Lhakpa Tsering

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.}

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.}

Phurwa Dhondup, PhD

_{Advisor | Programs and Community Development}

_{Phurwa Dhondup, born and raised in Dho Tarap, is a proud alumnus of Crystal Mountain School (CMS). In addition to serving as the President of Vision Dolpo when it was established, he worked as a Teacher at CMS (2010-2011) and the Project Coordinator of Action Dolpo (2012-2013). Currently, he is working on his PhD studies in Geography at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. He has an MA in Human Geography from the University of Colorado and a second MA in Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies from Tribhuvan University. His research on Dolpo and elsewhere appear in journals and edited books including Geoforum, Himalaya, Environment and Planning, and The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Highland Asia.}

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.}

_{Her architectural journey began as a project architect at CE Services, where she spent five years honing her skills in diverse building designs and project management. At Vision Dolpo, Tirina plays a crucial role as a core member of the Passive Solar and Vernacular Architecture team. She provides invaluable expertise in implementing sustainable building techniques, promoting local architecture, and developing climate-resilient structures using indigenous materials and passive solar heating for winter.}

_{Currently, Tirina is deeply involved in designing an integrated Early Childhood Development center for Dho and Taksi villages, as well as on-campus infrastructure projects at Crystal Mountain School in Dolpo. These ventures showcase her unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and their positive impact on the communities they serve. 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.}