The Himalayan Trust is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of people in the Himalayas. The very first work of the Himalayan Trust was in 1960 which was building a school in Khumjung village, located in the Nepalese side of the Himalayas. This village is located 3,790 meters (12,435 ft.) above sea level. This is the same height as Atlantic Peak, considered the 176th tallest mountain in North America. You have to compare this village to a mountain peak to get a good idea of how high it is.

Why establish a non-profit organization in this part of the world? The group was founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, the first known man, along with his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay, to reach the top of Mount Everest. 

The Trust has built 27 schools in the area and has continually supported them, along with other schools. In addition, the Trust has built two hospitals and various health clinics. Like the schools, the Himalayan Trust continues to support the hospitals and clinics. The organization is also involved in reforestation projects and cultural preservation. 

Unlike foundations established by men of great wealth, the Himalayan Trust functions entirely through fund raising. Sir Hillary was a man of considerate fame and used it to raise support for a charitable cause.