Best Treks for Women for This Women’s Day – Celebrate Strength in the Himalayas

On March 8, International Women's Day is commemorated all over the world for its various causes including women's advocacy, courage and leadership, while promoting equality between men and women as well as recognition of women's accomplishments in the social, economic, cultural and political arenas.

In Nepal, Women’s Day has grown into a major milestone in the drive to promote an empowered leadership for women and what better way to honour that than by trekking through the Himalayas. The thousands of kilometres we will travel during our trek through Nepal will illustrate our strength in every step we take; we will develop self-confidence as we ascend to new heights; and when we arrive at the summit of the mountain; we will show the world that we knew we could do it!

The trek offers women more than just a mountain adventure! Women who trek discover:

1. A new level of self-awareness.

2. The freedom to break free of their cultural constraints.

3. Motivation and desire to know their true potential both physically and mentally.

4. They can accomplish what they put their minds to.

If you want to make International Women's Day a significant occasion. The following are the top five treks for women whether you are a solitary traveller; or travelling with a group.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek – The Ultimate Symbol of Determination

Thousands of women have wanted to attempt the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, but the experience of travelling close to the tallest mountain on Planet Earth is something that no one will experience in any other way than doing this trek. Higher than the tallest mountain at 5,364 metres above sea level, the trek also goes through an amazing route, passing through Lukla (the gateway to the EBC trek), Namche Bazaar and the Tengboche Monastery, before arriving at Base Camp itself.

For many women, this trek is about accomplishing a personal challenge. It teaches you to be physically tough and have confidence in your ability by witnessing the beauty of the environment and having to find courage in yourself in the process. Many women who attempt this trek will find their life changed forever with the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching EBC.

The trek offers excellent infrastructure for both tea houses (places to sleep) and dependable access to phone and internet services. Additionally, the trekkers have built a good relationship with the local community and the women who trek through the Everest Region each year are a tremendous source of pride for the communities there, from the number of female trekkers to the number of female guides as well.

Four ideal reasons for doing the trek in support of Women's Day are:

1. Strength/Ambition
2. Community Support
3. Confidence/Belief
4. Achieving a Major Milestone/Goal

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Beauty, Culture & Confidence

The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best trekking destinations in the world. With impressive mountains like Machhapuchhre and Annapurna I towered above, this trek has many views that leave you breathless. You will see ancient forests and rivers along the way, along with several traditional villages, as well as receive panoramic views.

While ABC is less difficult than Everest, it is still a wonderful place for women to hike because it does not have the same high altitude difficulties. No matter where you are in the world, you will be greeted by two of the most friendly ethnic groups, Gurung and Magar, therefore feeling very welcome as you walk through their communities.

Women frequently choose ABC for their group celebrations, whether they be sister or mother or friend or co-worker as a way to recognize International Women’s Day. Also, one way to relax physically and mentally after a long day of hiking is to visit the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda, which provide you with additional comfort along the way.

Why do women love the ABC Trek?

1. Low to moderate trek level of difficulty
2. Peaceful and well marked trails
3. Immersion in local culture
4. Can be enjoyed by all levels of trekkers, beginner or experienced

3. Langtang Valley Trek – A Peaceful Himalayan Escape

Women interested in finding peace with the natural world can enjoy the Langtang Valley trek, conveniently located from Kathmandu, Nepal. The Langtang region also has scenic mountain landscapes and a diverse Tamang culture .

Trekking in Langtang Valley gives women an effective chance to gain deeper connections with themselves by being fully involved in nature! International Women's Day celebrations are held annually within the Valley, and women can utilise this day to relax while also reflecting on themselves and who they are as individuals. Girls trekking to Langtang Valley will have the opportunity to disconnect from the fast pace of daily activities and reconnect with themselves, while also recognizing their personal value.

Reasons why you might pick Langtang over other areas:

1. Less time commitment and lower costs compared to other areas.
2. Fewer people compared to the Everest region or Annapurna.
3. Less expensive than other areas of Nepal.
4. Safe for a women to solo hike in.

4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – Empowering First Adventure

Women who are new to trekking will benefit greatly from the Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking experience. The trek can take anywhere from roughly four to five days to complete based on your pace and includes breathtaking sunrises over both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with little effort required.

As you hike through rhododendron forests, small authentic villages and ancient structures, you will have lots of opportunities to bond with other female trekkers on this journey as it is a very popular place for women to organize group treks in celebration of Women's Day creating lifelong memories as well as sharing their achievements amongst each other.

The sunrises that you will see from Poon Hill will be some of the most emotional experiences of this trek, as well as being an inspiring reminder of new possibilities through the golden rays reflecting from the snow capped mountains.

This itinerary is great for:

1. Beginners
2. Short-haul trips
3. Groups of ladies providing support to each other during their experiences
4. Hiking with a level of comfort

5. Mardi Himal Trek - A Secret Gem for Women that Love to Trek Alone

The Mardi Himal trek is a great way for women to spend time by themselves while enjoying an adventure. There are fewer people along this beautiful ridge line with views of Machhapuchhre Mountain (also known as "Fishtail"), than on many other hikes in the Annapurna region, making this trek a great way for women to connect with nature without being distracted by others.

This trek has a moderate level of challenging difficulty and can be enjoyed easily. The view of the mountains at the end of the trek will give women a great sense of accomplishment in getting there, as this will be another outdoor accomplishment each woman will have on International Women's Day.

The Following Unique Aspects of the Mardi Himal Trek are for Women:

1. Off the beaten path.
2. Spectacular views from the ridge.
3. Safe for confident solo female trekkers.
4. Short trek with a great experience.

Why it is so important to celebrate International Women's Day in the Mountains:

Celebrating International Women's Day in the mountains sends a message to others:

1. Women's ability and strength.
2. Adventure does not have a gender.
3. Power = independence.
4. The ability of nature to heal.

The trekking sector in Nepal is experiencing a significant increase in the female workforce providing services and female-owned trekking businesses. Promoting gender equity in the travel industry provides an avenue for females to work while also supporting the achievement of gender equity in other areas of life.

Trekking provides benefits:

Physical stamina

Mental fortitude

Leadership capability

Confidence in oneself

And more than anything else they help remind women of their infinite possibilities.

Conclusion

International Women's Day is a day for celebrating every woman's accomplishments and inspiring her to continue to have accomplishments through her physical abilities (via outdoor experiences). Many women will walk on this year's International Women's Day on a variety of trekking trails, such as the internationally famous Everest Base Camp Trekking, the beautiful Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, the peaceful Langtang Valley Trekking, the easy Poon Hill Trekking or the adventurous Mardi Himal Trekking; all of these trails empower women to use their own physical abilities to succeed.

This Women's Day, challenge your comfort zone.

Hike higher, Inhale deeper, Imagine larger, Because mountains don't discriminate, they enable.