View from the summit

On May 29, 1953, Norbu Tenzing's father, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, and Sir Edmund Hillary stood on the summit of Mount Everest, the “Roof of the World.” In that moment, they were as close to the moon as any human had ever been, looking down to see the world spread out below them. Over 70 years later, the mountain has changed dramatically, its glaciers retreating, its weather patterns shifting, and under stress with adventurers seeking the summit at all costs. The fragile environment of the mountain is clearly under threat. 

For centuries, Norbu Tenzing and his community of Sherpas have been stewards of these sacred peaks where gods reside, yet they now face the consequences of a climate crisis they did not create. The Himalaya remind us how deeply interdependent our world is, and how essential it is that we protect what sustains us all. The American Himalayan Foundation plays a small but vital role, supporting those most vulnerable and helping to preserve both the land and the spirit that unite humanity at its core.

If Everest has taught us anything, it’s that great challenges can be overcome together. Today, the greatest challenge isn’t climbing the mountain; it’s protecting those who call it home.