…is a mythic bird representing the ability to live in two worlds at once: the material and the spiritual, the present and the possible. I also live in two worlds—California and the wild Himalayas—and I facilitate transformative travel by connecting people, bridging cultures, exploring outward while also reflecting inward. A celestial swan, the Parahamsa represents the presence of divine wisdom and inspiration in our lives. Every journey we take shapes our perspective and helps us to find greater inspiration, empowerment, and wisdom in our lives. Take a journey and see for yourself.

…is a mythic bird representing the ability to live in two worlds at once: the material and the spiritual, the present and the possible. I also live in two worlds—California and the wild Himalayas—and I facilitate transformative travel by connecting people, bridging cultures, exploring outward while also reflecting inward. A celestial swan, the Parahamsa represents the presence of divine wisdom and inspiration in our lives. Every journey we take shapes our perspective and helps us to find greater inspiration, empowerment, and wisdom in our lives. Take a journey and see for yourself.

…has hands-on experience in the Himalayas and a passion for its culture and peoples. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal, she learned about the complexities of international development, regional politics, caste hierarchy, economic disparity, and modernization—all while hiking through the world’s most spectacular mountains. This experience continues to shape her today: she is an expert trekking guide and a catalyst for change through philanthropy and sustainable development.

Deana enjoys sharing her love of Nepal and Bhutan while supporting clients through challenging and inspiring adventures. Whether drinking yak milk in nomad tents or chatting with street vendors, she is able to create an authentic experience for clients and bring the culture alive through rapport with farmers, factory owners, sari-clad women, and hermit monks. Moved by the spiritual and cultural vibrancy of the region, she’s a gifted storyteller about Tantric gods, Bhutanese refugees, the realities and the mysteries of Shangri-La. Her expertise in the area and her commitment to client service led her to win the 2013 World Guide Awards. She also designed and led a 2012 adventure trekking with Buddhist monks which won Outside magazine’s Best Himalayan Trip of the year.

While calling the San Francisco Bay Area home, Deana also spends time regularly in the Himalayas. She established Changing Lives Nepal to give back in the region and supports charitable projects including a children’s home, organic coffee & nut farms, and a women’s safe house. Deana has an abiding dedication to make a positive impact in the world and works in the U.S. as a somatic coach helping people connect to their full mind-body intelligence. Her prior experience includes conducting education and training for Lucent Technologies, directing programs for Intrax Cultural Exchange, and teaching psychology courses for Louisiana State University. She holds a Master’s in Behavioral Psychology and is a certified Wilderness First Responder.