In 2009, the senior alumni of Crystal Mountain School established Vision Dolpo with an aim to primarily ensure inclusive and quality education for the children from the region and facilitate better health care services, as well as to eradicate poverty in all its forms, ensure food security and improve nutrition, enable better access to sustainable and modern energy, promote indigenous knowledge, vernacular architecture, and to influence the equitable and sustainable management of natural resources to conserve, and to preserve and promote the local culture and values.
With support from Action Dolpo (France), Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (the local government), community members and friends of Dolpo, Vision Dolpo is engaged in a wide variety of activities to implement the above objectives. We work in coordination with other schools and health projects of Dolpo, and also we wish to work together with other two Rural Municipalities of Dolpo.
We are a non-profit organization registered with the Kathmandu District Administration Office.
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve the local communities of Dolpo and similar high mountain areas in the Himalayas by primarily ensuring inclusive and quality education and health services for all, by promoting local language, culture and indigenous knowledge, and by enabling better access to sustainable energy and opportunities for local innovation.
Our Team
Tsering Wangmo
Chairperson |Vision Dolpo(VD)
Tsering Wangmo is an alumna of Crystal Mountain School (CMS) and a native of Dho-Tarap. Having spent her childhood in Dho and her teenage years at the Snow Leopard Residence (SLR), she is one of CMS’s first graduates and is deeply committed to Vision Dolpo’s mission of community empowerment. She holds a Diploma in Nursing, a BSc in Community Nursing, a Master of Public Health (Global Health), and a Certificate in Women, Adolescent, and Child Health (Global WACh) from the University of Washington, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Tulane University, USA.
With over a decade of experience as a clinical nurse, healthcare trainer, and educator, Tsering has worked with Action Dolpo, Vision Dolpo, and other organizations. She served as Program Coordinator at the School for International Training (SIT), Nepal, and currently serves as Co-Director of Upaya’s Nomads Clinic and Chairperson of Vision Dolpo, providing strategic leadership across healthcare, education, and community development initiatives.
Phurwa Gyaltsen
Secretary & Project Coordinator|VD
Phurwa Gyaltsen Thapa is an alumnus of Crystal Mountain School and currently serves as Vision Dolpo’s Project Coordinator. He has been engaged in the education sector since 2013, beginning his career as a Science Teacher at Crystal Mountain School and later serving as Program Manager from 2019 to 2023.
Originally from Tokkyu (Taksi) in the Dho‑Tarap Valley, Phurwa brings strong local insight and leadership experience to his work. In his role, he oversees key programs and operational initiatives, including Crystal Mountain School, Lang Basic School, the Snow Leopard Residence in Kathmandu, and Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program.
Driven by a commitment to improving access to quality education in remote Himalayan communities, Phurwa’s leadership and program oversight continue to strengthen Vision Dolpo’s impact and sustainability.
Lhakpa Tsering
Treasurer & Finance Manager|VD
Lhakpa Gurung is the Treasurer of Vision Dolpo and an alumnus of Crystal Mountain School, a flagship initiative supporting education in Upper Dolpa. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Finance from Kathmandu University and has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector. He has served as Manager of Dolpo Tulku Charitable Foundation and previously worked as a Field Coordinator with the Himalaya Project, focusing on Amchi education and community-based initiatives.
At Vision Dolpo, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Treasurer. Alongside his governance responsibilities, he supports financial operations, overseeing accounting, reporting, and resource management, and works closely with the board to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective use of resources across key programs, contributing to the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Tsewang Sangmo
Vice-Chairperson | Vision Dolpo
Tsewang Sangmo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Golden Gate International College (2015). She is an alumna of Crystal Mountain School and a member of Vision Dolpo’s sixth cohort of high school graduates, reflecting her long-standing connection with the organization.
She previously worked as a teacher at CMS and remains actively involved with Vision Dolpo’s activities. Based in Kathmandu, she contributes to organizational governance and community initiatives while balancing her family responsibilities.
Nyima Dhargey
Vision Dolpo | Vision Dolpo
Nyima Dhargey is one of the first alumni of Crystal Mountain Secondary School and brings over 15 years of experience as a primary school teacher in Upper Dolpa. His career reflects a deep commitment to education and community development in remote Himalayan regions.
He has served CMS in multiple roles, including teacher, inventory manager, and instructor of local music and dance, and has supported winter education programs as a volunteer. In 2024, he was appointed Academic Coordinator of Crystal Mountain Secondary School, continuing his leadership in educational development.
Tsering Youdon
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Tsering is an alumna of Crystal Mountain School and a Public Health graduate from Nobel College, Pokhara University (2024). She is part of the second cohort of Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program graduates, demonstrating her continued engagement in education and service.
She served as Hostel In-Charge of the Snow Leopard Residence from April 2024 to January 2026 and has volunteered with CMS, the Nepal Red Cross Society, and other community-based organizations. She is currently working as an Assistant Program Coordinator at the School for International Training (SIT), Nepal.
