Dorje Dolma was born in the remote Dolpo region of Nepal, high in the mountains bordering Tibet. To find help for a life-threatening health condition, her parents took her at age ten on a month-long trek to Kathmandu, where they encountered westerners who brought Dorje to the United States for the surgery that saved her life. Dorje graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Fine Arts, worked as a pre-school teacher, and continues to develop her art. She will donate part of the proceeds from her book to help provide medical care to Dolpo.

“A rare and fascinating testimony, told from the inside, of a little girl who made an incredible trip from inner Dolpo to America—and from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.” —Eric Valli, director of the Oscar-nominated film Himalaya

“Reading this Dolpo native’s expression of life as a young girl in her remote homeland is the best way to truly experience and understand the untold story of its unique culture and traditions.” — Tenzin Norbu, internationally known artist and illustrator, native of Dolpo

“Yak Girl tells the heartbreaking story of a young girl raised under very difficult circumstances, high in the Himalayas. Dorje tells her personal story with such vivid details and honesty that it will move everyone who reads it.” —Simonka de Jong, documentary filmmaker, director of The Only Son