From the mist-covered valleys and Himalayan slopes of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand emerges the celebrated Uttarakhand Berinag Tea, a tea renowned for its distinctive flavour, woody character, aroma, delicate colour and light liquor. Cultivated mainly in the hill stations of Berinag and Chaukori, this tea has been associated with the Kumaon Himalayas since the British era and continues to hold a special place among India鈥檚 premium mountain teas. Berinag derives its name from the ancient Berinag Temple, locally known as 鈥淏edinag鈥�, a revered N膩ga Devta temple situated atop the Berinag hills. The region lies at an elevation of nearly 1,860 metres above sea level and offers ideal agro-climatic conditions for the cultivation of high-quality tea.
Tea cultivation in the Kumaon Himalayas dates back to the nineteenth century when British administrators recognised the region鈥檚 suitability for tea gardens. Historical records mention that by 1835, tea saplings had already been introduced into the region, while Berinag Tea soon gained immense popularity in London tea houses and among global tea blenders for its unique 鈥渒ipper flavour鈥�. During the British era, the tea earned recognition as the 鈥淕olden Himalayan Liquor鈥� because of its beautiful transparent colour, stimulating character and refined flavour profile.
The tea is cultivated at altitudes ranging from 1100 to 1900 metres, where cool mountain winds, acidic soils, winter rainfall and Himalayan climatic conditions create a unique terroir. Berinag Tea is regarded as the 鈥淐hampagne of Tea鈥� due to its smooth woody flavour, light colour and slow infusion. The tea is processed using traditional Orthodox methods, and the entire leaf is classified as Orthodox Tea. Historically, it was prepared from the leaves of wild Himalayan tea plants growing naturally across the region.
Berinag Tea remains known for its flavour, aroma, antioxidant richness and traditional heritage. Today, the tea continues to reach international markets including Germany, Korea, Australia and the United States. Uttarakhand Berinag Tea was officially advertised under GI Application Number 829 in GI Journal 176 dated July 07, 2023, recognising its unique Himalayan identity and long-standing tea heritage.
