"Raleigh Coburn led my 10-year-old son and me from Kathmandu, Nepal, to the highest monastery in the world, Tengboche. For many a day, we hiked long trails, camped at night, ate delicious meals, and had so much fun. Two years later, when a group of my friends decided we should go to Perú and hike more than 100 miles around the remote Huayhuash Mountains, I didn't hesitate to engage Raleigh to make all travel plans, hire porters, and arrange our meals. They took us through the most amazing countryside without a single problem. I would use and recommend Raleigh for any adventure travel, as she not only knows the ropes, she knows how to accommodate a group's needs and desires."

- Sally Uhlmann, Montana

 

“I’d give Lotus Expeditions top marks in all categories.  You were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with.  You quickly figured out what type of trip we were after (even though I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted) and put together an itinerary that was spot-on.  You were also very aware of and sensitive to what was and wasn’t reasonable for the time and money we had to spend as well as my and my kids capabilities.

I’ve not traveled as much as you but I have seen a fair amount of the world and this trip was the most interesting I’ve ever taken.  Thanks for making that possible.”

-Larry Santoro, New Jersey

 

"Lotus Expeditions offers the best of independent travel and travel with a guided trekking organization.  Their leaders are well tested, knowledgeable and very personable so that their treks feel like the freedom of traveling on your own.  Yet their organization and care will enable you to relax and enjoy the attention of well run trekking organizations."

-John Shanahan, Colorado

 

Extend your trip, create your own itinerary, name your budget!

Lotus Expeditions specializes in custom and private adventure travel for the independent-minded adventurer. We are dedicated to seeking out unique cultural and adventure holidays to international and local destinations.

Each trip can be tailored to address the specific interests and needs of individual clients or groups. Whether you are a single traveler, a couple, honeymooners, family, friends, or a school or business group, we will work with you to custom-tailor an itinerary that exceeds your expectations.

We can design a trip with any number of people to most destinations. You choose the dates, the activities, and level of service (budget, standard, or deluxe). 

Custom trips may range from monastery tours of Ladakh; yoga and mediatation retreats in Nepal; sea kayaking, rock climbing and spa treatments in Thailand; climbs on Kilimanjaro in Africa; ice climbing and backcountry skiing in Ouray, Colorado; fly-fishing and sailing in Patagonia; treks to Everest Base Camp or Machu Picchu; rafting expeditions in Nepal or India; food and wine tours of New Zealand; and many other exciting adventures.  Our adventure travel specialists will be happy to help you design an itnerary.

RESERVATIONS

Call 970-325-4285 or send e-mail to info@lotusexpeditions.com for more information and a Custom Reservation Packet.

View Custom Adventures Slideshow

Levels of Service

All Lotus Expeditions open-enrollment trips listed in our 2008 Expedition Schedule may be run with either Deluxe or Budget services.  Each trip page lists excactly what is included with the level you choose

Custom or private journeys can be designed with Budget, Standard, or Deluxe services.  For Custom or Private adventures your quote will include What Is and What Is Not Included in your trip price.  Services may be added or subtracted to meet your needs.

Budget:

Travelers on a budget will appreciate this "backpacker" style of travel. You may travel using local, public transportation or private transport. Accommodations may include camping, lodges, hostels, teahouses or inexpensive hotels. Porters and local guides may be hired at an additional expense or included depending on the destination.

Standard:

Our standard level of service includes private transport, two-and three-star hotels, guesthouses, or bed and breakfasts, and may include some camping. A local guide and porters or pack animals are included where applicable.

Deluxe:

Deluxe service is the most luxurious mode of travel in our destination countries. That being said, luxury in a developing nation may not equal the standard of a developed, western country. Nonetheless, our goal is to ensure you have the highest quality experience. Services may include:

• All ground transportation
• Local sightseeing
• Domestic flights where noted in Trip Details
• Accommodation in three-, and four-star lodges, bed and breakfasts, and hotels where available.
• Luxury camping where applicable:
  • Private tents and sleeping pads
  • Dining tents and cook tents
  • Toilet tents
  • Tables and chairs
• Experienced cooks prepare delicious and hygienic meals
• Professional, English-speaking local guide
• International trip leader unless noted differently in Trip Details
• Porters and pack animals where applicable

Levels of Difficulty

Easy:

Easy trips usually include an optional day hike and activities, or light activity for approximately 2-3 hours. Easy adventures are supported by all-terrain vehicles, buses, trains, boats and/or planes. We lodge in local hotels or inns and leave the camping for another time. An example of an easy trip is our custom Peru-Explore Machu Picchu trip without the Inca Trail.

Moderate:

Moderate adventures include activity for up to 4-6 hours on more rugged terrain or seas for several days. Elevations typically do not exceed 12,000 feet/3,600 meters, though some moderate adventures may cross passes over 14,000 feet/4,242 meters. Some nights are spent camping in tents and others in hotels. Examples of moderate trips include Northern India-Ladakh: The Apricot Valley Trek; Nepal-The Everest Adventure Trek; Perú-The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Trek; Chile-Patagonia: The Torres Del Paine "W" Trek; Or custom ice climbing and skiing around Ouray, Colorado.

Challenging:

Challenging adventures include strenuous activity for 6-10 hours on steeper and more rugged terrain at elevations between 10,000 feet/3,000 meters and 14,000 feet/4,250 meters, up to 18,000 feet/5,450 meters. Challenging trips may travel off trail or include an optional cross-country route. Examples of some of our challenging trips include Nepal-The Everest Base Camp Trek; Perú-The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit; Perú-Cordillera Blanca: The Santa Cruz Valley Trek; Chile-Patagonia: The Torres Del Paine Full Circuit; and Northern India-Ladakh: The Markha Valley Trek.

Examples:

• The Everest Base Camp Trek - Nepal
• Markha Valley Trek - Ladakh
• The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit - Perú
• The Cordillera Blanca: Santa Cruz Valley Trek - Perú

For more information on reservations, services or trip difficulty please call 970-325-4285 or send e-mail to info@lotusexpeditions.com.