Norbu Tamang

Standing in front of an aluminium covered sales hut, I was curious to find out how Norbu managed to supplement the income from the lodge.

Did the fermented rice make it into the shelves? Are his infamous vegetable momos shrink wrapped and ready to travel back to Europe? The recipe to his kettle soup is for sale? Is he a secret painter and has Langtang landscapes for sale? After removing the string that kept it closed, I discovered that he sells locally crafted scarves, shawls and hats.

Proposal

After discussing this for about an hour I came up with an idea. I offered to purchase the same amount of scarves that he would sell in a year. Sell these back in Europe and I would share 50% of the takings with him. This was going to be a return of about $500 which was 18 months worth of wages for him and his family. The aim wasn’t to make money for me but to help the Tamang family.

Without much negotiation, we shook hands there and then. The plan was to meet Jangbu in Kathmandu a few days later and they would drop off the scarves ready to pack and ship them back home.

Making it work

I now had 40 scarves and shawls that were going to help me generate some money so that Jangbu, Norbu and the rest of their family. My aim was now to go back to Switzerland and help the Tamang family.

I felt that I could do more though and on my way back to Kathmandu I starting to think how I could also help Binod, my tour guide whilst in the city prior to my expedition.

This is how this project began and why it is so close to my heart.