The NPC is located to the right of the bonfire if you’re facing the altar. As soon as you fast travel to the bonfire you will hear a new NPC begin speaking to you.
To gain access to the DLC once you’ve purchased the add-on, head to the Cleansing Chapel bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep area.
While skilled Dark Souls veterans can probably handle the DLC at level 70 (or even a bit lower), average players should aim to be at least level 80 before taking on the DLC, while novice players should probably be closer to level 100. Going in at anything below level 70 would make the Ashes of Ariandel DLC more difficult than it needs to be. It should be noted that the DLC is meant to be played late in the main game or even after you’ve already completed your first play through depending on your level.
