Adventure AID Nepal - 2025 Trip - Himalaya Expeditions

Adventure AID Nepal - 2025 Trip

At Adventure Aid Nepal, we offer sustainable and low-impact volunteering opportunities to support Nepal’s most impoverished communities, particularly schools and children who have received minimal outside assistance since the devastating 2015 earthquake. Partnering with the charity Juniper Trust, which has rebuilt 20 schools in deprived areas since the earthquake, we provide safe, responsible, and affordable volunteer experiences that create lasting change.

Established in 2017, Adventure Aid Nepal has helped raise funds and engage volunteers for ten of these schools, prioritizing areas with limited financial support. Over the years, we have assisted more than 2,000 children by providing new shoes, uniforms, and educational materials, while also aiding in the construction of new schools and delivery of essential supplies. Despite a two-year pause due to COVID restrictions, our energy and commitment have endured, and 2025 marks our seventh year of organizing volunteer trips to Nepal.

Payment Details:

Bank in Nepal: Himalayan Bank Ltd. (Patan Branch)
Bank’s Address & Contact No:
P.O. Box: 20551

Pulchwok, Lalitpur, Nepal

Telex: 2789 HIBA NP

Fax: 55 35 554

Tel: +977 55 35 556 / 55 35 579 / 55 24 393
Bank’s BIC (SWIFT) Code: HIMANPKA
Beneficiary Party: Himalaya Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.
Beneficiary’s Address: Sanepa Chowk, Lalitpur – 2, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Beneficiary Party’s US$ Account No: 006 00325 030051

Trip Purpose

The trip encompasses volunteering at three schools in the Kinja Valley and to raise funds for essential learning materials, including library books, notebooks, whiteboards, pens, pencils, and other equipment to improve the educational environment. Together with our volunteers, we continue to empower communities and help create a brighter future for Nepal’s children.

Location

The Kinja Valley & Pikey Peak in Nepal

Trip Price £895

Includes a donation to Nepal Evergreen to offset the carbon footprint of your flight to Nepal.

We do not ask for a deposit, but proof of flights booked will secure your place on the trip. Payment should be made by bank transfer or by credit card, 4 weeks prior to departure to Himalayan Expeditions in Nepal

Flights

You need to arrive in Kathmandu by November 15th and can depart Kathmandu on November 26th. However, you are free to arrive earlier and depart later, allowing you extra time in Nepal if desired. Transfers are included for your flights on the group arrival and departure days, and there is a cost-effective taxi service available outside of these days. A representative will be available to assist you while in Kathmandu should you need any help with your plans.

Fundraising

Our goal is to raise £5,000 to purchase much-needed school equipment and contribute to building a school library. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we plan to buy and help plant 200 fruit saplings during our visit. This fundraising target is a collective effort, with no individual requirement and no lower or upper limit to what you can raise. We will share fundraising initiatives on Adventure Aid Nepal’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Set up a Justgiving Page

We encourage all Adventure Aid Nepal volunteers to create their own individual “JustGiving” pages for personal challenges of their choosing. Take inspiration from past efforts, such as completing a two-mile lake swim, conquering the UK’s 3 Peaks Challenge, accompanying children on a Specialist Academy Trust 5k walk, running 5k every day for a month, hosting village cake stalls, or organizing coffee mornings. There’s no limit to what you can achieve! All funds raised will directly support the Juniper Trust and will be added to the total on the Group JustGiving Page. Fundraising initiatives will be shared on Adventure Aid Nepal’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Visit our Fundraising Register your Interest

Itinerary

Transfers are included from the airport, irrespective of arrival date. We stay at a comfortable hotel in the popular Thamel district of Kathmandu, bustling with cafes, shops, and restaurants. A 6:00 PM briefing at the hotel introduces your guide and some of the support staff traveling with the group the next day. You’ll also collect your free AAN Kitbag, AAN T-shirt, sleeping bag, and duvet jacket. We’ll review the equipment needed for the trek, with time for shopping and currency exchange the following day (refer to spending money and tipping guidelines). Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant. O/N Hotel.

An early 7:00 AM start for the 10-hour drive to Bhandar. Transport is in SUVs, offering spectacular views and some bumpy roads as we ascend from the valley into the mountains. Lunch is a traditional “Dal Bhat” meal at Khukot en route. Our accommodation is a lovely local lodge with views across terraced hillsides to Pikey Peak. O/N Lodge.

A short drive takes us to the Likhu Khola and Uma Kunda School, one of the first schools built by the Juniper Trust in 2016. After meeting the children and teachers, we’ll begin volunteering by painting classrooms (inside and out) and delivering new books for their shared library, used by four nearby schools. A one-hour walk takes us to our lodge in Kinja Village for the night. O/N Lodge in Kinja Village.

After breakfast, we return to Uma Kunda School to continue our project work. There will be opportunities to engage with the children or help prepare lunch alongside local villagers for the group, teachers, and school committee members. Interacting with the community will be one of the trip’s most rewarding aspects. O/N Lodge in Kinja Village.

