The tea harvesting period in Nepal is quite long. However, it is divided into four flushes, where the first begins in March and finishes in April, the second one happens in May through June, the third one lasts July to August, and finally the fourth one happens in October, and sometimes can last until early November, which is often coined as winter flush.
People who harvest the tea do it mostly manually and put lots of labour into the activity. It is a traditional scene to see women gathering tea leaves with huge wooden baskets on their backs.
Ilam, also known as “Queen of Hills”—is one of the richest tea districts in Nepal.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Nepal for tea harvest and tasting?
Late March to early November is the best period to visit Nepal for tea harvest. It is divided into four flushes, with the first flush from March to April, the second from May to June, the third from July to August, and the fourth from October to early November. During harvest, visitors can join tea picking and processing and enjoy tea tasting. Show more
Which part of Nepal is best known for its tea production and why?
Ilam is known as the Queen of Hills and is the richest tea district in eastern Nepal. The district has ideal conditions for tea farming in terms of the soil, altitude, climate, and a wide range of tea varieties and flavors. Ilam is hilly, ideal for growing tea and other crops like cardamom and ginger. The tea from Ilam is exported worldwide, and the locals have been involved in the tea industry for generations. Show more
How is the process of tea harvesting and production in Nepal different from other countries?
Tea is harvested mostly by hand in Nepal. Farmers use knives or fingers, depending on the maturity of the leaf. The tea is processed with minimal machines and factories in Nepal, with a focus on eco-friendly processes. The drying, rolling, and sorting process produces different grades of tea quality. The extraordinary attention to detail and the laborious process make Nepalese unique from other countries. Show more
What are the unique flavors and qualities of Nepalese tea that set it apart from other teas?
Tea from Nepal has unique flavours due to its high altitude, which makes it unique from others in the region. It has a fragrant and floral aroma that can stimulate your senses. Nepalese tea is organic, free from additives and chemicals. Also, the high altitude and cool climate provide Nepalese tea with a luxurious liquor quality. Nepalese tea has a sweet after-taste and is rich, making it a must-have experience for tea lovers. Show more
Where can tourists go to experience the tea harvesting process and learn more about Nepalese tea culture?
Nepal offers a varied tea plantation educational tours and programs. Ilam offers an extensive tea program, where visitors can learn about the farming and processing of tea. Tourists can visit tea factories and tea garden bungalows that offer homestay programs and tea tasting sessions. Also, visitors can attend tea festivals like the national tea day, which is every November, to gain insight into Nepalese tea culture. Show more