Pemma Lhamo
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Pemma Lhamo is an alumna of Crystal Mountain School and a member of the third cohort of Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, earned through a full government scholarship, reflecting her strong academic dedication and commitment to healthcare.
She is currently serving under the Government of Nepal’s mandatory service program at Gandaki Provincial Hospital in Jomsom, Mustang. Since joining the Vision Dolpo Board in 2022, Pemma has contributed to health-related initiatives, applying her clinical expertise to support the organization’s work in community healthcare and education.
Tashi Lhamo
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Tashi Lhamo is an alumna of Crystal Mountain School and a member of the second cohort of Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program. She graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Sagarmatha Engineering College in 2024, becoming the first civil engineer from the Dho-Tarap Valley supported by Vision Dolpo.
She joined the Vision Dolpo Board in 2022 and has since contributed to both education and infrastructure-related initiatives. After serving as a secondary-level teacher in 2024, she is now engaged in supporting infrastructure development, including the CMS Solar Passive Multipurpose Hall project (2026–2027), ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability.
Tashi Nyima
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Tashi Nyima is an undergraduate law student at National Law Campus, affiliated with Tribhuvan University, and a member of the fourth cohort of Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program. His academic focus reflects a growing interest in legal systems and institutional governance.
He joined the Vision Dolpo executive board in 2022 and has been actively involved in organizational activities. His legal training is expected to strengthen the organization’s governance, compliance, and advisory capacity, contributing to its long-term institutional development.
Board Advisors
Ngawang Lhundup
Advisor | Local Culture Preservation & Promotion
Lopon Ngawang Lhundup is an esteemed Advisor to Vision Dolpo, born in 1995 in Dho Tarap, Dolpo. He studied Tibetan language and Buddhist education at a local monastic institution and later completed his secondary education in Kathmandu. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tibetan Studies from the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, a leading institution for advanced Tibetan scholarship.
He has made significant contributions to Tibetan literature and cultural preservation, collaborating on multiple academic publications and serving on editorial committees, including at the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, Namdroling Monastery. Ngawang has authored several volumes on the history of Namdroling Monastery and continues to document Dolpo’s oral traditions, scriptures, and local history. As chief editor of the Tibetan magazine Himalayan Platform and contributor to the Monlam Grand Dictionary, his work plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Himalayan knowledge systems.
Dr. Phurwa Dhondup
Advisor | Programs and Community Development
Dr. Phurwa Dhondup is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences in the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver. Born and raised in Dho Tarap, he is an alumnus of Crystal Mountain School and a founding President of Vision Dolpo, reflecting his deep and sustained commitment to his home region.
He completed his PhD in Geography at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2025, with research focused on state-building, indigeneity, and multispecies worldmaking in the Himalayas. He also holds advanced degrees in Human Geography and Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies. A recognized scholar in political ecology, his work is supported by institutions such as the National Geographic Society, SSRC, and the Wenner-Gren Foundation, and has been published in leading academic journals. He also leads community-based initiatives documenting Dolpo’s oral traditions and cultural heritage.
Bikash Deshar
Advisor | Educational Programs
Bikash is an experienced educator and Advisor to Vision Dolpo, with over 15 years of leadership in the education sector. He has played a key role in managing academic programs at Crystal Mountain School, developing curricula, and fostering effective teaching and learning environments for both students and educators.
He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Kathmandu University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Tribhuvan University. His professional experience includes roles as Program Manager and Country Lead at Sunsar Maya, Academic Director at CMS (2020–2023), and Chief Education Officer at Tergar Charity Nepal, where he contributed to curriculum development, including women’s literacy programs. As a STEAM educator and teacher trainer, he has trained around 500 teachers nationwide, demonstrating his strong commitment to improving education quality in Nepal.
Dhargey Gurung
Advisor | Health Service
Dhargey Gurung is a dedicated healthcare professional widely known in the Dho-Tarap Valley as “Dr. Dhargey” for his unwavering service to the community. A native of Tokyu (Taksi) and one of the first alumni of Crystal Mountain School, he is among the earliest trained Health Assistants from Dolpo.
For over six years, he has been serving the region with commitment and trust, playing a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of both students and local residents. His work represents a critical contribution to improving access to basic healthcare services in this remote Himalayan community.
Nistha Nakarmi, Architect/PhD Scholar
Advisor | Passive Solar and Vernacular Architecture
Nistha Nakarmi is an architect, researcher, and PhD scholar at the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University. She holds a master’s degree in Energy for Sustainable Social Development, with expertise in sustainability, energy-efficient design, and the integration of passive and renewable systems for inclusive development.
Her work focuses on climate-responsive architecture, housing partnerships, and disaster preparedness in high-altitude Trans-Himalayan regions, particularly in Dho Tarap, Dolpo. As the founder of AKARANG, she leads interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge research and practice, promoting resilient infrastructure, vernacular knowledge, and community-centered design approaches.
