Mail by Runner 148: Adventure by Nature

Sometimes a single image tells the whole story.

In 1966, Sir Edmund Hillary sat at a camp in the Khumbu, typewriter balanced on his knees, with Kangtega and Thamserku rising above him. It’s a reminder that the Himalayan Trust was born not just out of compassion, but out of the adventurous spirit that defined Sir Ed.

Adventure is at the core of who we are. It’s in the mountaineering roots of our organisation, and it continues to guide our work today.

For us, “Adventure by Nature” means more than climbing mountains. It’s about exploring new ideas, navigating the challenges of development work, and adapting to the changing needs of the communities we serve in the Himalayas. Just as Sir Ed and his team adjusted to the shifting terrain under their boots, we adapt to shifting landscapes in education, healthcare, and the environment.

The photo of Ed in 1966 captures this balance: the mountains in the background, and the pen on the page (well, typewriter keys in this case). Adventure paired with action. Exploration grounded in purpose.

It’s this same value that drives us forward nearly 60 years later.