Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation

Preserving the Legacy of Mountain people

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With Your Help, We are Making The Himalayas a Better Place

The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation has been working for the past 15 years to conserve and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Himalayas, particularly in Ladakh, with generous support and donations from well-wishers. We appreciate the contributions provided by our supporters in any form that is possible.

About us

Sustainable Solutions For The Future

The activities of HCHF are language and literary development, community-based management of cultural and natural resources, folk traditions, art and craft skills promotion and revival, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage. In order to encourage community involvement and cultural preservation, we also place a strong emphasis on awareness campaigns and training workshops. Another important aim is to encourage scientific research and documentation of the impact of climate change on these mountain cultures. This knowledge, we believe, will propel the development of sustainable solutions to mitigate its degradation.

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Conservation and Restoration

Stupas belong to the oldest architectural forms been built in all countries where Buddhist philosophy flourished. Their actual shapes and symbolism developed for more than 2550 years and became a multi-purpose symbol, a treasure of knowledge about outer and inner phenomena, the universe, the nature of our mind and the path leading to the state of full development or enlightenment.

So far, HCHF has restored 60+ stupas across various villages in Ladakh and trained local masons to restore heritage sites. We have also successfully completed five major ancient wall painting conservation projects in Sumda Chun Stupa (Sumda village), Takkhung Khawoche (Cave Temple, Leh), Chomophu Temple (Nubra), Bodhkharbu Gonpa (Kargil), and a painted stupa (Shara village).

Latest News

Urgent Call for Conservation of Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar: HCHF Submits Report to Hon’ble CEC, LAHDC Kargil and Concerned Authorities

Aug 6, 2025

Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), has formally submitted a site visit report to the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, along with the concerned...

Where Hetitage Meets Compassion: Dr. Sonam Wangchok Receives Blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Inspiring a Journey of Cultural and Spiritual Preservation

Aug 1, 2025

On the auspicious occasion of the Year of Compassion, commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), had the profound honor of a personal audience with His...

“Wanla – History and Culture” Book Launched at Inaugural Wanla Lonpo Festival

Jul 23, 2025

The book Wanla – History and Culture by Sonam Angchok, published by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), was officially launched on July 10, 2025, during the inaugural Wanla Lonpo Festival. The book delves into the rich history, cultural traditions, oral...