Nepal
Tea cultivation in Nepal has a relatively short history, dating back to the 19th century. The first tea plants were brought to Nepal from the renowned Darjeeling region in neighboring India. Tea cultivation started to develop in higher altitude areas, which are suitable for producing high-quality teas.
In 1863, the first tea plantation in Nepal, Ilam Tea Estate, was established. Other plantations followed, mainly in the eastern and central regions of Nepal.
During British rule, tea became an important source of income for Nepal and was primarily exported to India and Great Britain. After Nepal gained independence, tea cultivation was somewhat neglected. However, in recent decades, interest in Nepalese tea has returned, and in terms of quality, it often even surpasses Darjeeling.