In October of 2017 when we trekked to the Upper Dolpo to visit the schools, we took 15 portable solar lights. The cost of each light is ~ $25 US. They provide ~ 150 lumens and can be hung like a lantern – a very practical design. We wanted to test their durability and usefulness so only took a few.

Kunsang, a teacher at Saldang, provided complete instructions and within an hour, many other villagers were asking for “light?” Since then, 500 solar lights have been delivered and are brightening lives. 

Some homes have a fixed solar light and solar panel – this is becoming more common. Fire from yak dung and twigs, or kerosene lanterns is still the only light source for most households here and the resulting indoor pollution causes pulmonary and eye disease. Many of the older adults suffer from very poor eyesight. A doctor visiting with Nomad’s Clinic said “that when he looked into their eyes with an ophthalmoscope he rarely saw a “red reflex”—the red light bouncing off a healthy retina. Instead, he saw the opacity of eyes beginning to form cataracts from long exposure to the blazing sun of the high-altitude desert.”

These portable lights have proven to be extremely useful and durable; as a general light in the home, to travel to the toilet at night; to help students read and study in the evenings, and to visit neighbours. There have been reports that leaving lights on at night helps to deter snow leopards, especially at high summer camps where some villagers stay to give their animals access to better grazing grounds (and to keep them out of the barley fields!)

We are able to purchase these at considerable discount for charitable purposes through LuminAID and offer very special thanks for their help!