The Himalayan Trust UK

The Himalayan Trust UK is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting the mountain communities of Nepal, particularly in the northeastern regions such as Taplejung. Established in 1989, the Trust aims to improve health, education, and environmental conditions in these remote areas.

History and Foundation

The organisation continues the legacy and guiding principles initiated by Sir Edmund Hillary, the famed mountaineer who founded the original Himalayan Trust in 1960. The UK branch has been operating since 1989 with a focus on assisting the mountain people of Nepal through sustainable development projects tailored to their needs.

Mission and Objectives

The Himalayan Trust UK operates with core principles emphasizing:

• Supporting basic infrastructure development, particularly in education, health, and environmental protection.
• Responding only to requests from the local mountain communities.
• Encouraging active participation and self-help within these communities.
• Minimising administrative costs to ensure direct transfer of funds and maximise impact.
• Promoting long-term sustainability and independence for the mountain people.

Activities

The Trust focuses primarily on:

• Improving the quality of education by building schools and classrooms and providing training to teaching staff.
• Enhancing community health by encouraging healthier lifestyles and better utilisation of medical facilities.
• Protecting and preserving the environment, including work within Nepal’s National Parks.
• Alleviating poverty and sickness within these remote mountain regions.

The trustees operate on a voluntary basis, and administrative expenses are kept to below 4% of the total income to maximise the resources directed to these causes.

Structure and Registration

The Himalayan Trust UK is a registered charity in the United Kingdom with Charity Number 1000153. It is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), ensuring compliance with UK charity laws and standards.

Impact

Since its inception, the Trust has made significant contributions to the welfare of Nepal’s mountain populations through education infrastructure, health initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts, staying true to the ethos of community involvement and sustainable development.

This article summarizes the purpose, history, activities, and governance of The Himalayan Trust UK, highlighting its ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Nepal’s mountain people in line with Sir Edmund Hillary’s original vision[1][2][3].

[1] https://himalayantrust.co.uk/about-us/ [2] https://himalayantrust.co.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/1000153 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5217892/charity-overview [5] https://himalayantrust.org