Aarohi was established in August 1992 by an experienced couple, comprising of a doctor and a rural manager with a view to create opportunities for rural communities in the hills to lead a more self-dependent existence. The area in which Aarohi has been set up was underdeveloped with little government infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and access to basic health and education facilities. Government aided development was sporadic and hardly benefited the ordinary hill family

Aarohi's work has spanned 100 villages in the mountains of Nainital and Almora districts in Uttarakhand, which have benefited approximately 37,000 people to date. Many issues of poverty have been addressed through activities related to Forest Management, Health Care, Livelihoods, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Women's Development and Education. The organization today comprises of 47 full time staff with 222 members from all over the world.