A tea seller’s journey: 27 years of brewing success in Khotang

KATHMANDU: Biras Tamang, a 47-year-old resident of Nunthala in Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-13, Khotang, has completed 27 years of selling tea.

She began her tea-selling journey in 1997 by establishing a tea shop along the Diktel-Halesi section of the Mid-Hill Highway in Nunthala Danda.

Today, after covering her expenses, Biras earns a monthly profit exceeding Rs 50,000.

Situated at an altitude of 1,823 meters above sea level, Nunthala’s cold breeze draws customers to Biras’s tea shop throughout the day.

Her establishment, Biras Hotel and Lodge, is a popular spot where visitors relish hot tea alongside traditional snacks like dudhko chhali (milk cream) and beaten rice.

Biras’s shop consumes 25 karuwas of milk daily to prepare tea and cream snacks. She sources the milk from local farmers in Nunthala at Rs 40 per karuwa. “Travelers heading to Kathmandu and various districts in the Terai often stop here to enjoy a cup of tea,” Biras shared.

Nunthala, a Mid-Hill Highway tourist hub, attracts domestic and international visitors.

Targeting this clientele, Biras initially sold meals and snacks but has now specialized in tea and cream with beaten rice, selling a serving of chhali and beaten rice at Rs 100 per portion.

Through her tea business, Birsa has funded the education and upbringing of her three children.

One daughter has completed her master’s degree, the other has graduated with a bachelor’s, and her son has passed his Grade 12 exams.

Currently, all three are pursuing further studies in Japan. The income from her tea shop has been instrumental in covering their educational expenses.

Biras credits her success to her husband, Manas Tamang, who has been a constant support throughout her journey.

Despite challenges, her perseverance and dedication have made her tea shop a beloved destination and a testament to entrepreneurial spirit in the hills of Nepal.