There’s one region of Nepal that’s synonymous with fine tea: the eastern district of Ilam. To visit these verdant pastures and bucolic hills, blanketed as they are in an undulating sea of green tea leaves, makes for a wonderful day out in the countryside and unbeatable picnic spot too. It’s also a great chance to meet the growers and pickers themselves. Tea production is an essential part of Nepal’s economy, as you’ll find out while learning the age old growing techniques needed to nurture these priceless plants – maybe having a go at handpicking them yourself.