Until recently, the mysterious, hidden land of Dolpo—with its sacred sites, crystal-clear Shè-Poksumde Lake, and dramatic landscapes—remained almost unknown to the outside world.

Tucked away in the northwestern region of Nepal, Dolpo is home to scattered settlements at altitudes ranging from 2,300 to 4,300 meters.
Breathtaking snow-capped mountain ranges, rising nearly 7,000 meters, encircle the region, making it directly accessible to most visitors only by air and several days of walking. Others, determined to reach Dolpo, travel by foot or take a bus or jeep to Dunai and then continue on foot for days—boldly overcoming immense challenges while crossing 5,000-meter passes that seem to pierce the heavens.

Introduction

The Upper Dolpo region of Dolpa district lies far beyond the reach of state services and facilities. In terms of healthcare, government presence in the region has always been minimal.
Traditionally, local Amchis have provided free healthcare to the people of Dolpo using indigenous herbs. Among them, Dolpo Amchi Namgyal Rinpoche has lived in Upper Dolpo for 36 years, serving both locals and travelers through traditional herbal medicine.

Born in Dho village of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality, Ward No. 1, Amchi Namgyal began studying Sowa Rigpa (the traditional science of healing) at the age of 18. After completing his studies, he returned to his village to practice, researching local herbs, preparing medicines, and treating patients free of charge.

In 2055 BS, he established the first Dolpo Amchi Association, dedicated to providing healthcare services and preserving the Amchi tradition in Dolpa. Through this foundation, Amchi services continue to this day, offering free treatment, researching local herbs, and producing Sowa Rigpa medicines. The organization also trains locals through workshops on medicinal herbs and their applications, while playing a leading role in the conservation of important resources, including Yarsagumba.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization distributed herbal medicines and ran health and environmental awareness programs. His contributions also include founding Dolpo Sorig Khunphen Men Tsee Khang in 2003 AD (2059 BS). Today, his daughter continues the work, having completed her studies in Sowa Rigpa Medicine at Sowa Rigpa International College.

Recognizing the importance of sustaining this work, Dolpo Amchi has appealed to governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as individuals, for support. His knowledge and guidance were shaped by his grandfather, Ghutuk Lama, and his root teacher, Gakar Urgyen Rinpoche, at Rebo Bhumpa Gumba.

In 2014 AD (2070 BS), he became President of the Himalayan Amchi Association. He is also the author of the well-known travel guide Dolpo: The Hidden Land and another guidebook to the sacred Buddha Ribo.

His impact extends far beyond Dolpo. With followers from many countries, Dolpo Amchi travels internationally to promote Buddhism and Sowa Rigpa, sharing the healing wisdom of his tradition with the wider world.