On 26 August 2026, devastating flash floods swept through Nepal, causing widespread loss of life and leaving communities facing an unimaginable situation.

Among those missing were 15 members of the trekking team who have worked with VoluntEars for 10 years, including our Lead Guide, Dan Tamang, his son Pemba, and his brother Bhim.

They were all guides and sherpas who played a huge part in the many treks we have run in Nepal. They were also friends, colleagues and much-loved members of the VoluntEars family.

The majority of those who have been lost were from the same mountain village and were the main breadwinners for their families. Their deaths left wives, children and other family members facing not only the grief of losing someone they love, but also the uncertainty of how they will manage financially in the months and years ahead.

We at VoluntEars started a GoFundMe page to raise funds specifically to support two of these families: the wife and family of Dan Tamang, who led all of our treks, and the wife and two children of his son, Pemba Tamang, who was assistant guide on all of our treks.

100% of the money raised is being sent directly to these families through monthly payments, helping with everyday living costs and the children’s school fees. We are coordinating this with Dan’s surviving family members to ensure the funds are distributed in the most helpful way possible.

You are welcome to make a donation using this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-support-the-families-of-dan-and-pemba-in-nepal

Remembering the good times

We think it’s important to remember the fun times we and our customers had with Dan, Pemba and Bhim so below we’re sharing a short film made by one of our former customers and some of the stories sent to us by people from our previous trips:

“I have many fond memories of Dan and Pemba leading our Poon Hill trek back in 2018. I think about this trip often because of how incredible the trip was, but also how great of an experience Dan and Pemba made sure we had.” – Alanna Kilroy

“I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced Dan’s hospitality at his Kathmandu home, met his lovely wife, met Pemba’s children, and visited Dan’s village. I will treasure those special memories forever. Xx” – Ruby

“They were all super amazing throughout our VoluntEars trip. My heart truly goes out to all their families.” – Ellie Parfitt

“Nepal will always have a special place in my heart and that’s because of people like Dan, Pemba and Bhim making me feel so welcome in their beautiful country. Trekking in Nepal led by Dan and the team will remain some of my favourite memories.” – Sophie Coole

Pemba – trekking with VoluntEars in Nepal

“Having shared the Everest Base Camp trek in 2024, I’ll always remember what a great man he was. His infectious energy, positivity and the way he kept us motivated with his “jam jam” whenever the trek got tough will stay with me forever.

I’ll always remember the laughs, the joking around and him learning sign language from us along the way. He was always up for a laugh and made the whole experience even more special with his wonderful sense of humour and positive spirit.

He made such a lasting impression on everyone around him, and I feel privileged to have shared that incredible experience with him.”– Lizzie Whalin.

“He was truly a great man, always learning sign language, joking around with everyone, no matter who you were. Our time on the Everest trek in 2024 means so much. His “Jam Jam”, his laugh, his endless encouragement, I’ll remember it all forever.” – Caroline Napier

“I remember Dan and his son Pemba were very good when I was trekking. I couldn’t climb up and down, but Dan helped me all the way. I will never forget him and Pemba. Truly lovely men.” – Delyth Griffiths

“Remembering all the good times we had together, I will forever cherish the memories we shared — especially those moments enjoying a few glasses of Khukri Rum together.” – Matt Royce

“I will always remember their welcoming and positive energy when we did the trekking, especially Pemba, who supported me throughout and made sure I got to the top.” – Holly Woodfield

“They were the nicest people & fantastic with our entire group during our trek – always there to support and keep everyone going.” – Sandy Deo

“They were wonderful, caring humans, bringing so much fun, positive energy and kindness to our trips.” – Stephanie Denison

“They are an exceptionally kind, generous, and deeply caring toward others. Unforgettable Dan and team.” – Tracy Price

“They were very supportive of us as a group and looked after us well during the everest base camp trek.” – Alisdair Grant

“I’ll always remember his infectious energy and the way he would say “jam jam” to keep us motivated throughout the trek. He made such a lasting impression on us and will always be remembered.” – Jessica Oaten

“They were such kind, funny, warm, friendly and helpful people. I will never forget them and they will stay in my heart forever.” – Janet Payne

“I am grateful for all the support from Dan, Pemba, Bhim and the team during our trip. My favourite memories were at the end of a long day: legs are tired, tummy full of daal bhat, still can’t quite believe we’re actually doing this, sun going down, socks all hung up in front of the fire and everyone laughing at Dan’s card tricks. Knowing that tomorrow will be another day of ‘jam jam’s, beautiful views and it might be hard but we would manage because you were with Dan and the team and as he always said – “My name is ‘no problem’!” Some of the golden days that were spent with friends in the mountains.” – Lauren Randell

A message from VoluntEars Director, Richard Clowes

“After working with Dan, Pemba and Bhim for ten years, it’s difficult to put into words what they meant to us and to the many people whose treks they led. They weren’t simply guides we hired. They were part of the VoluntEars family.

Over the years we have shared the highs and lows of running countless treks in Nepal; stood on mountains watching an early morning sunrise with a strong black coffee while our customers wake up in a tea house behind us; bounced ideas off each other about the best ways to help people in our groups who needed extra encouragement to get through a particular day; raced each other up rocky steps at 3,000m to be first to arrive at the end of a day, only to then be unable to talk to each other for five minutes because we were so out of breath while the tea house owners laughed at us; paced around nervously waiting for the clouds to part at Lukla so our Everest Base Camp group could take the last flight of the day out of the mountains, while making contingency plans if it didn’t happen; explained to Dan why it probably wasn’t sensible to climb a tree leaning over a river to look for a monkey to show our group; and put our arms around each other after dropping groups of customers at the airport to fly home after successful treks with people who had never been to the Himalayas before – together we did it.

We’ll all remember them with great fondness…”

Thanks to everyone for sharing their memories!

More info about VoluntEars trips:

See our next trips here: https://voluntears.info/destinations

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