Origins · Nepal and Darjeeling
In short
- Same mountains, similar soil, altitude and mist.
- Nepali teas are often softer and rounder in taste.
- Much Nepali tea comes from small family gardens.
- Similar quality often costs less than Darjeeling.
Ilam in eastern Nepal and Darjeeling in India sit on the same mountain range, separated by a border rather than by nature. The soil, altitude and misty climate are very similar, so their teas share a great deal. Read more about the region in Ilam: Nepal’s Eastern Tea Hills.
History
Darjeeling’s gardens were planted in the mid-1800s. Nepal’s tea story began soon after in Ilam but grew more slowly. Today Nepal’s small gardens are gaining wide recognition for quality.
Taste
Both regions produce bright, aromatic black teas with floral and fruity notes. Nepali teas are often described as softer and rounder, with a gentle natural sweetness.
Scale
Darjeeling relies more on large estates. Much of Nepal’s tea comes from small family gardens and cooperatives, which allows careful, small-batch production. See The Small Farm Philosophy.
Value
Because the name “Darjeeling” carries a premium, Nepali teas of similar quality often cost less.
Which should you choose?
Taste both. If you love a fragrant second-flush cup, try our Himalayan Summer • Second Flush.