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.

November is an ideal month to visit Nepal, characterized by warm and dry weather conditions along with clear blue skies. While volunteering in the villages, temperatures typically range between 20°C to 25°C during the day, with pleasantly cool evenings.

However, at higher elevations such as High Camp and during the climb of Pikey Peak at 4,000m, expect frost and chilly temperatures to start the day. As the sun rises, temperatures gradually warm up, providing a more comfortable environment for trekking and exploration. It’s important to be prepared for these temperature variations by dressing in layers and bringing appropriate cold-weather gear for the higher altitudes.

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.