Australian Himalayan Foundation
Our mission is to improve the quality of life of the people most in need in remote areas of the Himalaya by partnering with local NGOs.
Life in the Himalaya
Why our work is important
For many Australians, the Himalayan hinterland is an adventurer’s playground. However, for the remote communities in Nepal, Bhutan and the Indian Himalaya, access to basic health and education services is often out of reach and climate change poses a growing threat to Himalayan communities and livelihoods.
With families facing serious challenges such as poverty and natural disasters, supporting inclusive and sustainable programs is key to elevating the quality of life and enabling people to pursue their potential.
Australian Himalayan Foundation Programs
10 Years On: Reflecting on the 2015 Nepal Earthquake
It’s been a decade since a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Nepal. We look back at the role AHF and our local partners played in emergency response and long-term recovery - from delivering critical aid in the aftermath to building back better through pioneering earthquake-resistant schools and supporting local communities.
How we work
Our approach
The Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) choses to partner with local organisations in Nepal, Bhutan and the Indian Himalaya who have strong links with the communities we work in.
Our programs are concentrated on remote regions where the quality of basic services require strengthening as resources are limited and geographical constraints restrict their access.
We focus on community and local government priorities to achieve sustainable improvements in education, health and environmental conservation, and address impacts of climate change.
We have a long-term view and support our local partners to develop their organisations, ensuring they are well equipped to deliver effective and inclusive programs.
The AHF Trailblazer
This May, challenge yourself to walk, run, or hike the equivalent distance of some of the Himalaya's most iconic treks—all while supporting AHF’s vital education, health and environmental programs. Join AHF for our inaugural Trailblazer event from May 1-29—an opportunity to get outdoors, connect with our vibrant community and push your limits for a great cause.
Join the Yak Pack
Be a part of the Yak Pack, our community of monthly givers. Starting at just $5 a month, signing up to the Yak Pack is an easy and accessible way to support AHF. By joining the Yak Pack, you will enable us plan and deliver long-term, sustainable projects, knowing that we have your ongoing support.
Stories from the Himalaya
Lhaden’s journey from student to staff with RENEW Bhutan
25 year old Lhaden shares her story moving from student to caregiver with AHF’s partner RENEW in Bhutan, paying it forward for the next generation of vulnerable children.
Mother and midwife: How Puspa is advancing maternal healthcare in West Nepal
In the remote village of Lamatola in West Nepal, Puspa Thapa balances two important roles - devoted mother and dedicated health worker. Puspa provides essential maternal and child healthcare to her community, often going above and beyond the duties of her station.
About the Australian Himalayan Foundation
AHF’s founders saw firsthand that while the Himalaya is a place of breathtaking beauty, it is also a place of extreme disadvantage, poverty and hardship for many. We have been working for the last 22 years to deliver long-term, sustainable change to the most vulnerable communities.