Day 1 - The Dolpo Nationality

Found in the north-western district of Dolpa

There are many Tibetan-related peoples living in the mountains along the northern border of Nepal. Their ancestors came from Tibet many centuries ago. Most of them practice some form of Buddhism and speak different Tibetan-related languages. Though their languages are distinct and many of them are mutually unintelligible, they have many similarities. 

One of these groups is known as the Dolpo people. They live in the region of Dolpa, which is just west of Mustang and south of Tibet. Because the villages are located at high altitudes, it is extremely cold in the winter with sub-zero winds blowing continuously. Their clothing is very thick and warm and generally consists of colours such as maroon, orange, white and blue. Their hair is usually long, plaited, and wrapped around their heads with a red cord. 

They are subsistence farmers, growing barley in the small fields around their villages. They trade some of their barley for salt and other goods with Tibetans to the north and other groups to their south. They also keep sheep, goats and yaks. They are Buddhist and highly revere their religious leaders called lamas. The lama names their children, handles the religious celebrations, and acts as a faith healer in times of sickness. 

This group is totally untouched with the gospel. They still have no written language or literature and there are no known Dolpa believers. In order for a church to be established within this people group, there must be a movement starting with the village leaders and working down from there. Because of their culture, it will do little good for a few individuals or young people to accept Christ. 

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