Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Nepal Hills Tea — our farm-direct sourcing in Nepal, our teas, brewing, shipping, and more. Can't find your answer? Email us at info@nepalhillstea.ca.

What is Nepal Hills Tea?

Nepal Hills Tea is a Canadian specialty tea company that imports farm-direct, single-origin loose leaf teas from small artisan tea gardens in eastern Nepal. We work directly with small-batch tea makers in Nepal's Ilam and Taplejung districts to bring authentic Nepali black, green, white, and oolong teas to tea drinkers in North America.

Where does Nepal Hills Tea's tea come from?

Our teas are grown and hand-crafted in small artisan gardens in the Ilam and Taplejung districts of eastern Nepal, in the foothills of the Himalayas, at altitudes of roughly 5,100+ feet (1,560+ m) — ideal conditions for premium tea. We import directly from small-batch producers such as Chiyabari Bhanjhyang Tea Processing Co. and Norling Specialty Tea in Illam, rather than buying through large estates or brokers.

Who founded Nepal Hills Tea?

Nepal Hills Tea was founded by Bhaskar Dahal, who grew up around tea in Nepal before moving to Canada. After struggling to find teas that matched what he remembered from home, he started Nepal Hills Tea to bring authentic Nepali artisan teas directly from small producers to North American tea drinkers. The team also includes Bibhu Gautam (Co-Founder & CFO), Anil Thapa (Partner & President), and Nepal-based team members Santosh Ghale (Tea Maker & Selector) and Bhushit Dahal (Operations & Logistics).

What makes Nepal Hills Tea different from other tea brands?

We're farm-direct and single-origin: every tea is sourced from a named small artisan garden in Nepal, not blended from multiple large estates. We work in small batches, pay artisans fair value for their leaf, and invest in their growth through training in food safety and manufacturing. It's a direct relationship between small Nepali tea artisans and our customers, not a commodity supply chain.

Is Nepal Hills Tea organic?

Our tea artisans generally follow organic growing practices in their small gardens, though many small Nepali producers can't yet afford formal organic certification, which can cost thousands of dollars. Supporting our artisan partners toward organic certification is part of our mission — check individual product listings for certification details on specific teas.

What does 'single-origin' and 'farm-direct' mean for your teas?

Single-origin means each tea comes from one named garden or small factory in Nepal rather than being blended from multiple sources. Farm-direct means we import directly from the small artisan producers who grow and process the leaf, cutting out the brokers and large estates that most Nepali tea passes through on its way to market.

Does Nepal Hills Tea give back to the farmers and artisans it sources from?

Yes. Supporting small Nepali tea farmers and artisans is core to our mission — we aim to pay fair value for their tea, showcase their work globally, and help them build sustainable, growing businesses, including support toward organic certification and training in food safety and production.

What types of tea does Nepal Hills Tea sell?

We sell loose leaf black tea (including Classic Ruby, Golden Tips, Himalayan Noir, and Premium Black), green tea (Himalayan Pearl and Himalayan Green), white tea (Himalayan White), and Nepali oolong tea, along with tea samplers for trying multiple teas in smaller quantities.

Where can I buy Nepal Hills Tea?

You can shop our full range of loose leaf teas online at nepalhillstea.ca. We also sell in person at farmers markets.

Do you sell tea samples?

Yes, we offer sampler sizes of several of our loose leaf teas so you can try a tea before committing to a full-size bag.

How do I brew loose leaf black tea?

Bring fresh, cold water to a boil (around 200-212°F / 93-100°C). Preheat your teapot or cup with a splash of hot water, then add about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz (240 ml) of water. Pour the hot water over the leaves, steep for 3-5 minutes, then remove the leaves to avoid bitterness. Adjust strength to taste.

How do I brew green tea?

Green tea is more delicate than black tea, so use water that's cooled slightly below boiling and a shorter steep time to avoid a bitter cup — check the specific brewing guidance on each product page, since optimal temperature and steep time vary by tea.

Where does Nepal Hills Tea ship?

We currently ship to Canada and select European countries using Canada Post, DHL, or a reliable local delivery partner. Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

What is Nepal Hills Tea's return policy?

We offer a 30-day return policy from the date you receive your order. Items must be unopened, unused, in original packaging, and accompanied by proof of purchase. To start a return, email info@nepalhillstea.ca. Opened or tampered products can't be returned. Approved refunds are issued to your original payment method, typically within 10 business days.

Does Nepal Hills Tea offer wholesale or bulk orders for cafés and retailers?

Yes — we work directly with small buyers such as tea shops and cafés on wholesale orders. Reach out to us at info@nepalhillstea.ca to discuss wholesale pricing and quantities.

How can I contact Nepal Hills Tea?

You can reach us by email at info@nepalhillstea.ca or by phone at +1-519-702-2240.

Is Nepal Hills Tea a Canadian company?

Yes, Nepal Hills Tea Inc. is a Canadian specialty tea company, importing and selling farm-direct Nepali loose leaf tea to customers in Canada (and select international markets) from nepalhillstea.ca.