In the Himalayan region of Dolpo in northwestern Nepal, researchers have undertaken an ambitious mission to digitally document the centuries-old Buddhist monasteries in the region. Combining advanced 3D technology with architectural and geodetic expertise, the initiative offers the first comprehensive record of Dolpo’s religious structures—those that have been exposed for so long to earthquakes, landslides, climate change, and infrastructure development.

A model of the Shey ensemble, based on 3D measurements by Graz University of Technology. Credit: TU Graz

Dolpo, a culturally Tibetan enclave where Buddhist and Bon traditions still co-exist, is home to numerous temples dating back to the 11th century. Many of these buildings, situated on remote mountain slopes, remain unrecorded and vulnerable to decay. A group from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has now digitally mapped and reconstructed several of these ancient sites, creating high-resolution 3D models and detailed architectural plans that could serve as blueprints for future conservation efforts. Their study was published in Heritage.

The interdisciplinary project, initiated in 2018, has so far documented eighteen Buddhist sites in Dolpo. During four field missions, researchers conducted in-situ surveys with laser scanners, total stations, drones, and DSLR cameras—equipment meticulously selected to withstand the demanding conditions of the high Himalayas. Since the area is accessible only on foot and there is no electricity or internet coverage, the team had to rely on solar-powered batteries and offline software to conduct the surveys.

These efforts have produced a valuable digital archive in the form of pH๏τographs, measured drawings, and 3D visualizations of temple complexes such as the Nesar Temple. Every dataset provides information regarding the structural design, inscriptions, and iconography of the buildings, aiding researchers in better understanding the evolution of Buddhist architecture in the western Himalayas. The documentation also serves a practical purpose: it acts as a basis for restoration work and can guide rebuilding efforts if future natural disasters strike.

The Shey Sumdo Monastery was founded in the 17th century and is an important religious centre on Lake Phoksundo in Upper Dolpo. Credit: Carmen Auer, TU Graz

The value of this work became clear after the devastating earthquake that occurred in Nepal in 2015, when the absence of detailed architectural records hindered reconstruction. The Dolpo project seeks to prevent such losses by documenting each structural and artistic element—down to murals and carvings—digitally.

In addition to conserving heritage, the project enhances cultural awareness and provides benefits for local communities. By working together with residents and temple caretakers, the researchers have encouraged greater appreciation of the religious and historical significance of these structures. The team also expects that the visibility of their efforts, shared through digital platforms, will attract sponsors and government support for much-needed restoration and maintenance.

Floor plan, ceiling plan, and pictures of the ᴀssembly hall in the Nesar Gompa. Credit: Carmen Elisabeth Auer, Heritage (2025)

Ultimately, the project ensures that living traditions centered around these temples continue to thrive. These temples are not merely relics of the past; they remain vibrant centers of worship and cultural continuity.

More information: Graz University of TechnologyPublication: Auer, C. E. (2025). Surveying a sacred landscape: First steps to a holistic documentation of Buddhist architecture in Dolpo. Heritage, 8(9), 385. doi:10.3390/heritage8090385