After the success of their Women's Only Expedition to Iran, the world's largest adventure travel company, Intrepid, has introduced more Women's Only Expeditions in Jordan, Morocco, India, Turkey, Nepal and Kenya.
While the folks at Intrepid believe travel is for everyone, in some countries, there are things mixed-gender groups just can’t do. What if, as a female traveller in Iran, you could head down to the beauty salon with your female leader and get your hair done? The hijab comes off and there’s a real chance to connect. Or you might prefer to lace up your hiking boots and head off on a trek in Nepal, led by an all-female mountaineering crew. This limited-edition series of expeditions is all about breaking down barriers, fostering discussion and creating immersive local experiences for women that are ordinarily off limits on our regular group departures.
Iran: Women's Expedition
Discover the beauty of Iran and experience its culture from the female perspective. Although gender segregation is not typically Iranian, strict dress codes imposed by Islamic Law have meant many places & ways of life have become segregated by default. Step inside the hidden world of an Iranian beauty salon, wander through a female only park, and travel by public transport in the female-only carriage of the metro, local buses and an overnight train. Experience rural nomadic life with Qashqai people, meet young female entrepreneurs, and learn secret recipes from those in the know. This trip will expose you to a range of fascinating local women; young, old, religious, conservative, rural, modern and liberal. Take me to Iran
Jordan: Women's Expedition
What’s life really like for women in Jordan? You know what a hijab is, a burqa is, a niqab. You see women wearing them, perhaps on the news or in your own city. But how many of these women do you know? Join this 8-day adventure in Jordan as we break the barriers of traditional tourism and discover sisterhood in this tiny desert nation. Spend a night in Wadi Rum and learn the ancient art of henna with traditional Bedouin ladies, and discover how kohl has been used for years not just as a beauty product but to protect the eyes from the harsh desert sands. Spend an afternoon at a local ladies-only beach, discover the Dead Sea, and visit stunning Petra. Learn the art of Arabic cooking in a local home with our female host, enjoy afternoon teas and gossip time with local women, and even meet a female shepherd and help milk her goats. Take me to Jordan
Morocco: Women's Expedition Begin in Marrakech, where the wow-factor of the Maghreb comes in many forms, notably the spectacular Djemaa el-Fna town square. Then it’s off to the other Morocco, the one they don’t tell you about in the guidebooks. Break bread with Berber families in private homes in remote areas, see how an artist co-op is empowering female rug-weavers in small villages, take in the verdant beauty of the far-flung M’goun Valley, and enjoy the singing and dancing of Moroccan women in cultural ceremonies in small villages – far away from the bustle of the big towns. With all the hallmarks of a classic Intrepid adventure – local leadership, private transport, real life experiences – and an added focus on female travel and female empowerment, this is a unique opportunity for women to blaze the trail in an incredible but often conservative country – without compromising on safety. Take me to Morocco
India: Women's Expedition Join us on a female-led expedition through the deserts, bazaars and forts of Rajasthan. Travel by in the female-only carriage of the Delhi Metro to explore coloruful Old Delhi before spending a night dancing under the stars on a desert safari. Learn about the struggles of underprivileged women from cities and villages, many of whom are dealing with the cultural challenges of being divorced or widowed. Listen to inspirational stories of acid attack survivors and how they are facing the world in the most beautiful ways. You’ll also have the chance to take part in Gangaur Festival, a women’s-only celebration where local women will invite you into their homes and their lives. Take me to India
Turkey: Women's Expedition Turkey is often cited as the ultimate convergence of east and west – traditional spice bazaars, ornately adorned mosques thrown together with high speed, cross-country trains and bustling cosmopolitan cities. On this women’s only expedition, you’ll discover both the traditional and modern wonders of Turkey through the lives of the women who live here. From the ancient practices of an Ottoman-style hamam to the art of Turkish coffee fortune telling and even a visit to a Syrian refugee social enterprise, you’ll meet many extraordinary local women and experience what life is like through their eyes. Take me to Turkey
Nepal: Women's Expedition
Through a mix of festival celebrations, cultural experiences and trekking in the Himalayas, this women’s only expedition will give you a unique insight into the diverse lives of Nepalese women. Meet a wide range of female trailblazers, from chefs at a social enterprise, women campaigning to end discrimination against women who are menstruating, to an all-female crew of mountain guides and porters. Hear a range of inspiring personal stories and spend some 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. You’ll also have the chance to take part in the Hartalika Teej Festival alongside the locals, a three-day women’s only Hindu celebration. Take me to Nepal
Kenya: Women's Expedition Make your way through the heart of East Africa and meet local Kenyan women and men from all walks of life, who will share their stories and triumphs in the struggle for gender equality. Hear inspiring stories from our all-female crew including your local leader and driver, Becky, who was the very first female overland truck driver in East Africa. You’ll also have the chance to meet a range of local women – from entrepreneurs, female park rangers and Maasai villagers. Beginning and ending in Nairobi, you’ll visit women’s only villages, join a cooking class with local women, go on safaris in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Samburu National Reserve and meet a local women’s only support group striving to improve gender equality.