Ice Stupa Himalaya

Most villages in Zanskar are now facing acute water shortage, particularly during the two crucial months of May and June when there is little water in the streams and the villagers compete to water their newly planted crops. Last winter there was only a little snowfall and the villagers only cultivated 50% of their fields due to lack of water. By mid-September, all farming activities ended already. The situation will get worse in future as Himalayan glaciers are also disappearing due to global warming and climate change.

We got inspired by Mr Sonam Wangchuk local engineer for the Ice Stupa Artificial Glacier who also won the Rolex Award winner for Enterprise in 2016. We got taught by him and are using his technique to build an ice stupa artificial glacier in Zanskar for the first time. Ice stupa forms artificial “glaciers” which store winter water and precipitations in the form of ice mountains that melt in spring and early summer and feed the fields when water is most needed by the farmers.

I am Yeshi Dorjay from Zanskar living in Switzerland for three years. I am a trekking guide in Ladakh during summer time and here in Switzerland I am working as an assistant cook in a Japanese Restaurant in Bern city Switzerland. Together with my friends and support from Langmi village Zanskar we have decided to carry out this project.

Location: Langmi Youlsum village in Zanskar valley (region of Ladakh)
We have chosen Langmi Youlsum village because they have the most shortage of water as compared to other villages and all the villagers are highly involved in this project.

This project is lead by Tsering Samphel (Pale from Langmi), Padma Sonam and Lobzang Rinchan (from Tungri). We have a strong support from the village people of Langmi village.

The project will start from 1st of Nov 2018 and during all the winter our team will build up the ice and it is expected to last till the end of June 2019. We will be able to build up an ice stupa every year afterwards.

Around 30 families (approx. 8 persons per family) in Langmi and 30 other families in nearby villages will benefit from the project. They will be able to cultivate again their whole fields next year and have no shortage of food during wintertime. As a pilot project for Zanskar, we will inspire other villages that face a shortage of water to also built an ice stupa!
This project will enable to continue the traditional lifestyle of the Himalayan culture.

Equipment’s cost CHF 1700
Transportation cost CHF 300
Foundation and pipe line cost CHF 900
Maintenance cost CHF 300

Total budget CHF 3200

Crowdfunding 9% fee (270 CHF)

Thank you so much for your help and support for Zanskar. JULLAY!

Yeshi