Everest Black (Top of the World Tea)

In the heart of Solukhumbu, Janaki Khadka's journey began in 1998 with the Himalayan Project Nepal (HIPRON), where she worked to uplift her community and drive change. As the first female tea maker and current factory manager, her Everest Black Tea now shines on the shelves of Nepal Tea Collective, capturing the essence of Solukhumbu's majestic peaks in every cup.

Everest Black Tea stands out from typical robust black teas with its distinctive monsoon flush. Hand-picked during Nepal's rainy season, this harvest yields a surprisingly mild and soothing cup. The monsoon speeds up leaf growth to just 10 days, which is half the time compared to standard flushes. While the constant rain makes the leaves thinner, it also contributes to the tea’s unique and distinctive flavor.

In the production process, the leaves undergo withering in a controlled environment to reduce moisture and begin oxidation. For the monsoon flush, this withering is extended to concentrate the flavors in the thinner leaves, resulting in a unique tea profile.

At Bhakanje Tea Estate, the tea makers skillfully navigate the challenges of relentless rain and monsoon leeches, turning these conditions into an opportunity to craft exceptional Everest Black Tea.

The journey of Everest Black Tea began with the Himalayan Project Nepal (HIPRON), a non-profit focused on empowering the Solukhumbu community. After years of educational initiatives, HIPRON sought a sustainable economic solution and noticed a few local farmers growing tea for personal use. Soil tests confirmed the region’s potential for tea cultivation, leading to the establishment of Bhakanje Tea Estate in 2019.

What sets this "High Mountain Tea" apart is its challenging origin. Unlike Nepal's tea capital, Ilam, the tea plantations in Solukhumbu are scattered across home gardens at altitudes ranging from 1,800 to 2,600 meters. Bhakanje Tea Estate, managed by dedicated tea makers, produces limited batches of black tea that embody the community’s commitment and the distinctive Himalayan terroir in every sip.

This tea is ideal for those who enjoy a bold black tea but prefer a smoother, less astringent experience. It offers a robust and invigorating cup with a balanced, full-bodied flavor that is rich and complex yet comfortably smooth, making it perfect for those who appreciate depth without sharpness or bitterness.