I'm wanting to do another trek in 2009.

Besides Everest, I've always wanted to see Concordia, with a side trip to K2 Base Camp. I'd like to hear (primarily) from women who have done this trek. My concerns are: (1) staying warm while sleeping on the glacier (in general, men stay warm more easily than women); (2) how comfortable women are, and how they're treated by porters and men in general in this Islamic country; (3) the difficulty of going to the bathroom on the trek; and (4) the difficulty of going over the Gondogoro La. (I have no crampon/ice axe experience, but would get limited training if I were planning to do this.)

I will be nearly 59 next summer when/if I do this. Because of my asthma, I am not exactly the picture of fitness, but would become as fit as possible before that time. I hike 10 hours a day on my job, so my legs are strong and I have stamina; I'm just not a fast hiker, and I'm wondering if it's realistic of me to even think about this trek. I surprised myself when trekking to Everest Base Camp/Kala Pattar in 2006 and did not suffer terribly from the altitude, although I hired a Sherpa to carry my day pack. I would consider skipping the Gondogoro La if it didn't seem feasible.

My biggest concern is staying warm enough at night on the glacier. My down bag is rated to -25 F, but I've been cold at +25 if I get chilled to the bone before going to bed. I'd likely invest in a super-duper down parka, which would help keep me warm at night. Any brand names I should look for?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Shanda