Brighter futures for families across the Himalaya
Supporting education, health and environmental initiatives in Nepal, Bhutan and Ladakh, helping to improve quality of life in remote communities.
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
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Education
Supporting quality, inclusive education in remote mountain communities
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Health
Strengthening rural health systems so women and their families can access care close to home
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Environment
Protecting Himalayan biodiversity through forest fire prevention and snow leopard conservation
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Emergency Response
Providing rapid emergency response to natural disasters and long-term recovery support
How we work
Our approach
The Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) partners 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.
How you can help
Join the Yak Pack, AHF’s community of monthly donors. Regular giving, starting from $5 a month, is a simple, accessible way to support communities in the Himalaya.
Looking to kick some fitness and philanthropy goals? In the month of March, we invite you to walk, hike or run the equivalent distance of an iconic Himalayan trek while raising funds for AHF.
Book one of our trips to Nepal or Bhutan and experience the rich culture, spirituality and natural beauty of the Himalaya while helping fundraise for vital projects in the region.
Each year, we identify children at risk of missing out on an education due to family hardship, disability and marginalisation. $150 could help keep a vulnerable student in school in the lower Solukhumbu.
Why support the Australian Himalayan Foundation?
Supporting us means making a meaningful difference in some of the world’s most remote and underserved communities. AHF partners with local organisations to improve access to education and healthcare, strengthen resilience to climate change and natural disasters, and create lasting, community-led impact. With 25 years of trusted experience and full DFAT accreditation, your support helps children thrive, families build secure futures and communities protect the environments they depend on.
Stories from the Himalaya
“It changed my life”: Sumit’s journey with inclusive education
Sumit Rai, a disability support worker in Lower Solukhumbu, shares his story of how the Going to School Support program and our inclusive education initiatives are breaking down barriers for children with disabilities, ensuring they realise their potential.
Telehealth transforms care for health workers like Bhadra in Nepal
In the mountain villages of Taksindu, health worker Bhadra has witnessed how telehealth is overcoming geographic isolation, restoring trust, and transforming access to care for his remote community.
Australian Himalayan Foundation News
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Australian Himalayan Foundation Annual Report 2024/2025
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Fire Fellowship Strengthens Australia–Nepal Ties
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Former Australian Ambassador to Nepal Felicity Volk joins the AHF Board of Directors
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 24 years to deliver long-term, sustainable change to the most vulnerable communities.