Today, we stay in Kinja Village for a welcome ceremony at the local school, rebuilt by the Juniper Trust in 2016. Volunteers will assist in classrooms, distribute new supplies brought from Kathmandu, and participate in games with teachers and students in the playground. It’s a day filled with fun and meaningful connections. O/N Lodge in Kinja Village.

We drive to Agra Resort via Maili School and Nimuna School , both schools were equipped with IT materials and computers in 2024. Lunch is at Maili School, followed by a scenic drive to the Mountain Agra Resort (alt. 2,800m). This resort, known for its self-sufficient gardens and peaceful terraced landscapes, will be our base for the next two nights. O/N Mountain Agra Resort.

A day dedicated to tree planting in collaboration with Nepal Evergreen. After breakfast and a tour of previous planting sites, we’ll learn about sustainable farming and reforestation’s role in stabilizing soil, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting agriculture in the Kinja Valley. Equipped with tools and saplings, we’ll plant trees while enjoying the stunning mountain views. Meals, featuring produce grown on the resort’s farm, showcase its sustainable practices. By evening, we’ll relax over dinner, reflecting on our impactful work. O/N Mountain Agra Resort.

After breakfast, we leave the resort and begin our ascent to Pikey Peak. The route, cutting through rhododendron forests, offers glimpses of Pikey Peak as we climb higher. We take a break at a ridge-top tea house before continuing on a four-hour forest trek with moderate inclines and chances to spot wildlife. Accommodation is in a basic lodge with dinner and stunning views. O/N Lodge.

We start early (5.00 AM) for the one-hour trek to Pikey Peak’s summit. The trail is dark and cold initially, requiring head torches. At the first summit, we regroup for a spectacular sunrise over Mount Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. After photos, we traverse to a second summit before descending to a lodge for snacks. The day ends with a scenic descent to Junbesi via a small pass (alt. 2,680m). O/N Lodge in Junbesi.

Junbesi offers a relaxed day to explore its natural beauty and Sherpa culture. Visit the Junbesi Monastery or the Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa. We’ll also visit a tree planting site where saplings planted in 2024 by schoolchildren and Nepal Evergreen highlight the community’s commitment to sustainability. For a short hike, visit Thupten Choling Monastery, an hour away, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views. The village itself, with traditional Sherpa homes, shops, and friendly locals, is worth exploring. O/N Lodge in Junbesi.

We say our goodbyes and start the 10-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Stops include Salleri Bazaar and a pass at Pattalle, offering one last view of Mount Everest. We reach Kathmandu by evening, check into the hotel, and enjoy dinner in town. O/N Hotel.

Airport transfers are included.

Need to Know

The 2025 AAN trip includes all accommodation, transportation, meals, and drinking water while volunteering and on the trek, Accommodation during the trek and whilst volunteering, we stay in basic lodges with full board, and rooms are shared with up to 4 volunteers of the same sex. It’s advisable to budget some extra money for miscellaneous expenses and tips (see below).

We are partnering with Nepal based company Himalayan Expeditions to run the trip, you will book direct through their website, they are running the trip non-profit to keep the trip price as low as possible. To reserve your place, simply complete the booking form on their website, we require proof of flights within 30 days of booking to confirm your place. The full payment of £895 is due 6 weeks before departure.

We recommend booking flights to Kathmandu as early as possible, as prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. From the UK, we suggest considering airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, or Etihad for their wide selection of flights. It’s important to factor in good connection times when making your booking. If you’re contemplating extending your trip to India or Thailand, there are several flights available from Bangkok or Delhi.

You should plan your arrival in Kathmandu to meet the group, ideally in the morning or early afternoon. This allows sufficient time for any last-minute shopping before departing Kathmandu the following day. If you’re interested in spending extra time in Nepal either before or after the trip, we’re happy to assist with hotel arrangements and provide suggestions for activities during your extended stay.

Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining at the completion of your trip. For entry into Nepal, you will need to obtain a 15-day visa, which can be applied for online and collected upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. The current fee for this visa is $30, payable in cash.

If you plan to stay longer in Nepal, you will need to obtain a 30-day visa, which costs $50. This longer-duration visa may be necessary if you intend to extend your stay beyond the initial 15 days.

Check with your doctor to see which vaccinations you need before you go.

Having a valid travel insurance policy is crucial, covering medical treatment expenses, including repatriation and helicopter evacuation, especially while trekking in Nepal. The maximum altitude we will trek to is 4,000m. It’s wise to arrange this insurance at the time of booking to guarantee coverage in case of trip cancellation or any unforeseen circumstances.

For assistance in finding suitable coverage, you can reach out to our recommended travel insurance providers, Campbell Irvine Direct. You can obtain a quote by visiting their website or contacting them directly at 020 7938 1734. They will be able to assist you in selecting a policy that meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for your journey.

In Kathmandu, we use a comfortable Hotel close to central Thamel district, plenty to do, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars – a lively place, great fun. On the trip and whilst volunteering, we stay in basic but comfortable lodges.

Healthy and plentiful, mainly vegetarian – the food is great! We can cater for special dietary requirements if we know in advance.

