiting to transfer you to Pokhara and the Temple Tree Resort. Trekking time 2-3 hours.

        This afternoon is free to wander among the shops on the lakeside or take a row boat out on the lake.

        Once at the Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara, your extra raft and Chitwan luggage (which you left in Pokhara before your trek departure) is waiting for you, to pack for tomorrow’s departure. Waterproof bags are provided. All items for the two-night raft trip are carried in the raft in these waterproof bags. The boats also have watertight drums to keep cameras, sun screen, and any other small items you may need during the day. The remainder of your luggage/clothes for Chitwan is transported in a vehicle to the raft finish point.

        Dinner is at a colorful local restaurant.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Temple Tree Resort & Spa

        Day 8

        Pokhara to the Seti River
        After breakfast, leave the Temple Tree Resort for the two-day raft trip on the Seti River. From Pokhara, it is a one and a half hour journey through scenic countryside.

        Upon arrival at Damauli, the starting point on the river, meet the experienced boat crew, who give a full briefing prior to launch.

        On the way to camp, stop for a picnic lunch on a sandy beach.

        Today, there are two small rapids of no more than grade 2 (about 165 feet long). The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience, all the way to the river camp. Rafting time is about three hours, depending on water levels.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Seti River Camp

        Day 9

        The Seti River
        Today is just for relaxing at this beautiful, lush camp on the river. There are “treehouses” you can sit in and read a book. Or, you can choose to take a hike to one of the nearby villages. Many women from our past trips have found this to be a wonderful hike to the village of Darampani, about two hours above the river camp. Since no other trek companies hike to this village, it still remains quite untouched by tourism. Forty-five minutes above the village there is a spectacular viewpoint where you can see the entire Annapurna as well as the Manaslu Range of mountains.

        Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at camp.

        Overnight: Seti River Camp

        Day 10

        Seti River to Royal Chitwan National Park
        Spend this morning rafting and then journey by vehicle for approximately two hours to Royal Chitwan National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

        Dinner is at the resort tonight.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Kasara Resort

        Day 11

        Royal Chitwan National Park
        Set out to explore the park by vehicle or canoe today. Meals are provided by the resort today.

        If you’d like, book a spa treatment today at the resort.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Kasara Resort

        Day 12

        Royal Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu
        Enjoy a final morning of game viewing before departing.

        After breakfast, transfer to the air field for the short flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy lunch along the way.

        Upon arrival in Kathmandu you are met at the airport and on the way back into the city, take a special tour of the exceptional Buddhist Complex of Boudhanath. After visiting the Stupa, the largest in Nepal, there is free time for shopping in this marvelous city of bargains.

        In the late afternoon, transfer to the Yak and Yeti Hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight in one of the terrific local restaurants.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Yak & Yeti Hotel

        Day 13

        Kathmandu
        This morning there may be time for those who made their reservations for the early morning (optional) flightseeing trip to view Mt. Everest (weather dependent).

        Lunch is on your own today. After lunch, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing trip to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping and exploring.

        Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all of the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an amazing journey through this truly spectacular country.

        Breakfast, Dinner

        Overnight: Yak & Yeti Hotel

        Day 14

        Kathmandu & Depart
        Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home.

        Breakfast

        Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

        If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

        Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
        Email Us
        Browse Detailed Itinerary

        Download Extended Itinerary

          Traveling to Nepal


          Arrival/Departure Information

          October 21 Departure:

          Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM) on October 21, 2020, by 2:00pm.

          Depart Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM) anytime on November 3, 2020.

          November 6 Departure:

          Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM) on November 6, 2020, by 2:00pm.

          Depart Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM) anytime on November 19, 2020.

          We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. Please contact us at:

          (800) 804-8686 or (617) 544-9393
          email: info@adventurewomen.com

          If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

          Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

          Passports and Visas

          Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

          You will need a tourist visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport for US$25. You must bring two passport photos for your visa. If you choose, you can apply for your visa prior to your trip. For more details, please visit http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/tourist-visa/.

          Activity Level

          We rate this trip as High Energy with two Challenging Days. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing. Our Challenging adventures get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.

