Newsletter

2008 Summer Newsletter


Trekking in Mustang, Nepal---------------------------------Surfing and Yoga, Costa Rica------------------------------Sea Lion Colony, Patagonia, Chile------------------------         

In this Newsletter:


Happy Solstice!

Summer has officially begun! Here at home, in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, we have deep snow lingering in the high country and flowers in full bloom down low. The rivers are raging, the sun is shining and it is time to get out and play!

Our Womens' Tibet Trip ended up in Ladakh, Northern India after the political turmoil and subsequent earthquakes upset travel to China the past few months. The ladies have just returned from their epic journey to the far-side of the Himalaya where they reportedly had an amazing cultural experience and fantastic trekking in the Apricot Valley.

We are gearing up for an exciting Summer in South America with Lotus Expeditions owner, Raleigh Coburn, guiding a first-ever Exploratory High-Altitude Trek around Ausangate Peak outside of Cuzco, Peru July 12-24. There are still a few spots left! And a few remaining permits for the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

We are also excited to introduce several new trips this Fall and Winter including Women's Hiking and Yoga in Nepal, Trekking in the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, Womens' Yoga and Surf Retreats in Costa Rica and Holiday Trips to Patagonia, Chile and Tanzania, Africa. For more infromation read on......or visit us at www.lotusexpeditions.com.

We hope to see you out there soon!

-Lotus Expeditions


November, 2008:  Women’s Yoga and Hiking in Nepal
Everest Adventure and Everest Basecamp Treks

16 Days, November 01-16, 2008 Prices from $2395
22 Days, November 01-22, 2008 Prices from $2970

Join Lotus Expeditions and non-profit Balanced Rock Foundation on an all-women expedition to Everest Basecamp.  This challenging high altitude hike will visit important Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.  We will have opportunities for daily classes including educational topics about Nepal, yoga, meditation, writing and reflection led by professional guides Raleigh Coburn and Heather Sullivan.  Our journey will culminate with a hike of 18,500 foot Kala Pattar before trekking to Everest basecamp at 17,500 feet.

Alternatively, the Everest Adventure Trek will accompany the Basecamp trekkers as far as the Tengboche Monastery at 12,887 feet.  This is a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. 

For more details click on the following links:

Spaces are limited to 12 participants and are filling up fast. Contact us for more information or to sign up


Trekking in the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, Nepal

Mustang, considered a "lost Tibetan kingdom," is one of the last restricted (and least visited) areas in Nepal.  The region is a part of the Tibetan plateau and sits in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.   It is a high altitude desert split by Grand Canyon-size river gorges and surrounded by towering, snow-covered peaks. 

Plans to build a road from the Tibetan border, through the heart of Mustang and into Nepal are underway.  This lifeline will bring cheaper goods into the region and will facilitate the export of locally produced goods.  It will also open up the area to more outsiders. Seen as a positive by locals, rapid modernization will have a powerful impact on the traditional way of life of this peaceful Buddhist culture and it will consequently be changed forever.  The time to visit Mustang is now thus Lotus Expeditions will offer treks to this extraordinary region this Summer and Fall, 2008.

Click here for more information on Trekking in Mustang

Contact us for more details or to schedule your Custom or Private Departure


New!  Women's Yoga and Surf Retreats in Costa Rica

08 Days, December 06-13, 2008 Prices from $1995

Lotus Expeditions is proud to introduce our first-ever Women's Yoga and Surf Adventures in Nosara, Costa Rica.  Located on the shores of the Pacific, Nosara is home to one of the best beginner beach breaks in the world. 

Our adventure includes daily surf lessons and yoga classes, luxurious accommodation surrounded by lush, tropical jungle just steps from the surf and a fun and supportive environment where you can relax and unwind while treating your body, mind and soul to a rejuvenating and healthy adventure vacation.

Join surf diva and yogini, Petit Pinson, in Costa Rica December 06-13, 2008. Spaces limited! Book now!

Click here for more information on Yoga and Surf Retreats in Costa Rica

Contact us for more details or to schedule your Custom or Private Departure


Holiday Trips! Christmas and New Years, 2009

Sea Kayaking, Hot Springs and Yoga in Patagonia, Chile

12 Days, December 24, 2008-January 04, 2009 Prices from $2875

Join Lotus Expeditions' guide Christi Masi, owner of The Healthy Goddess, for a therapeutic and fun sea kayaking and yoga adventure in Patagonia, Chile. Our journey begins on the shores of Lago Llanquihue at the foot of Volcan Osorno and travels south to the Comau Fjord where we paddle, soak, stretch, relax, eat and drink for 06 luxurious days with full support from our private boat and professional chef. (For men and women)

Click here for more information on Sea Kayaking in Patagonia

Climb Kilimanjaro and Explore the Serengeti on Safari in Tanzania, Africa

17 Days, December 24, 2008-January 09, 2009 Prices from $4080 (Climb-Only)

Climb-Only and Safari-Only Options Available

Hike to the "roof of Africa" on Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet/5,861 meters).  The highest peak in Africa and one of the "Seven Summits".  We will climb the Western Breach via the non-technical Shira Plateau Route.   

The climb will be followed by a fascinating 5-Day Safari with private luxury tent camps in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. 

Click here for more information on travel to Tanzania, Africa

Contact us for more details or to schedule your Custom or Private Departure


Work Opportunities with Lotus Expeditions in 2008-2009

Lotus Expeditions is currently seeking interns and guides for our upcoming season.

We run adventure travel trips in India, Peru, Nepal, Tibet, China, Chile, Costa Rica, and Africa.  Activities include trekking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, surfing, yoga, and fly fishing.

We are looking for individuals with experience or interest in these areas and a background in language, travel, outdoor education, guiding and/or teaching.  We also offer internship programs for individuals interested in a guiding career.

Please send a resume or contact Lotus Expeditions directly for more information.



Our Mission: Lotus Expeditions provides high-quality adventure travel experiences in international destinations, affording participants an opportunity to explore remote geographic regions while experiencing the unique cultural qualities of the local communities.

Each trip may be tailored to address the specific interests and needs of individual clients.

Lotus Expeditions is committed to responsible tourism. Five percent of our profits will be donated to organizations that address the needs of the local communities in regions we visit.