Single-origin oolong · grown at 5,000–6,000 ft

Nepal Hills Dark Oolong Tea

Smooth, Roasted Whole Leaf Oolong from Ilam, Nepal

  • Certified organic farm
  • Whole leaf only
  • 5% back to farm
Dark Oolong Tea — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong from Sandakphu Estate | Nepal Hills Tea Dark Oolong Tea — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong from Sandakphu Estate | Nepal Hills Tea
Dark Oolong Tea — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong from Sandakphu Estate | Nepal Hills Tea — 2 Dark Oolong Tea — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong from Sandakphu Estate | Nepal Hills Tea — 2
Tea cup with floral design, spoonful of tea leaves, and loose tea leaves on a beige background Tea cup with floral design, spoonful of tea leaves, and loose tea leaves on a beige background
Spoonful of dar oolong tea leaves with a blurred glass of tea in the background Spoonful of dar oolong tea leaves with a blurred glass of tea in the background
Dark Oolong Tea packaging back — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong | Nepal Hills Tea — 5 Dark Oolong Tea packaging back — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong | Nepal Hills Tea — 5
Dark Oolong Tea — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong from Sandakphu Estate | Nepal Hills Tea
Dark Oolong Tea — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong from Sandakphu Estate | Nepal Hills Tea — 2
Tea cup with floral design, spoonful of tea leaves, and loose tea leaves on a beige background
Spoonful of dar oolong tea leaves with a blurred glass of tea in the background
Dark Oolong Tea packaging back — Stone Fruit Nepal Oolong | Nepal Hills Tea — 5

Single-origin oolong · grown at 5,000–6,000 ft

Nepal Hills Dark Oolong Tea

Smooth, Roasted Whole Leaf Oolong from Ilam, Nepal

  • Certified organic farm
  • Whole leaf only
  • 5% back to farm
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$60.00 away from free Canada-wide shipping

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Description

Dark Oolong Tea is a richly oxidised single-origin oolong from the Ilam and Taplejung border region of Nepal — grown at 5,000–6,000 ft on Sandakphu Tea Estate's certified organic farm. Ripe stone fruit, roasted honey, and a bright finish with lingering warmth. Bold enough for coffee drinkers. Smooth enough for all-day sipping. No bitterness.

The Story of Dark Oolong Tea

Dark Oolong sits at approximately 50% oxidation — the midpoint between a fresh green and a full black — which is exactly where its character lives. The stone fruit depth (ripe peach, a hint of plum) comes from the oxidation. The brightness and acidity come from the altitude. The lingering warmth comes from the terrain: the border ridge between Ilam and Taplejung, at 5,000–6,000 ft, where Sandakphu Tea Estate's certified organic farm has been producing teas for the Jasbirey Village community for decades.

This is also one of the best cold-brew teas in the range. Left in cold water for 8 hours, the stone fruit flavours deepen and the natural sweetness becomes more pronounced — no bitterness, no astringency, just a long, complex cold brew that holds its own against any iced tea on the market.

Why Dark Oolong Tea Is Different

  • 50% oxidation — the sweet spot that delivers stone fruit depth from the oxidation and mountain brightness from the altitude
  • Outstanding cold brew: steep in cold water for 8 hours for a rich, complex iced tea with no bitterness
  • Grown at 5,000–6,000 ft on the Ilam and Taplejung border — among the highest certified organic tea farms in Nepal
  • Produced by the Jasbirey Village community at Sandakphu Tea Estate — a dedicated farming community with decades of knowledge in every batch
  • Purchasing this helps support farms like Sandakphu Tea Estate maintain organic certification through our 5% back to farm program

About Sandakphu Tea Estate

Sandakphu Tea Estate occupies the high-altitude borderland between Ilam and Taplejung districts in eastern Nepal, at elevations of 5,000–6,000 ft above sea level. The estate is operated by the Jasbirey Village community — a dedicated farming community that has built deep knowledge of these slopes over decades. Sandakphu is a certified organic farm: no synthetic inputs, no shortcuts, and no compromise on quality.

New to Nepal Hills Tea? Start with the Tea Sampler Kit ($30 CAD) — 10 single-origin teas from all 4 farms, including Dark Oolong Tea, in one discovery set.

Shipping & returns

Free Canada-wide shipping on orders $60+. Free local delivery in Peterborough, ON over $20. Not for you? Contact us within 30 days — our refund policy covers it.

