9 women-only trips of a lifetime

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/heli-hiking/trips/bodacious">Bodacious Girlfriend Getaways</a>, Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-hiking – being swept away to remote mountain destinations from which you’ll start a hike – is all the rage in the Canadian Rockies, and along with that, you’ll experience yoga, wine-tasting and “bodacious” bonding on any of several three-night excursions by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/heli-hiking/trips/bodacious">CMH</a>, one of Canada’s leading operators. Dates: Aug. 20-23; 23-26; price from $2,690. (CMH)

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventurewomen.com/trips/tripOverview.aspx?id=86">Horseback Riding in Iceland</a>, Adventure Women Named a 2013 Tour of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler, this <a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventurewomen.com/trips/tripOverview.aspx?id=86">10-day journey</a> takes travelers through the Land of Fire and Ice’s lava fields and lush valleys and to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, all atop an Icelandic horse. Dates: Aug 9-18, 2013; price from $3,995. (Adventure Women)

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sitatours.com/womenstravel/wtg_colors_of_india_15days.php">Colors of India</a>, The Women’s Travel Group This <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sitatours.com/womenstravel/wtg_colors_of_india_15days.php">15-day itinerary</a> in Northern India includes a viewing of bridal arrangements, a boat ride on the Ganges River, a visit to an Ashram for women and children, and two nights in deluxe tents. Dates: Nov. 7-21; price from $5,095. (The Women’s Travel Group )

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventureassociates.net/adventures/w_afrkilimanjaro.html">Trek to Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro</a>, Adventure Associates A highly challenging, spectacular and rewarding <a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventureassociates.net/adventures/w_afrkilimanjaro.html">climb</a> up the Machame Route to Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa" - followed by a true African Adventure Safari with unbeatable wildlife viewing and visits to the traditional tribal villages of the Totog, Maasai and Hadzabe. (Adventure Associates)

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.womantours.com/wt.utahmoab.html">Moab: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Tour</a>,Woman Tours This <a target="_blank" href="http://www.womantours.com/wt.utahmoab.html">six-night trip</a> averages 45 miles of biking daily through the spectacular, red sandstone rock formations of Arches National Park, with additional excursions through nearby Canyonlands National Park. Dates: Oct. 13-19, 2013; Oct. 20-26; price from $2,190. (Woman Tours)

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.canyoncalling.com/trips/newzealand/newzealand.html">New Zealand</a>, Canyons Calling Highlights of this <a target="_blank" href="http://www.canyoncalling.com/trips/newzealand/newzealand.html">11-day journey</a> include hiking a glacier that empties into a rain forest, sea-kayaking, and a stay on the Maori tribal homeland. In addition, the operator is the only one to incorporate celebrations of New Zealand’s national day, Waitangi Day, into its itinerary, with viewings of the ancient war canoes paddling across the harbor. Dates: Feb. 4-17, 2014; price from $4,795. (Canyons Calling)

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.callwild.com/trip.php?id=66">Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp</a>, Call of the Wild This <a target="_blank" href="http://www.callwild.com/trip.php?id=66">17-day trek</a> to Annapurna Base Camp is an unforgettable excursion for hardy adventurers, with jaw-dropping views of the south face of the 8,091-meter Annapurna I and other stunning Nepalese peaks. Guests stay in local inns and lodges along the way. Dates: Nov. 7-23; price from $3,295. (Call of the Wild)

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventuresingoodcompany.com/trip_display.php?id=271">Hiking the Swiss Alps</a>, Adventures in Good Company This <a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventuresingoodcompany.com/trip_display.php?id=271">nine-night tour</a> takes travelers along the stunning Alpine Pass Route of the Swiss Alps, with hikes through lush high alpine meadows and rocky dramatic passes, and overnights in quaint Swiss villages. Dates: Sept. 9-18; price from $2,595. (Adventures in Good Company )

<a target="_blank" href="http://wandertours.com/2012/01/bhutan-women-only-culture-and-festival-tour-fall/">Bhutan Culture and Festival Tour</a>, Wandertours This epic, <a target="_blank" href="http://wandertours.com/2012/01/bhutan-women-only-culture-and-festival-tour-fall/">12-day journey</a> through one of the world’s up-and-coming destinations includes hikes to hidden monasteries and a spiritual festival. Plus, a portion of the cost goes toward a women’s program dedicated to the relief and empowerment of women in Bhutan. Dates: Oct. 15-26, 2013; price from $4,295. (Wandertours)