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 registered in the Social Welfare Council Nepal.
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.
She previously worked as a teacher at CMS and remains actively involved with Vision Dolpo. Based in Kathmandu, she continues to contribute to organizational governance while balancing family responsibilities.
Nyima Dhargey
Academic Coordinator, CMS | Board Member, Vision Dolpo
Nyima Dhargey is one of the first alumni of Crystal Mountain Secondary School and has over 15 years of experience as a primary school teacher in the Upper Dolpa.
He has played a key role at CMS as a 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 commitment to educational development.
Gyalpo Bhote
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Gyalpo Thapa Bhote is a community leader, social mobilizer, and alumnus of Crystal Mountain Secondary School (CMS). He began his career at CMS as a teacher and Academic Coordinator and later served as Project Coordinator (2016–2019) and President (2016–2021) of Vision Dolpo, contributing to the organization’s growth.
He was also the first Ward Chairperson of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality–1, advocating for education, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Currently focused on youth mobilization and regional advocacy, he continues to support Vision Dolpo as a Board Member, providing strategic guidance to strengthen community empowerment initiatives.
Lhakpa Thapa
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Lhakpa Thapa is an alumnus of Crystal Mountain Secondary School and brings over 15 years of experience working with non-profit organizations supporting monastic and community education across Nepal. His extensive experience spans program management, community engagement, and educational development initiatives, particularly in remote Himalayan regions.
He joined the Vision Dolpo Board in 2022 and contributes valuable expertise, networks, and perspectives that strengthen board discussions and strategic decision-making. Lhakpa plays a key role in guiding the organization’s programs, ensuring they align with Vision Dolpo’s mission to provide quality education, community empowerment, and sustainable development in underserved areas.
Youdon Lhamo
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Tsering Youdon is an alumna of Crystal Mountain School and a graduate in Public Health from Nobel College, Pokhara University (2024). She is part of the second cohort of Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program graduates.
She served as Hostel In-Charge of the Snow Leopard Residence from April 2024 to January 2026. Her previous experience includes volunteering with CMS, the Nepal Red Cross Society, and other community-based organizations focused on education and social development.
Currently, Tsering is working as an Assistant Program Coordinator at the School for International Training (SIT), Nepal.
Tashi Lhamo
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Tashi Lhamo 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. An alumna of Crystal Mountain School and a member of the second cohort of Vision Dolpo’s Bachelor’s Program, she joined the Vision Dolpo Board in 2022.
She served as a secondary-level teacher in 2024 and contributes to the organization’s infrastructure projects. In 2026–2027, she will support the CMS Solar Passive Multiple Hall construction projects, helping ensure they are sustainable, safe, and aligned with Vision Dolpo’s mission.
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.
She is currently serving under the Government of Nepal’s mandatory service program at Gandaki Provincial Hospital in Jomsom, Mustang, Nepal. Since joining the Vision Dolpo Board in 2022, Pemma has contributed to health-related projects, drawing on her clinical and nursing expertise to support the organization’s mission in community healthcare and education.
Tashi Nyima
Board Member | Vision Dolpo
Tashi Nyima is a fifth-semester undergraduate law student at National Law Campus under the affiliation of Tribhuvan University and a member of Vision Dolpo’s fourth Bachelor’s Program cohort.
He joined the Vision Dolpo executive board in 2022 and has been actively involved in organizational activities. His legal education is expected to strengthen the organization’s governance, compliance, and advisory capacity in the future.
Board Advisors
Ngawang Lhundup
Advisor | Local Culture Preservation & Promotion
Ngawang Lhundup is an estemeed Advisor for Vision Dolpo. Born in 1995 in Dolpo, Tarap, he studied Tibetan language and Buddhist education at a local yogic monastery and completed secondary education in Kathmandu. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tibetan studies from the prestigious College For Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, known for excellence in Tibetan studies. Ngawang collaborated on three books during college, including the 22nd issue of the college’s journal and a compilation of top Tibetan linguistic research.
In 2015, Ngawang joined Namdroling Monastery’s Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, a renowned center for Tibetan Buddhist education outside Tibet. He served on the institute’s editorial committee, contributing to the “Padmai Rangdang” journal. Ngawang authored five volumes on Namdroling Monastery’s history, one of the largest Tibetan monasteries. Since 2015, he has been documenting old scriptures, folk tales, folk songs, and local history, while serving as chief editor for “Himalayan Platform,” a Tibetan magazine for Dolpo. He also edited Dolpo-related terms in the Monlam Grand Dictionary.
