Based in Nepal, a team of five young women travelers came together with a shared vision: to build a community where women defy traditional restrictions around mobility and pursue education through adventure. United by our love for travel and the transformative experiences of solo journeys across Nepal, we launched a podcast—Duluwa Talks—in 2019 to spotlight women’s stories in travel.
In 2021, we expanded this vision by founding Duluwa Outdoors. Our mission is to create transformative, women-led adventures that help travelers discover their inner strength, build meaningful connections, and explore the outdoors in a supportive, hassle-free environment.
recycling services as a significant problem. With these issues in mind, we knew something had to be done. That’s why we decided to start by recycling textile waste into bags.
A Vision of Empowerment Through Adventure
Our ultimate goal is to redefine outdoor travel by championing women-led experiences. We envision becoming a leading force in the adventure travel space—where empowerment, community, and sustainability come together to inspire a new generation of adventurers to “bring out the Duluwa” in themselves and their teams.
While financial stability is essential to sustaining our work, we are equally committed to making conscious business choices grounded in the principles of People, Planet, and Profit. Unlike traditional linear business models that emphasise consumption and disposal, we embrace circular economy principles—maximising resource lifespan and promoting reuse, repair, and recycling.
Applying Circular Economy Principles
Throughout our multi-day treks and trips, we prioritise sustainability in practice. Instead of commercial hotels, we choose community-based tea houses. A prime example is our flagship program, Women’s Travelship, where we stayed at the Barauli Community Homestay, operated by local Tharu women. These homestays provide more than just lodging—they empower women with income, confidence, and skills. Each cottage is named after the woman who manages it, offering guests a direct, personal connection to the local community.
Collaboration plays a central role in implementing circular solutions. We partner with eco-lodges and organisations like Stand Up for Elephants, which rescues captive elephants and provides ethical alternatives to elephant tourism. Our visits serve as immersive educational experiences, rather than traditional sightseeing.
Educating for Responsible Travel
Education is woven into every Duluwa Outdoors experience. At the start of each trip, we introduce participants to responsible travel practices, including Leave No Trace principles. We teach them to minimise plastic use, opt for reusable items, and pack out what they pack in. We also provide rented gear to reduce environmental impact and use public transportation to minimise our carbon footprint.
We are proud to work with women guides and porters, ensuring they receive fair compensation and respectful treatment. Beyond logistical support, we teach participants how to pack effectively and pace themselves during treks—emphasising that the experience is about the journey, not just the destination.
Although we didn’t originally frame our work around circular economy principles, we now see how closely our model aligns. By educating travelers and promoting conscious choices, we create travel experiences that positively impact the environment, local communities, and the individuals themselves—with ripple effects that extend well beyond the trip.
We aspire to bring our women-led, immersive adventures to a global audience. We acknowledge that scaling up will introduce new challenges—such as increased waste and the risk of losing community focus—but we are committed to scaling responsibly. Every step toward international growth will be guided by our core values of sustainability, ethical travel, and community empowerment.
