Illam Tea, Grown in the Clouds
High-altitude tea from Nepal's eastern Himalaya — floral, muscatel and rare. The connoisseur's alternative to Darjeeling, sourced leaf-to-crate for discerning global buyers.
The Tea Connoisseurs Whisper About
Grown from the Camellia sinensis plant in Nepal's high-altitude east, Illam tea shares the same fabled terroir as Darjeeling — the floral aroma, the muscatel depth — but in a fraction of the volume.
"Its scarcity and distinct character make it a prized find for lovers of fine tea."
Shaped by mountainous terroir and traditional processing, every cup carries Nepal's rich tea heritage — from the Himalayan foothills straight to teacups around the world.
as Darjeeling
Four Flushes, Four Personalities
Orthodox tea is harvested in four seasonal "flushes," each with its own colour, aroma and character. Connoisseurs choose their flush the way sommeliers choose a vintage.
First Flush
Tender leaves yield a light yellowish-green liquor with a delicate taste and subtle aroma. Limited quantity and high demand make it the most expensive.
Second Flush
Stronger leaves that showcase the defining character of Nepali tea. Many experts consider this flush the finest of the year.
Monsoon Flush
Continuous rainfall produces an intense, dark infusion — a full-bodied, robust tea that's highly recommended for strong brews.
Autumn Flush
A unique combination of musky flavours, tangy aromas and a warm amber liquor — an unmistakably characterful cup to close the year.
Orthodox or CTC — We Supply Both
Two distinct teas for two distinct markets. Tell us where you sell and we'll match you to the right leaf.
Orthodox Tea
Crafted from the Chinese variety (C. sinensis var. sinensis), hand- or machine-rolled in the high eastern hills. The premium, specialty category.
- Green, oolong, white & hand-rolled specialty teas
- Grown at 3,000–7,000 ft elevation
- Four expressive seasonal flushes
- Floral, muscatel, connoisseur-grade character
- Ideal for premium & specialty tea brands
CTC Tea
Crush-Tear-Curl tea from the Assam variety (var. assamica), grown in the warm, humid lowlands of Jhapa. Consistent, strong and dependable.
- Strong colour and brisk, robust cup
- Consistent quality all year round
- Grown in lower-altitude plains
- Perfect for blends, chai & tea bags
- Ideal for high-volume & private-label lines
A Tea for Every Cup
Within our orthodox range, we can source the full spectrum of specialty styles.
Green Tea
Fresh, grassy and delicate — minimally oxidised.
Oolong Tea
Partially oxidised, complex and aromatic.
White Tea
The lightest, least processed — subtle and sweet.
Black / Hand-Rolled
Fully oxidised, rich and full of character.
Nepal's Six Great Tea Districts
Our orthodox tea is sourced from the celebrated tea belt of Nepal's eastern hills — a mix of established estates and dedicated smallholder farmers.
How We Get It to You
We manage the journey from garden to your warehouse — with quality checked at every step.
Garden Sourcing
We work with trusted estates and smallholders across the six eastern districts to secure the flush, grade and style you need.
Sampling & Cupping
We send samples so you can evaluate aroma, liquor and flavour — and lock the exact profile before any bulk order.
Quality & Testing
Independent testing and quality checks confirm the tea meets your specification and destination-market standards.
Packaging & Private Label
Bulk sacks or retail-ready packaging with your branding — from loose leaf to tea bags and gift tins.
Export & Delivery
Full export documentation and logistics to your nearest port, by air or sea, right through to your door.
Steeped in Beauty
From misty gardens to the golden liquor in the cup. Swap these for your own photography to elevate the page.
Your Label on the World's Rarest Tea
From single-origin loose leaf to branded tea bags and gift tins, we help you launch a premium tea line — sourced, blended, packaged and shipped under one roof.
Taste the Himalaya Before You Commit
Tell us the flush, type and volume you're after — we'll send samples, current-season availability and a tailored export quote.
Request Samples & QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What makes Nepali (Illam) tea different from Darjeeling?
They share the same Himalayan terroir and much of the same floral, muscatel character — but Nepali tea is produced in far smaller quantities, which makes it rarer and gives it a distinct identity prized by connoisseurs. It's often described as the exclusive, harder-to-find cousin of Darjeeling.
What's the difference between Orthodox and CTC tea?
Orthodox is the artisanal, specialty tea — hand- or machine-rolled from the Chinese variety, grown at high altitude, with four expressive seasonal flushes. CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) comes from the Assam variety grown in the lowlands, giving a strong, consistent cup that's ideal for blends, chai and tea bags. We supply both.
Can I order a specific flush?
Yes. You can request first, second, monsoon or autumn flush depending on the character you want — from the delicate, premium first flush to the bold monsoon "rainy tea." Availability is seasonal, so we'll confirm what's ready and when.
Do you provide samples before a bulk order?
Absolutely, and we recommend it. We send samples so you can cup and evaluate aroma, liquor colour and flavour, then lock in the exact profile before committing to a production or export order.
Do you offer private label and custom packaging?
Yes — from loose leaf in bulk to retail-ready tea bags, tins and gift sets with your branding and market-compliant labelling. We can supply single-origin or custom blends built to your flavour profile.
What is your minimum order quantity?
MOQ depends on the tea type, grade and packaging. Orthodox specialty lots differ from high-volume CTC. Share your target market and volume and we'll confirm what works for you.
Do you handle export documentation and shipping?
Yes. We manage quality testing, packaging, full export documentation and worldwide logistics by air or sea — delivering to your nearest port, or all the way to your door.
Request Samples & a Tea Quote
Share your requirements and our team will reply within 24 hours with samples, seasonal availability and a tailored export quote.
Contact Our Tea Team Call +977 9823900499