Mail by Runner 144: A thread from the heart of the Himalayas

Since the Women of Everest Online Auction went live on Wednesday, over $10,000 has been raised for programmes supporting women and girls in the Everest region. More than 55 items are up for bidding, and the most sought-after ones already have 10+ bids each.

Every dollar raised goes directly to our work in Nepal—100% of proceeds are donated.

Amid the adventure experiences, artwork, and rare memorabilia, there’s one piece that quietly speaks to the heart of what this auction is all about: connection to place, people, and tradition.

From a valley untouched by time

High in the far north of Nepal lies the Tsum Valley, a place so remote that its rhythms have barely changed for centuries. Life here follows the seasons; traditions are passed from one generation to the next without interruption.

On a recent trip, Alexander Hillary and his fiancée walked into this world. Travelling far from the main trekking routes, they found themselves in a small settlement where wooden looms creaked under the steady work of skilled weavers. There were no machines, no rush—just the quiet, patient art of turning yarn into something both beautiful and practical.

Among the pieces they saw was a single scarf, woven in the same way it would have been a hundred years ago. It’s more than a garment; it’s a fragment of the valley’s story, holding the time, care, and cultural memory of the people who made it.