Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust

In 1953, Kiwi mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary, made the first ascent of Mt Everest alongside his friend and climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Their lives were transformed due to this huge accomplishment but for Ed, this was the beginning of an even bigger adventure.

A few years later, Ed – who was now Sir Ed - asked a Sherpa, “If there was anything I could do for the Sherpa people, what do you think that would be?” The Sherpa replied, “Our children have eyes, but they are blind and cannot see. We would like you to open their eyes by building a school in our village.” Sir Edmund set to work alongside his wife, Louise Hillary, and founded the Himalayan Trust with the building of the first school in the region.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. Over half the population lives on $3 a day or less and many families often need to walk for hours to reach basic services like safe water, health care, and schools. With the ongoing support from the Himalayan Trust, we’re working to change this and transform lives in the Everest region.

Through partnership and a long-term commitment to change, we are running projects all around the Everest Himalayan region.

Our projects in education include things like scholarships, computer labs, teacher training, school infrastructure and much more. In healthcare, the Himalayan Trust has supported hospitals with doctors’ salaries, training, supplies, clinical support and maintenance.

But Ed also saw the importance of other things such as cultural heritage and the environment. This is why the Trust has rebuilt destroyed monasteries and planted over 2.6 million tree seedlings over 30 years. It’s a legacy that we are extremely proud of. We are determined to continue this legacy and vital work, but we need you help to do so.

Please consider making a donation at https://himalayantrust.org/donate (opens in a new tab)

You can also learn more about our projects at https://himalayantrust.org/ (opens in a new tab)

“Thuuche” (meaning “Thank You” in Sherpa), We truly appreciate your support.