Tirina Manandhar, Architect
Advisor | Passive Solar and Vernacular Architecture
Tirina Manandhar is an architect and co-founder of ForeSight Architects Pvt. Ltd., with a strong commitment to sustainable and socially responsible design. She holds a Master of Science in Energy for Sustainable Social Development and has further enriched her expertise through a student exchange program at NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Norway.
Her professional work emphasizes sustainability, energy-conscious architecture, and context-sensitive design solutions. As an Advisor to Vision Dolpo, she contributes her expertise to support environmentally responsible infrastructure development, helping align the organization’s projects with principles of sustainability and long-term community benefit.
Our Partners
The Action Dolpo is our primary partner, providing essential funding support for major programs, including Crystal Mountain Secondary School (CMS), which offers education from playgroup to Grade X; the Snow Leopard Residence (SLR) for higher secondary studies; undergraduate scholarship programs; and community health services.
Established in 1993 by Marie-Claire Gentric (Ama), the association aims to support the people of Dolpo—particularly the communities of the Tarap Valley—by empowering young people through education while preserving their rich Tibetan cultural heritage. Education is prioritized as a pathway to improved hygiene, health, environmental awareness, and cultural continuity.
Crystal Mountain School opened its doors in May 1994 in the heart of the Tarap region, at an altitude of 4,135 meters, welcoming its first students. The strong enthusiasm from both children and parents led the association to accelerate student enrollment and expand teacher recruitment, laying a solid foundation for the school’s long-term growth and impact.
Aid to Paramedical Training in Nepal (AFPN) (Aide à la Formation Paramédicale au Népal) is a valued partner of Vision Dolpo, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities in Nepal’s remote Himalayan regions.
AFPN works to strengthen local healthcare systems by supporting the training of nursing and paramedical personnel through study grants, enabling individuals from underserved areas to gain essential medical skills. The organization also contributes to the construction and upgrading of health facilities, including dispensaries, and supports the provision of medical equipment as well as the remuneration of healthcare staff.
In the Dho-Tarap Valley, AFPN has played a key role in supporting the training of health personnel, the remuneration of healthcare workers, and the provision of essential dental care services.
AKARANG is a Nepal-based interdisciplinary practice working at the intersection of research, architecture, design, and construction within the built environment. Founded by Nistha Nakarmi, a PhD researcher at the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, AKARANG focuses on context-responsive and climate-sensitive solutions, particularly in mountain and rural regions.
Through its work, AKARANG integrates academic research with practice to promote resilient infrastructure, vernacular knowledge, sustainable housing, and community-centered development. The organization has ongoing research and design engagement in the Trans-Himalayan region, including Dho Tarap, with a focus on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and passive architectural strategies.
As a partner with Vision Dolpo, AKARANG contributes technical expertise, research support , and design innovation to strengthen sustainable development initiatives and enhance local resilience in Dolpo.
Founded in 2016, Fore Sight Architects Pvt. Ltd is an architectural consultancy with operational areas of architectural services, sustainable design, interior design, technical assistance and co-ordination and construction supervision. Collaborating with Vision Dolpo on Passive Solar and Vernacular Architecture research and development, Foresight is working on innovative projects, including designing passive solar buildings for Crystal Mountain School and residential structures, as well as an integrated Early Childhood Development Center in the Dho Tarap valley. Their comprehensive approach combines aesthetic appeal, functionality, and technical expertise to deliver tailored design solutions. Foresight Architects is committed to sustainable practices, incorporating energy-efficient design principles to create environmentally conscious structures that improve the quality of life for clients and communities.
Established in 2021, BLACK SQUARE DESIGN STUDIO is a dynamic architectural and interior design firm that collaborates with Vision Dolpo on Passive Solar and Vernacular Architecture research and development. They are dedicated to enhancing people’s lives through innovative design solutions that exceed expectations. With a multi-disciplinary approach combining creativity, strategy, and technology, they create memorable spaces and engaging visual systems. BLACK SQUARE DESIGN STUDIO is known for their ability to generate results-oriented designs, working closely with clients to bring their vision to life. Their commitment to building a better tomorrow is reflected in their focus on comfort, functionality, and visual appeal in every project, while also preserving local traditions and adhering to international quality standards. Through their work, BLACK SQUARE DESIGN STUDIO aims to contribute to a sustainable society by creating diverse, contextually sensitive designs that positively impact their clients, stakeholders, and the environment.
In 2021, Vision Dolpo competed in the GlobalGiving Accelerator program becoming a GlobalGiving partner. Since then, Vision Dolpo has been using the online non-profit crowdfunding platform to raise funds for research and development of passive solar technology, especially for Crystal Mountain School. Support the cause by donating to our projects on GlobalGiving.
Vision Dolpo 