From Lukla to Lincoln: Ngima's journey

Ngima grew up in Lukla, known as the Gateway to the Himalayas. It’s where the Himalayan Trust has built a school, an airport, and a water system, foundations that have shaped the lives of thousands of people in the region.

Ngima and his brother attended the Lukla school, with support from the Trust making their education possible. His hard work and passion for learning led him to a second scholarship for secondary and high school, before pursuing his interest in the environment through studies at university in Kathmandu.

After graduating, Ngima worked for the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, managing waste in the national park, a role that is critical for the preservation of both the Khumbu region and Mount Everest.

This year, Ngima was awarded the Mingma Norbu Scholarship to study at Lincoln University in New Zealand. His research will focus on the environmental and geophysical challenges facing the Thame Valley, where a devastating glacial lake outburst flood struck last year. His work has the potential to inform how Himalayan communities can prepare for and mitigate future risks.

We are delighted that Ngima is now in New Zealand with one of the largest cohorts of scholarship students since the programme began. His journey reflects the enduring impact of education, a core part of the Himalayan Trust’s work since Sir Ed Hillary’s first school was built in Khumjung in 1961.

Recently, Ngima spoke at our Annual Dinner in Christchurch, pictured above, sharing his story and his hopes for the region’s future. It was a powerful reminder of why education and long-term relationships remain at the heart of everything we do.