More than a summit. A life of purpose
Sir Edmund Hillary was a legendary New Zealand mountaineer, humanitarian and explorer whose life of courage, curiosity and lifelong service continues to inspire philanthropic organisations that advance education, health and community wellbeing in the Himalayas and beyond.
The Himalayan Trust
The Himalayan Trust began not with a grand plan, but with a request. When Ed Hillary built the first school at Khumjung in 1961, it was in response to Sherpa communities who had asked for it — and who had offered the loan of a sacred yeti scalp as a goodwill gesture that made it possible. That school changed everything.
Honoured
around
the world
The Himalayan Trust began not with a grand plan, but with a request. When Ed Hillary built the first school at Khumjung in 1961, it was in response to Sherpa communities who had asked for it — “our children have eyes, but they cannot see. Please, build us a school”. That school started a journey, which proudly continues today.
Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE)
Awarded following the first ascent of Everest, announced on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Ed & Louise Hillary create the Himalayan Trust
Ed & Louise Hillary create an organisation to improve education and healthcare for the people in the Himalayas.
Khumjung School opens
The first classes begin in the newly built Khumjung School. This would be the first of many projects for The Himalayan Trust.
Khunde Hospital construction is complete
After two years of construction, the first hospital built by the Himalayan Trust, Khunde Hospital, is complete.
High altitude physiological research
Pioneering physiological research on the effects of altitude, conducted by Ed's team on the flanks of Ama Dablam
Ed's enduring efforts continue
Ed's work continued in the 1970's, as the Himalayan Trust maintained its commitment to the local people. So far, the Himalayan Trust has built and supported over 40 schools and and hospitals.
Infrastructure projects support local communities
Infrastructure projects, such as bridges, support local communities to grow.
Awarded following the first ascent of Everest, announced on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Ed & Louise Hillary create an organisation to improve education and healthcare for the people in the Himalayas.
The first classes begin in the newly built Khumjung School. This would be the first of many projects for The Himalayan Trust.
After two years of construction, the first hospital built by the Himalayan Trust, Khunde Hospital, is complete.
Pioneering physiological research on the effects of altitude, conducted by Ed's team on the flanks of Ama Dablam
Ed's work continued in the 1970's, as the Himalayan Trust maintained its commitment to the local people. So far, the Himalayan Trust has built and supported over 40 schools and and hospitals.
Infrastructure projects, such as bridges, support local communities to grow.
A global network,
a shared purpose
Ed Hillary’s work inspired a network of independent organisations across multiple countries, each committed to education, healthcare and community wellbeing in the Himalayan region.
New Zealand
The Himalayan Trust
The Himalayan Trust began not with a grand plan, but with a request. When Ed Hillary built the first school at Khumjung in 1961, it was in response to Sherpa communities who had asked for it — and who had offered the loan of a sacred yeti scalp as a goodwill gesture that made it possible. That school changed everything.
United States
The American Himalayan Foundation
Funds education, healthcare, environmental restoration and cultural preservation for Sherpa, Nepali and Tibetan communities across the Himalayas.
United Kingdom
Himalayan
Trust UK
Supports education, health and community development in Nepal’s mountain regions, continuing the principles established by Sir Edmund Hillary
Canada
Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation Canada
Raises funds for education, healthcare and infrastructure in Nepal’s Everest region, working in partnership with local communities
Germany
Sir Edmund Hillary Stiftung
One of several European organisations inspired by Hillary’s legacy, supporting humanitarian and community development projects across the Himalayas.
Australia
Australian Himalayan Foundation
Works in partnership with Himalayan communities to improve living standards through education, health services and environmental sustainability.
Values that extend across continents
Hillary’s example inspired a network of independent organisations across multiple countries, each committed to education, healthcare and community wellbeing in the Himalayan region.
Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoors Education Trust
New Zealand
Hillary Outdoors
The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoors Education Trust provides outdoor education and adventure programmes for young New Zealanders – built on Hillary’s conviction that challenge, discomfort and the natural world are among the finest teachers of character and resilience. Alexander Hillary is now its patron.
New Zealand
Hillary Institute of International Leadership
Recognises and supports leaders working on climate change and social justice — issues Hillary cared deeply about. The Institute’s annual Hillary Prize honours those who lead with the kind of courage, integrity and purpose that defined his own life.
New Zealand
Antarctic Heritage Trust
The Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand-based, independent charitable trust formed in 1987 to conserve the historic sites and artifacts of the ”Heroic Age” of Antarctic exploration. With a vision to Inspire Explorers, the Trust manages the world’s largest cold-climate heritage restoration project in the Ross Sea region, looking after the legacy of explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Hillary.
What We
Stand For
Just as Sir Ed and Tenzing reached the Everest summit together, we believe in unity across cultures, sectors, and causes. We seek out partners who share our values and multiply our collective impact.
The drive to go beyond what’s known, to test limits, and to inspire others to find and scale their own “Everests” is at the heart of our identity. From the world’s highest peaks to life’s daily challenges, we honour the spirit of bold movement and discovery.
Nature has always been our classroom, challenge, and comfort. We protect natural environments, whether mountains of Nepal or the coastlines of Aotearoa New Zealand, so future generations can explore, learn, and be renewed by them too.
We invest in young people, helping them develop the courage, compassion, and character to shape a better world. From outdoor learning to leadership programmes, we pass the baton of purpose to the next generation.
Giving back is not a choice; it’s who we are. Whether in the Himalayas, in Aotearoa, or anywhere else in the world, we use our name, networks, and resources to uplift people and build stronger communities.
Hillary Family
Sir Edmund
Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary was a pioneering climber and explorer — and spent the rest of his life lifting others up as a dedicated philanthropist.
Peter Hillary
Mountaineer, adventurer and author, Peter Hillary has continued his father’s legacy through major expeditions, including Everest and both Poles, and long-standing service to the Himalayas.
Sarah Hillary
Painting conservator and artist, Sarah Hillary has a love of endurance running. She brings a
deep commitment to community and heritage through her support of the Hillary legacy and
the Himalayan Trust in Nepal.
Anna Boyer
Anna continues the Hillary family legacy of community responsibility. She works with historic and documentary heritage, ensuring the stories of past adventure are carries forward for future generations.
George Hillary
George carries forward the Hillary legacy through charity work with Himalayan organisations and supporting Ed Hillary Intellectual Property. Alongside his work in financial services, he's also an engaging public speaker and avid climber, bringing the same determination to every pursuit.
Alexander Hillary
Adventurer, expedition guide and General Manager of the Himalayan Trust, Alexander Hillary works to carry forward his grandfather’s spirit of service in partnership with the people of the Everest region while engaging in multi discipline adventures across the globe.
Lily Hillary
Lily Hillary is among the youngest members of the Hillary family, connected to a heritage of adventure, resilience and commitment to others. With a strong passion for horses, Lily’s adventures have taken her from the American Midwest to Kyrgyzstan.
Contact Us
Continue the Adventure
We’d love to hear from you. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your next great adventure with the Hillary Family.
