Nepal is better known for tea, but its hill farmers grow good arabica coffee, and Kathmandu has a lively café scene.
Quick answer: According to local history, coffee came to Nepal in 1938, when a hermit named Hira Giri planted seeds from Burma in Gulmi district. Farming spread after the government distributed seeds in 1968. Today, mainly arabica is grown in mid-hill districts such as Gulmi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Kaski, Lalitpur, Kavre and Sindhupalchok, much of it on small farms.
Where it grows
Coffee grows in the middle hills, roughly 800–1,600 m, often shaded and farmed without chemicals. Production is small compared with big coffee nations, which makes Nepali coffee something of a specialty.
Where to drink it
- Specialty cafés in Thamel, Jhamsikhel and Lazimpat in Kathmandu.
- Lakeside cafés in Pokhara.
- Farm visits in the hills, on request.
Bring some home
Bags of Nepali beans make a light souvenir. See shopping in Nepal.
On treks
Instant coffee is standard in teahouses; real coffee is available in Namche and some Annapurna villages. Many trekkers carry their own instant sachets.
Prefer tea? See Nepali tea.