          We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more here.

          You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

          Health Considerations

          Make an appointment with a travel clinic. There are no immunization requirements for travel to Nepal, however your local travel clinic may have recommendations for you based on your age, health, and past vaccination history.

          For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Nepal.

          Money

          The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee. US Dollars are generally not accepted in Nepal except for gratuities. Credit cards are accepted in a few large hotels, where there is generally a surcharge for credit card use of 3-4%. ATMs are in larger towns only. You should plan on bringing cash and exchanging it for local currency.

          Suggested Gratuities:

          • Main guide: $80
          • Assistant guide: $20
          • Porters for the trek: $50

          How to Register

          Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

          If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

          Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

          Forms and Final Payment

          Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

          • Information Form
          • Booking Conditions Form
          • Supplemental Trekking Release
          • Supplemental Rafting Release
          • Copy of Flight Information
          • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (photo page)

          Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

          October 21 Departure Final Payment Date: July 23, 2020
          November 6 Departure Final Payment Due Date: August 8, 2020

           

          If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

          Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
          Email Us
          Browse Detailed Itinerary

          Download Extended Itinerary

            What's Included

            Included

            • Accommodations based on double occupancy
            • Meals as noted in the itinerary
            • All transportation throughout the trip
            • All activities as listed in the itinerary
            • English-speaking guide throughout the trip
            • Services of local guides and porters
            • Purified drinking water, and all local beverages while on trek (in the lodges and river rafting camp)
            • Loan of trek duffel for 5 day trek, and another trek duffel for the raft trip and Chitwan, plus loan of day pack, rain gear, and walking sticks while on trek. Complimentary water bottle and sun hat are supplied
            • While on trek and in the lodges, the following is provided and on loan with your room each night, for each participant: down jacket, wool hat, and gloves
            • All entrance fees
            • Gratuities for rafting guides, Chitwan guide, Kathmandu guide, drivers, and baggage handlers
            • Domestic airfare
            • One AdventureWomen Ambassador

            Not Included

            • International airfare
            • Meals not specified in itinerary
            • Alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise specified
            • Optional scenic Everest flight while in Kathmandu (approximately $185 in US Dollars cash, to be paid for at the beginning of the trip while in Kathmandu)
            • Items of a personal nature
            • Passport and visa fees
            • Travel insurance
            • Gratuities for your head guide, assistant trekking guide, and porters on the trek

             

            If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

            Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
            Email Us
            Browse Detailed Itinerary

            Download Extended Itinerary

              Accommodations

              Yak & Yeti Hotel
              The restored 19th-century palace houses two restaurants, several grand banquet halls, and the Casino Royale. In the lobby, granite floors, carved wood pillars, and gleaming brass and copper provide a suitably exotic feel, and through a wall of glass you can see the hotel’s extensive gardens. All of the guest rooms are comfortable and nicely equipped to give a feeling of being home while away from home. It is THE place to stay in Kathmandu!

              Sanctuary Lodge
              The lodge has stunning views of the sacred and unclimbed “Fishtail Mountain,” or Machapuchare, as it is locally known. Set in lush surroundings with colorful flower gardens and the river nearby, the Sanctuary Lodge has twin bedrooms, solar heated showers, and Western toilet facilities. There is also a central reception and dining area with a fireplace, comfortable chairs, books, and magazines.

              Himalaya Lodge
              From the garden of the lodge, some of the highest peaks in the world can be seen in their snow-capped glory. The lodge is centered around a 150-year-old traditional Gurung village house, which now serves as the dining room and main reception area. New bedrooms with covered verandas, solar heated showers, and western toilet facilities have been added to this traditional house.

              Gurung Lodge
              The Gurung Lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village. Every room has antique carved windows and spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

              Temple Tree Resort & Spa
              Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found in the area, the Temple Tree offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere and attentive service. Nestled close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range.

              Seti River Camp
              Accommodation at the camp is in comfortable safari-style tents, each with its own changing room, veranda, and attached bathroom with western-style toilets and hot showers. Tents are set up so they have fabulous views of the river. The camp is fully-staffed, with a central dining room that provides a veritable feast at each meal. The surrounding countryside is truly magnificent.

