[1] The Himalayan Trust aims to improve the health, education and general wellbeing of people living in the Solukhumbu District.

Built by Wally Romanes in a week from prefabricated aluminium sections flown into Mingbo and carried down to Khumjung, it opened in mid-June 1961, the first major project of the Himalayan Trust.

These included building a pipeline to bring Khumjung's water from its source in Khumbila to a reservoir in the village as well as running a smallpox immunization programme.

The Trust has a formal agreement with the Nepalese Government to continue to provide teaching resources and support to schools within the Solukhumbu Region.

By 1964, it was clear to Edmund Hillary that the transport of building materials needed to be easier, so the Himalayan Trust built an airstrip.

During this time the airstrip at Lukla (initially built with assistance from the Himalayan Trust) was extended to allow for the arrival of larger aircraft.

This was one of the worst natural disasters in Nepal's history and it left 2.8 million people across the country in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, The Himalayan Trust provided emergency shelter, bedding and other essential items for affected communities in the Solukhumbu region.

Until 2020, work will continue to rebuild and carry out seismic strengthening on classrooms, teachers' quarters, student hostels and toilet blocks in up to 30 schools across the Solukhumbu district.

The fund includes a scholarship programme for the children of the victims, ensuring they receive a full education and helping them explore alternative employment opportunities.

They also provide training in English medium teaching and support an academic scholarships programme that is open to all students in the region.