No bitterness Single-origin Grown at 5,000–6,000 ft 5% back to farm Whole leaf only No bitterness Single-origin Grown at 5,000–6,000 ft 5% back to farm Whole leaf only

Know your tea.

Every Nepal Hills tea names its farm, its grower, and its altitude. Here's exactly where this one comes from.

  • Ilam–Taplejung border, Nepal Tea origin Ilam–Taplejung border, Nepal Tea origin
  • Sandakphu Tea Estate — certified organic Tea garden Sandakphu Tea Estate — certified organic Tea garden
  • 5,000–6,000 ft above sea level Farm elevation 5,000–6,000 ft above sea level Farm elevation
  • ~50% — midway between green and black Oxidation ~50% — midway between green and black Oxidation
  • ~30–50 mg hot · ~15–30 mg cold brew, per 8 oz cup Caffeine level ~30–50 mg hot · ~15–30 mg cold brew, per 8 oz cup Caffeine level
  • Stone fruit (peach, apricot, plum) · roasted honey Tasting notes Stone fruit (peach, apricot, plum) · roasted honey Tasting notes

Watch: How to Steep?

From Himalayan garden to your cup

Why start with the sampler

A tin commits you to 50 cups. A pouch asks for two.

Each of the 10 teas comes from a different farm, farm type, or processing style — a genuine side-by-side of what high-altitude Nepali tea can taste like. Brew each one twice, keep notes, and buy full-size only when one keeps calling you back.

Why no bitterness

Altitude does the work most teas fake.

At 5,000–7,000 ft, cool mountain air slows the leaf’s growth, concentrating natural sugars and aromatics instead of tannins. Hand-plucked whole leaves unfurl slowly and stay smooth — steep them long and they never turn.

Who grew it

Every pouch names its farm.

We buy directly from four independent farms — Farmers Tea Co., Norling Specialty Tea, Sandakphu Tea Estate, and Pathibhara Tea Estate — certified organic estates and youth-run small-batch producers. 5% of every order goes back to them to fund organic certification.

Tea in real life

Every cup tells a story. Here's how our community enjoys theirs.

  • Calm & Restore

  • Focus & Flow

  • Morning Ritual

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happy customers

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cups enjoyed

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from Nepali farmers

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back to farm, every order

No brokers, no auction houses — just four independent farms in Ilam and Taplejung, and a promise: 5% of every order goes back to them to fund organic certification.

A message from the founder

Why we bring Nepali tea directly to you

No brokers, no auction houses — just four independent farms in Ilam and Taplejung, and a promise: 5% of every order goes back to them to fund organic certification.

Questions, answered

Can I cold brew Dark Oolong Tea?

Yes — Dark Oolong is one of the best teas for cold brewing. Add 1.5 teaspoons per 500 ml of cold water and refrigerate for 8 hours (overnight works well). The result is a smooth, naturally sweet drink with stone fruit and honey notes — zero bitterness, no sugar needed. Cold brew also reduces caffeine extraction, making it a lighter option. This is one of Nepal Hills' most popular summer preparations.

What does Dark Oolong Tea taste like?

Dark Oolong Tea sits at approximately 50% oxidation — midway between green and black tea. The flavor profile is stone fruit (apricot, plum), roasted honey, and a warm earthy depth. It's bolder than Floral Oolong but smoother than most black teas. Certified organic from Sandakphu, Nepal, it brews a deep amber cup with a long, satisfying finish that works beautifully both hot and cold.

Is Dark Oolong Tea bitter?

No. Despite its depth and darker roast character, Dark Oolong from Sandakphu is certified organic and grown at high altitude where low tannins prevent bitterness. The roasted honey notes actually add a pleasant natural sweetness that counteracts any impression of astringency. Brew at 85–90°C for 3–4 minutes — or cold brew overnight for an even smoother, naturally sweet cup with no bitterness at all.

How much caffeine is in Dark Oolong Tea?

Dark Oolong contains approximately 30–50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup when hot-brewed — moderate, sitting between green and black tea. Cold-brewed, the caffeine is approximately 15–30 mg per cup, as cold water extracts less caffeine than hot. Combined with L-theanine from high-altitude growing, Dark Oolong delivers calm, sustained focus — ideal for mid-afternoon when you want alertness without a heavy caffeine hit.

Is Dark Oolong Tea certified organic?

Yes. Dark Oolong Tea is sourced from Sandakphu Tea Estate, which holds certified organic status. It is grown on a certified organic farm using no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Sandakphu's remote location and high altitude naturally protect the estate from chemical drift.

Found  a favorite? 

When one keeps calling you back, go full-size.

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