Anticipate the release of Ngawang’s three books in early 2023. These books delve into Dolpo’s monasteries’ history, biographies of revered lamas, and an introduction to their works. Ngawang’s commitment to cultural preservation empowers the Dolpo community, making him an invaluable asset to Vision Dolpo.
Phurwa Dhondup, PhD
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 a proud alumnus of Crystal Mountain School (CMS). His deep commitment to his home region is central to his career; he served as the founding President of Vision Dolpo and has held key local roles, including Teacher at CMS (2010–2011) and Project Coordinator for Action Dolpo (2012–2013).
Phurwa completed his PhD in Geography at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2025, where his doctoral research explored state-building, indigeneity, and multispecies worldmaking in the Himalayas. He also holds an MA in Human Geography from the University of Colorado and a second MA in Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies from Tribhuvan University.
A recognized scholar in political ecology, his work is supported by the National Geographic Society, SSRC, and the Wenner-Gren Foundation. A recipient of the 2020 Dor Bahadur Bista Prize, his research appears in leading publications like Geoforum, Himalaya, and The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Highland Asia. He also leads community-based multimedia projects documenting Dolpo’s folk songs and oral literature.
Bikash Deshar
Advisor | Educational Programs
Bikash is an educator with more than 15 years of experience in Education and Leadership. He helps manage the day to day academic programs in Crystal Mountain School, create curriculum to engage students and design a teaching learning environment for both teachers and students. He has also served as the Academic Director for 3 years from 2020-2023 on-site at Crystal Mountain School.
Bikash holds a Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Kathmandu University and has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Tribhuvan University. In the past, he worked as a Program Manager and a country lead in Sunsar Maya, a non-profit based in San Francisco and Kathmandu. He is also a STEAM educator and a teacher trainer with an experience of training around 500 teachers from around the country. He also worked as an Chief Education Officer in a non-profit called Tergar Charity Nepal and helped them create their pilot curriculum on Women Literacy Program. Working with students and in the education sector is his passion.
Dhargey Gurung
Health Assistant, Dho-Tarap Valley
Dhargey Gurung is widely known throughout the Dho-Tarap Valley as “Dr. Dhargey” for his unwavering dedication as one of the region’s few healthcare professionals. Since graduating as one of the first Health Assistants from Dolpo, he has been serving the community with proficiency and trust for over six years.
A native of Tokyu (Taksi) and one of the first alumni of Crystal Mountain School, Dhargey is a vital healthcare provider in the village. He plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of both students and villagers in the Dho-Tarap Valley.
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, through which she developed expertise in sustainability, energy-efficient design, and the integration of passive and renewable strategies for socially inclusive development.
Her research focuses on housing partnerships, climate-responsive architecture, and disaster risk preparedness in high-altitude Trans-Himalayan regions of Nepal, with particular engagement in Dho Tarap, Dolpo. She works at the intersection of research and practice, promoting sustainable housing, vernacular knowledge integration, and resilient infrastructure in mountain contexts. As the founder of AKARANG, Nistha leads interdisciplinary initiatives in research, design, and community-centered development aimed at strengthening locally grounded and climate-sensitive built environments.
Tirina Manandhar, Architect
Advisor | Passive Solar and Vernacular Architecture
Tirina Manandhar is a passionate architect and co-founder of ForeSight Architects Pvt. Ltd., with a strong dedication to shaping sustainable and socially responsible projects. Armed with a Masters of Science in Energy for Sustainable Social Development and enriched by a student exchange program at NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Norway, Tirina has made meaningful contributions to the field of architecture, focusing on sustainability.
As an Advisor, Tirina Manandhar’s expertise elevates Vision Dolpo’s mission in fostering a harmonious coexistence between architecture and the environment, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.
Our Partners
The Action Dolpo association is our primary partner, helping fund all our major programs for CMS, health post, and undergraduate support. Established in 1993 by Marie-Claire Gentric (Ama), the purpose of the association is to help the population of Dolpo, in particular the inhabitants of the Tarap Valley, in Nepal, by giving the means to the youth of these remote regions to study and preserve their rich heritage, and culture of Tibetan origin. Priority is given to school instruction as a means of access to hygiene, health, protection of the environment, reflection on one’s own culture, etc.
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 