There is very little opportunity to spend money in the villages we stay whilst volunteering and on the trek. AAN will endeavour to provide everything you will need from the trip cost (beer and drinks, other than water, in hotels and lodges are not included). However, we do recommend that you change £200 in Kathmandu for spending money and tips. In Kathmandu there are many shops and you are likely to want to buy some souvenirs to take back with you. Most take cards and there are cash point facilities available.

You support crew and porters will work hard to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable time and you will want to give them a tip after the trek. When you arrive, we will collect 8,000 rupees (£50) from everyone, and this will be split and given to the staff and porters at the end of the trek before we drive back to Kathmandu.

A small rucksack, with water, snacks (provided), spare layer of clothing, sun screen and anything you might require during the day.

Upon your arrival in Nepal, you will receive an AAN Kit bag. You’ll leave your travel bag at the hotel, packing spare clothes for your return. During the Pikey Peak Climb, the Kit bag will be carried by a porter, typically with one porter handling two kit bags. You’ll need to ensure your sleeping bag fits into the kit bag, which will be loaned to you for the duration of the trip.

We will travel by land cruisers for the journey to Kinja and also for the transport between schools, and at the end of the trip, we will return to Kathmandu by jeep or private bus.

Wi-Fi availability is very limited outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, local 3G SIM cards for your phone can be purchased at reasonable prices upon arrival, providing you with internet access during your trip.

This is a beautiful part of the world, we plan to take nothing but memories, leave nothing but hope is our moto. We will carry all our rubbish back to the roadhead.

We have set up a fundraising page through Just Giving for each group to raise money for the schools you will be visiting. Different ways to raise money can be found on the website.

Visit our page on:

Nothing is for free, even work sometimes! There are costs and we have tried to balance value and quality to make sure you have an affordable trip of a lifetime.

Throughout the trip, you can rely on the unwavering support and backup provided by Himex in Nepal whose experienced guides, cooks, staff, and porters will accompany you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and well-being. With decades of collective experience operating trips in Nepal, our team is well-equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances and ensure that your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Altitude should not pose a significant challenge during this trip, as the maximum sleeping altitude will be at the lodges located at High Camp, which is at an elevation of 3,750m. The highest point we will reach during the trek will be at 4,068m , at the summit of Pikey Peak.

To mitigate any potential altitude-related issues, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, which can help prevent dehydration at higher elevations. Additionally, ascending at a slow pace and taking frequent breaks is crucial for acclimatization, and we will ensure to follow this approach throughout the trek ensuring a safe and enjoyable trekking experience for all participants.

Equipment

Equipment–

You’ll be provided with a large AAN kit bag in Kathmandu , which will be transported by jeep and by porters during the trek. Additionally, during the trek, you’ll need a 25-liter rucksack to carry your essentials for the day.

For sleeping arrangements, AAN will provide a sleeping bag, which we recommend using in the lodges, although sheets and blankets are provided. It’s advisable to bring your own cotton or silk sheet liner, and a pillowcase that you can fill with clothes for added comfort. AAN will supply a duvet jacket for everyone in Kathmandu for use on the colder mornings and evenings.

For volunteering activities, comfortable clothes suitable for wearing around children are necessary. Since painting will be a significant part of the volunteering work, it’s recommended to bring old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting covered in paint. Additionally, wearing a protective hat and disposable gloves can be useful during these activities.

For Trekking Days:

25-litre rucksack (with capacity for 2 x 1.5-litre water bottles)
Comfortable trekking boots or trail shoes
Wool socks
Base layer for walking: moisture-wicking tops with UV arm protection
Base layer for altitude: thermal leggings & top
Walking shorts & Trousers
Long-sleeve walking shirt
Lightweight windproof top
Fleece layer top for walking/stops
Windproof jacket
Warm gloves
Woollen hat/beanie cap/neck gaiter mask/buff
Duvet jacket (provided by AAN)

Extras:

Kit bag (provided by AAN in Kathmandu)
4 plastic bags to separate clothes
Trekking poles if needed
Camp shoes/trainers/sandals
Towel and washing kit
UV protection sunhat, UV Cat 4 sunglasses
Factor 50 sun cream & SPF 30+ lip balm, moisturizer
Antiseptic hand wash, wet wipes
Insect repellent
Headtorch and spare batteries
Compeed® (for blisters)
Power pack for phone
Camera (spare battery)
Charging cable
Reading book
Notebook/Diary & pen
Money belt/Wallet
Sleeping mattress (provided by AAN)
Sleeping bag (provided by AAN)
Cotton sheet liner
Travel pillow or pillow case
Nightwear thermals

AAN provides a first aid kit box, including medication for altitude sickness. However, it’s advisable to bring any personal medications you may need.

While there will be electricity available in most places we stay, it’s important to note that some lodges charge for charging devices due to limited solar power supply. We recommend bringing a large capacity power bank for your kit bag, as well as a portable one for when you’re trekking and don’t have access to your kit bag.

If you forget to pack something essential, don’t worry! You can purchase almost everything on the list in Kathmandu, often at a fraction of the price compared to at home. This not only ensures you have what you need but also supports the local economy.