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The Woman Crafting Tea

in the Shadow of Everest

Meet Janaki Khadka, the pioneering tea maker helping redefine what Himalayan tea can be.

And the visionary behind the worlds highest elevation tea. 

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When most people think of the Everest region, tea isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Snow-covered peaks, mountaineering expeditions, and Sherpa villages have long defined this corner of Nepal. Yet hidden among these Himalayan foothills, a new story is quietly unfolding—one rooted not in climbing mountains, but in cultivating extraordinary tea.

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In the Solukhumbu District, where cool mountain air, dramatic elevation, and seasonal mists shape the landscape, small tea gardens are proving that world-class tea can flourish in one of the most unlikely places on Earth. At the center of this movement is Janaki Khadka, whose work has helped establish the region as an emerging destination for specialty tea.

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A Pioneer in Nepalese Tea

Tea has traditionally been considered a male-dominated profession throughout much of Nepal. Janaki challenged those expectations by becoming the first female tea maker in Nepal's Everest region. Through dedication, curiosity, and years of hands-on experience, she has helped demonstrate that exceptional tea begins with both careful craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the land. Today, she works alongside local growers to produce teas that reflect the unique character of the Himalayas while inspiring more women to pursue careers in specialty tea.

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"After years working with HIPRON on community development projects, she discovered specialty tea through tea sommelier training under renowned Nepalese tea expert Sonam Lama. Inspired by tea's potential to transform her community, she became instrumental in building Bhakanje Tea Estate from the ground up." - Nepal Tea Collective

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"Tea begins with both careful craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the land"

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Tea Grown at the Roof of the World

The tea gardens surrounding Everest experience conditions unlike almost anywhere else. Cool temperatures slow the growth of the tea plants, allowing the leaves to develop gradually over an extended growing season. Mountain mists, mineral-rich soils, and crisp alpine air combine to produce teas celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable smoothness.

Every harvest tells the story of its environment—a true expression of Himalayan terroir.

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"Unlike Nepal's well-known tea gardens in Ilam, Bhakanje Tea Estate was established with a different vision. Created in partnership with local farmers through the Himalayan Project Nepal (HIPRON), the estate was designed to create sustainable economic opportunities in one of Nepal's most remote mountain communities. More than 40 farming families contribute leaves from small gardens scattered across elevations reaching nearly 8,800 feet (2,678 meters) above sea level." - Nepal Tea Collective

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Everest Black

Among the estate's most celebrated creations is Everest Black, a tea that captures the character of Nepal's high mountains in every cup.

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The high altitude slows the growth of the tea bushes. Cool mountain air, monsoon rains, and rocky Himalayan soils allow the leaves to mature gradually, developing exceptional complexity while remaining naturally low in bitterness. Every harvest reflects the rugged landscape where it was grown.

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Rather than emphasizing strength alone, Everest Black is known for its refined balance. The slow-growing leaves produce a naturally smooth liquor with layered complexity and a lingering finish that reflects the unique climate in which they were grown.

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For tea lovers seeking something beyond traditional origins, Everest Black offers an opportunity to experience one of the world's most distinctive mountain-grown teas.

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More Than a Cup

Behind every leaf is a community. The tea gardens surrounding Everest provide meaningful opportunities for local families while encouraging sustainable agriculture in one of Nepal's most remote regions.

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For us at Elevation Tea, this is exactly why we search beyond the traditional tea map. Every origin has a story worth sharing, and every cup offers a chance to discover the people, landscapes, and traditions that make each tea truly unique.