              Kasara Resort
              Accommodations at Kasara Resort are in air-conditioned, twin-bedded, spacious rooms, each with en suite private bathrooms. There is a swimming pool at the resort. Each room comes with a private water-garden courtyard, a private garden, an indoor-outdoor bathroom space, and a sun deck. The resort’s proximity to the national park ensures a close interaction with the nature and the community forests of Chitwan.

              If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

              Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
              Email Us
              Browse Detailed Itinerary

              Download Extended Itinerary

                What to Bring

                Packing Considerations: Temperatures on your trip tend to be quite cool in the morning and evening, and will warm up at midday. You will have lows in the 40s and highs in the low 80s.

                Note: You MUST bring four passport photos with you to Nepal for your visa and your trekking permits.

                Luggage:

                • Suitcase: We suggest packing everything you need in one suitcase or duffel. Your suitcase with extra clean clothing will be stored while you are trekking, rafting, and in Chitwan. Please leave your suitcase at the Yak and Yeti before departing for the trek.
                • Personal day pack: Use your day pack as your carry-on bag to Nepal. If you do not bring your own day pack, you can borrow one for the trek.
                • Duffel bag #1: You will be provided with a duffel bag for the trek on your first night in Kathmandu. In this bag, you should pack all of your gear for the five-night lodge trek, as well as your clothing for rafting and Chitwan. This duffel is 12”x12”x28”.
                • Duffel bag #2: When you arrive in Pokhara, you will be supplied a second duffel bag. Transfer your clothing for the rafting and Chitwan portion of the trip into this bag. It will be left in Pokhara while you trek.

                Clothing and Gear

                • Medium-weight, waterproof hiking boots (make sure they are broken in!)
                • 4-5 pairs wool hiking socks
                • 3-4 short sleeve shirts (quick dry recommended)
                • 1-2 long sleeve shirts (quick dry recommended)
                • 1 medium weight fleece sweater/jacket for cool evenings
                • 2-3 pairs of pants
                • 1-2 pairs of longer shorts for trekking
                • 1 pair of quick-drying river shorts for rafting
                • 1-2 sets of nicer clothes for dinner
                • 1 bathing suit
                • Waterproof jacket
                • Hat for sun protection
                • Underwear & bras
                • Sport sandals (must stay attached to your feet for rafting)
                • Sleepwear

                AdventureWomen Essentials

                • Travel documents (identification documents, airline tickets, money)
                • 2-3 spare passport photos (in case of lost passport)
                • Write down/print out travel insurance number
                • Locks for your suitcase/duffel bag
                • Travel alarm clock with spare batteries
                • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
                • Binoculars (optional; 8x40/42 models are excellent choices; center focus models are easiest)
                • Digital camera, memory cards, battery charger
                • Sunglasses, case, and strap
                • Spare glasses, contact lenses, cleaner, saline, etc.
                • Money belt or neck pouch
                • Water bottle
                • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
                • Mosquito repellent
                • Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
                • Toothbrush/toothpaste
                • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
                • Small packet of tissues
                • Tampons and panty liners (avoid plastic applicators)
                • Earplugs: we recommend silicone earplugs
                • Assortment of stuff sacks and bags (please consider bring reusable or silicone bags to reduce the use of disposable plastics)
                • 1-2 bandanas/Buff
                • Reading material/journal and pens

                Personal First Aid Kit

                • Prescription medicine you usually take
                • Personal epi pen (if you need one, don’t forget to pack it!)
                • Bandages, Gauze, Ace bandage, blister prevention
                • Antiseptic wipes/spray
                • Antibiotic ointment
                • Cotton-tipped applicators
                • Oral rehydration tablets/packets
                • Antidiarrheal medication
                • Mild laxative
                • Antacid
                • Cold remedies
                • Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
                • Eye drops
                • Tweezers, scissors (travel size), safety pins

                If you prefer to buy a complete kit, we recommend the Smart Travel first aid kit.

                If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

                Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
                Email Us
                Browse Detailed Itinerary

                Download Extended Itinerary