I got a tea garden named after me in Nepal

My relationship with Nepal Tea began with the tiniest project ever, sourcing just 2 to 3 kilograms of tea for my company, Metolius Tea. After taking an incredible journey with Nepal Tea through so many of their tea gardens, they are now picking and producing a special spring harvest just for Metolius Tea. After touring the tea gardens, bonding with the warm people, dancing with the children of the mountains, Nepal Tea gave me a surprise I will always cherish: A tea garden named after Metolius Tea!

Amy

"Fresh and authentic insights into Nepali flavors & gastronomy"

My journey to Nepal deepened my understanding of the philosophy of the Camelia Sinensis plant on this planet. It was more than just about drinking tea, it was a journey that opened up an entirely new world of flavors to me. In Illam, I spend hours in Kiran & Kedar's kitchen, tasting vivid, new flavors in their sauces, and learning about their creative conservation and feneration processess. The warm, open and deeply hospitable nature of the home chef's Kedar and Kiran gave me detailed, fresh and authentic insights into Nepali flavors and gastronomy.

Alex

"Fully immerse myself in the pristine Nepali landscape"

Though I'm not usually one for heights, or highland adventures, my trip through Nepal Tea's tea gardens in the mountains made me feel secure and safe. This wasn't a trip through a strange land guided by a stranger, this was an adventure guided by our very own Nishchal. His close attention and care melted away my fears and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the pristine Nepali landscape.

- Johnathan

"Very unusual in the life of an accountant like me!"

From dancing (OR shaking the booty) on the streets with Nepali children, dancing to English and Nepali folk songs, travelling through idyllic village towns with the founders and a troupe of flighty children packed into a rickety truck, just for the fun of it, visiting esoteric guides, artists and astrologers with insane, mind-blowing insight into your life, this trip with Nepal Tea Collective was a journey full of surprise and whimsy. The ad hoc, go with the flow nature of Nepal gave me a refreshing series of serendipitous, magical encounters -- very unusual in the life of an accountant like me!

- Maria

Day 0

Touchdown at Kathmandu

Check into Kathmandu Guest House, at the heart of Thamel in Kathmandu. Rest in the warm and hospitable hands of Kathmandu Guest House, stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, and prepare for the adventure that awaits you!

Day 1:

Travel Through Kathmandu

Breakfast in Thamel, lunch at 5th century Buddist Stupa, Boudhanath, and after a sound healing session guided by a healer with 40 years of experience, dinner at 17th century palace square, Patan Durbar Square.

Day 2:

Old Palaces, Art and Local Cuisine

A trip to the 14th century palace, Bhaktapur Durbar Square will allow you to take in the fascinating colors and craft of local pottery and thangka paintings. End the day immersed in local cuisine with a momo (local dumpling) making class with a local home chef.

Day 3:

Journey To the East

A flight to Bhadrapur and a ride to Ilam will take you to a special tea farm. Meet world renowned tea-master, Sonam Lama, with a tea tasting session. Rest in a local homestay, with a family in Illam.

Day 4:

Taste Incredible Tea Cuisines in Illam

After a special breakfast at Kedar’s, try tea-smoked cheese at a local factory. Experience a hearty permaculture garden, and learn to make special tea dishes at a cozy homestay at the heart of a tea garden.

Day 5:

Family Gardens in Phidim, KTE

After an early tea processing and tea tasting session with our tea maker, Sharad, have lunch at a local garden. Then, travel to our family gardens on Kanchanjangha Tea Estate. Watch a tea processing demonstration in the evening, and spend the night in our tea gardens.

Day 6:

Pluck, Process and Taste Special Teas

Take a guided tour of our family farms, pluck special tea leaves, and learn how to process teas. After lunch, take a guided tour of fragrant tea factories with a special tea tasting. End the night in our tea gardens.

Day 7:

Hike Through the Family Farms

Start the day with tea processing, tea rolling and tasting. Hike through our tea gardens to view the first tea bushes planted on our farms. Return to dry your teas, and partake in a fun blind tea tasting competition in the evening. This is the final day on our family farm, and farewells might get emotional!

Day 8:

(Phidim - Illam - Kathmandu) Back to Kathmandu

Travel to Bhadrapur early in the morning and get back to Kathmandu by the evening. Take a casual rest day to shop, roam through the winding city, and experience the bustling food and arts scene.

Day 9:

Kathmandu - Casual Day + High tea session

Have a casual day in Kathmandu with a short visit to our operations and export office in Kathmandu. We will host an indulgent high tea session in the afternoon, and end the day preparing for departure.

Day 10:

Kathmandu - Visit Champadevi Temple for Peace

A trip to Champadevi temple for peace and blessings, followed by a peek into your future with one of Nepal’s most renowned priests and astrologers. We will close our trip with a casual tea drinking session, reflect on our new friendships and our journey together.