PAHAR FOUNDATION
(People’s Association for Himalayan Area Research)
‘Parikrama’, Talla Danda, Nainital – 263002, Uttarakhand, India
Email: pahar.org@gmail.com | Website: www.pahar.org
PAHAR is a collective endeavour driven by curiosity, rigorous research, and a deep love for the Himalaya. It draws inspiration from the rich intellectual, cultural, and social traditions of Uttarakhand—especially people’s movements like Chipko.
Our contributors come from diverse fields: scientists, social scientists, activists, environmentalists, writers, journalists, artists, mountaineers, and all those committed to a scientific and sensitive understanding of Himalayan society, culture, history, and environment.
While our work has often centered on the Central Himalaya due to practical constraints, our vision extends far beyond. We share an intellectual and emotional kinship with mountain systems across the world—from the Nilgiris, Satpuras, and Aravallis to the Alps and Andes—embracing mountains of every age and geography.
Publications & Activities
PAHAR publishes the biennial journal Pahar (Mountain)—a multidisciplinary exploration of human and natural dimensions of the Himalaya (20 volumes published so far). In addition, we produce books, booklets, posters, and maps addressing key Himalayan issues and personalities.
Our engagement goes beyond publications. Members of PAHAR actively participate in and support social and environmental movements. We organize:
- Study tours to explore remote Himalayan regions and communities
- Seminars, discussions, and lectures
- Memorial lecture series, including the Rahul Sankrityayan and Gopi-Mohan-Jhusia-Anuragi lectures
- Slide shows and film screenings that highlight the many facets of the Himalaya
Since 1982, these activities have served as platforms for dialogue, learning, and deeper engagement with the region.
Our Ethos
PAHAR is not a conventional NGO, nor is it confined to any single discipline. It is a voluntary, evolving collective of committed individuals—critical yet creative, independent yet collaborative.
We have never relied on government or private funding. Our work is sustained entirely through individual contributions, community support, and the sale of our publications. Hundreds of our events have been organized by local teams across regions, supported by friends and like-minded groups.
Our membership has largely been linked to the journal Pahar, and despite the challenges of a limited reading culture, our work has been strengthened by the contributions of writers, researchers, and activists who continue to enrich our collective effort.
Join Us
We invite all those interested in the Himalaya and its communities to connect with PAHAR—initiate activities, build networks, and contribute to meaningful work for mountain regions.
PAHAR is not just an organization—it is a shared commitment to understanding, preserving, and celebrating the mountains and the people who call them home.