While visiting China in 1863, Nepal’s Prime Minister, Junga Bahadur Rana was given a token gift of tea seeds by the Chinese emperor. Upon his return to Nepal the Prime Minister instructed his Governor general, Colonel Gajraj Singh Thapa to plant them. Two plantations were quickly set up by Colonel Thapa to- gether with his Royal Army in 1864 in Ilam and Soktim, in the far eastern corner of Nepal. |
Today Nepal produces both CTC (cut-tear-curl) teas, and stylish, quality orthodox teas that are tippy, full-bodied, and flavorful.Their orthodox teas are nearly indistinguishable from Darjeeling teas grown within view, just a few kilometers from the border of India and Nepal. There the lush green tea gardens of the Darjeeling Hills lie at the foothills of the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, physically connecting Nepal and India.After overcoming the |
political unrest, and severe poverty, Nepal’s tea industry is finally moving forward, having made great strides in growth and production.Various organizations have come together, working with the tea growers, packers, manufacturers, and exporters to help insure the continued suc- ces of Nepal’s tea industry. Among them is the Nepal Tea Planter’s Associ- ation (NTPA), which is made up of 23 CTC factory members; the Himalayan Orthodox Tea Planter’s Association (HOTPA), a non-profit, non-political or- ganization which represents 18,000 small tea farmer members and entre- preneurs with the common goal of promoting orthodox tea manufacture in the hilly eastern region of Nepal, with 11 orthodox factories. Representing the marketing arm is the Himalayan Tea Marketing Cooperative (HIM- COOP), working to increase worldwide exposure of Nepal’s teas. Even though most of Nepal’s tea gardens are privately owned there are still a few that remain Smallholders own the majority of tea gar- Approximately half of the total 25,000 cultiv- The two original tea gardens at Ilam and Soktim planted in 1864 China are still under cultivation, and along Ilam Tea Estate (Taste of the Himalayas) – originally planted in Soktim Tea Estate– this estate was planted in 1864 as an extension of Ilam. Kanyam Tea Estate (Sip of the Himalayas) – located near Mount Kanchen- Tokla Tea Estate – virgin land in the mountainous foothills of eastern Nepal was chosen to build Chilingkot Tea Estate (Oasis in the Forest) – the Burne Tea Estate (Mid Grown Envy) – Burne tea gardens lie in the middle where hills and |
Bardasi Tea Estate (Taming the Wild) – planted during the challenging year of 1974 this garden is known for its wilderness, producing about 35,000 kg/year, mainly black CTC teas.Nepal produces tea throughout the year with four distinct seasons before the bushes go dormant for winter. Each season’s teas have distinctive character and flavors, with the spring crop beginning in late February through mid April, producing small leaf teas that are fresh and aromatic. Next comes the summer crop of May and June with somewhat larger leaves, with a full- bodied flavor and bright rose-hued infusion. In June the monsoon flush starts in eastern Nepal and lasts through the end of Septem- Enjoy. |