Please take a moment to read testimonials from friends and clients of Lotus Expeditions:
"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
“Raleigh is one of the premier female guides in the country. She speaks Nepali and is fluent in Spanish. I personally spent 3 weeks on an Everest Base Camp trek she led - summiting an 18,500 ft peak is one of the most memorable experiences I have had. With Raleigh, safety and cultural respect come first, but on her trips you can also expect to be physically challenged, awed by the beauty of the environment, educated on the flora and fauna of the local region and provided with a level of service and support you would expect from a custom travel company.”
-Rachel Loeb, New York
“The experience I had with Lotus Expeditions went completely above and beyond my greatest expectations. Everyone was knowledgeable and professional, while making the experience unforgettable and fun!”
-Lori Blander, Maryland
"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 Peru 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
“I have known Raleigh for 8 years. We first met at a Womens' Outward Bound Rock Climbing Training in Joshua Tree. She guided for OB and in Nepal for years, in addition to other guiding jobs (ice climbing, etc.) and personal climbs, one of which was to the Himalaya to climb successfully to the summit of Ama Dablam.
I've also had the privilege of working with Raleigh, and as usual, was truly impressed with her technical skill and with what a wonderful human being she is. I would send anyone on a trip with her in charge, completely confident that they would have a life changing experience of the best kind possible. She is safe, fun, ethical, talented, knowledgeable and above all, compassionate. I absolutely recommend her without reservation.”
-Carol Kucel, British Columbia
“Lotus Expeditions has every situation under control. You will travel in a relaxed environment from the time they meet you at the airport until the time you depart.
They are ready, willing and able to handle any situation that comes their way with professionalism and ease."
-Richard Kondzielaski, New York
“Raleigh Coburn is a favorite with our Nepal trekkers and brings enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure with every trek she leads. Raleigh speaks Nepali and holds an abundance of knowledge about the wildlife, customs and people of Nepal. Long time outward-bound instructor, Raleigh is a solid leader and has been a professional guide for years. She holds a Wilderness EMT Certification.”
-Mountain Madness, Washington
“My Santa Cruz Valley Trek in Peru was outstanding! I’ll be back with Lotus Expeditions year after year!”
-Leslie Padilla, Colorado
"The serenity, the glorious scenic views, the remoteness, the team-spirit, the attentive leadership, the personal challenges, the culinary delights are just a few examples of this trip to explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world."
-Teresa Sorensen, Michigan (On sea kayaking in Patagonia, Chile)
"This was a once in a lifetime experience. I couldn't have imagined a better trip. The organization, preparation, guides, food, fun, pace, outstanding schedule and accomodation were all wonderful. Photos and memories will last a lifetime thanks to Raleigh and Lotus Expeditions."
-Chuck Gilbert, Illinois