Hamdeli, meaning "with heart," was founded by mountaineer Danika Gilbert to empower young climbers through advanced mountaineering and leadership training opportunities. Initially created to unite climbers from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Tajikistan for first aid training and shared expeditions, Hamdeli has evolved to support Afghan refugees navigating new lives. From mentoring aspiring mountaineers, like those who trekked to Everest Base Camp, to providing critical resources for resettlement, Hamdeli fosters resilience, community, and hope. Our goal is to lift up these individuals, helping them rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams, one step at a time, meanwhile connecting them with a larger community of like-minded individuals.

October 2025 saw a team of women from across the Himalayas gather in the remote Rolwaling valley of Nepal to climb a mountain together. Along the way, they learned advanced first aid skills, mountain and rock climbing skills, rescue techniques and the complexities of decision making under challenging mountain weather conditions. They had a chance to share cultures, deepen their understanding of each others worlds, adventure together in the mountains, and form lifelong bonds. Reaching the summit of Yalung Ri (5630m) was a high point for many, and a rewarding challenge for all. Team members included women climbers from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. For all, the chance to meet each other and learn about the dreams, goals and accomplishments of their sisters across the Himalayas was inspiring and motivating.