Alaska Day Tour Adventures- Alaska hiking, glacier tours, and rock and ice climbing near Anchorage Alaska with The Ascending Path

About HLF | Our Relationship | Trips | Leadership | Cost and Dates

About HLF:
The Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Nepal. HLF's main objective is to improve the quality of the life of the remote population of the Himalayan region via the introduction and use of environmentally friendly energy technologies. In addition, HLF specifically institutes and actualizes poverty alleviation through the application of renewable technologies through various sustainable income generation projects. HLF was founded by Adam Friedensohn and received its startup financial support from Lotus Energy, Solar and Alternative Energy Systems Manufacturers and Consultants located in Kathmandu Nepal.

Some of the existing programs that HLF runs:

Solar Sisters Program (SSP). SSP uses the participation of volunteers to get solar lighting systems installed in community buildings.
HLF USA (501c3) HLF USA operates specifically to gather additional grant monies and recruit volunteers in the United States and world wide.
Home Employment and Lighting Package (HELP) Program. HELP established sustainable income generation programs in remote villages. New income is used to finance solar systems and for ongoing alleviation of poverty thereafter.
Thangka Painting School This program funds a Thangka painting school in Kavre district. The students are able to sell their work on the international market via our website, bringing much-needed funds into the area. Advanced students are also offered the option of a subsidized SHS for their household.

Our Relationship:
The Ascending Path has been actively involved in the development of HLF since 1999. Since then, HLF USA was founded and has recently received 501C3 federal non-profit status. We have run several successful "solar expeditions" installing small scale PV systems in remote community building in the Himalaya. The Ascending Path is involved in general grant gathering and acts as Advisor to HLF.
Click here to see the system we install: Package System

Trips:

Our small team will subsidize and install ourselves a small solar powered light system for a community building in a remote Nepalese village. The light generated by our 36W system will positively and directly effect community literacy programs, women's equality, ecological and sustainable agricultural education and improve rural livelihoods. We will help empower the people..... and ourselves at the same time. For more information on joining a "solar trek" click here:

Island Peak Expedition

Everest and Ama Dablam Basecamp Trek

Tailored individual or group "Solar Expeditions" can also be arranged through the Solar Sisters Program. All trekkers should be fit and strong and able to walk for 6 hours on rough terrain. Team members should be interested in experiencing Nepal in a unique way, and willing and eager to participate in the HLF installation. No mountaineering experience is necessary. Please contact us for suggestions or questions.

Leadership:
With a degree in Philosophy and a special interest in Eastern Religions Matt Szundy brings more than climbing expertise as the leader of this expedition. Among the dozens of international expeditions he has organized and led, he has run several expeditions and treks in the Himalaya region of Nepal. Matt has been climbing for 11 years and guiding full time for 6. Please review his climbing resume for a better understanding of his experience.
Our head Sherpa or Siddhar, Kham Su, spend 20 years as a Buddhist monk, reaching "Lama-hood" before he began climbing. He is still a practicing Tibetan Buddhist and will lead us in appropriate ceremonies throughout our journey. He is a special and delightful asset to the team, we all be honored by his smile.