In the year 2001 Yashpirth, the pasture of the village of Passu in the Hunza Valley, was on the verge of drying up. This would have spelled disaster for the villagers.
Therefore, Barbara Hirschbichler decided to raise funds to build a water pipeline. Thiswas in 2002, and it was the first independent project of the Karakorum Aid organisation. The project holds special significance, as the pasture lies at the foot of the mountain where Albert Hirschbichler (the father of the organisation´s chairwoman and co-chairman) is still buried under the ice. He lost his life in 1959 while attempting the first ascent of the 7,795-metre high Batura I.
The water pipeline was essential to irrigate the pastures of the village of Passu in the Hunza Valley, thereby securing the livelihoods of the local residents. As a result of her efforts, Barbara Hirschbichler was made an honorary citizen of Passu. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the then German ambassador and his wife.
Even today, 22 years later, the pipeline continues to irrigate the pasture in Yashpirth, as the alpine meadow is called.
The pipes had to be carried over a distance of 7 kilometres, and the installation was difficult and dangerous.The German ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Christoph Brümmer, with his wife (left), and Barbara Hirschbichler (right) at the inauguration ceremony of the water pipeline in Yashpirth.
Himalaya-Karakorum e.V.
The non-profit organization supports people living in difficult conditions in the mountains of the Himalayas and Karakoram, on the edge of the settlement border and always on the edge of their livelihood. The aim is to help the villagers to survive in their ancestral homeland, based on the principle of helping people to help themselves. The primary goal is to ensure that our help will no longer be necessary in the foreseeable future.
November 2024: On Friday, November 29th, Eva Kastner (harp) and Sabine Schmid (dulcimer) performed a benefit concert at the Karlsgymnasium Bad Reichenhall for the Karakorum Aid organization. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their support!
September 2024: On September 19th, the comedian Martin Frank performed at the Stadthalle Pfarrkirchen and donated his fee to the Karakorum Aid organization. This event was organized by Antonie Lindner. We extend our heartfelt thanks.
October 2024: On October 24, Antonie Lindner from Rottal organised a benefit performance by the Lower Bavarian folk band “Could be worse” in Eggenfelden. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.
