The story behind Sherpa Chai is a flavorful journey that shares the spirit of the Himalayas and celebrates tradition and community.
Since 2014, Sherpa Chai has been serving up an authentic taste of the Himalayas right from its base in Colorado. Founded by Pemba Sherpa, a Nepali American, the company has gained recognition for its small-batch, handcrafted chai, offering a rich blend of spices and a commitment to fair trade practices. Sherpa Chai represents the Sherpa community and embodies the Himalayan identity of Nepal and is the first Nepali company to reach all 50 states in the US. The mountaineering community in Nepal has provided Sherpa with a second home base in Colorado, through a network of climbing enthusiasts.
Sherpa Chai sources its tea from the Kangchenjunga, in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal, complemented by ginger root from Peru and a medley of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. “The family recipe for Sherpa Chai, rooted in tradition and originally crafted by my mother, has been nine years in the making, with six years since its market launch”, Sherpa said in an interview with East-West Center Young Professional Prash Bajracharya.
Yug Raj Panday from the Embassy of Nepal said in an interview to Bajracharya that, "America has a rich history with coffee, while its tea market remains smaller and heavily influenced by British preferences, making it challenging to penetrate”. He emphasized the significance of promoting Himalayan tea as a bold initiative for Nepal to carve out its own identity in the US market, especially in competition with teas from India and Sri Lanka.
Pemba Sherpa’s journey began in the Solukhumbu region of rural Nepal, the home of Mt. Everest. Sherpa shared his journey, starting with an engineering degree before venturing into the tourism industry through partnerships with mountain clubs in the US. However, the aftermath of 9/11 significantly impacted the travel business, and the Maoist insurgency in Nepal further devastated local economies in Nepal, affecting businesses, tourism and the trade industry. It was during this period that he was inspired by a Wall Street Journal article analyzing Starbucks, which predicted that tea would be the next big trend in America. Recognizing a gap in the market for authentic tea, Sherpa set out to share his family’s cherished tea recipe with a wider audience.
Despite the challenges of entering the American market, where coffee culture often overshadows tea, Sherpa Chai has found its niche. “Sherpa Chai is vibrant and infused with spices that reflect our culture,” Sherpa said in the same interview.
Today, Sherpa Chai is available in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and is expanding into Canada and Mexico. According to Sherpa, the company has secured significant partnerships, including a $3 million deal with Whole Foods and Natural Grocers, positioning it as a leader in the specialty tea market.
Sherpa remarked, “We have limited options for selling freshly brewed tea, so we often offer it warm. Given the cold weather in the US, our chai provides a comforting solution, enhanced using aromatic herbs.”
Sherpa’s commitment extends beyond business. Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, he contributed to rebuilding efforts, helping to restore homes and provide electricity to rural communities. His philanthropic endeavors also include scholarships for local students, showcasing his dedication to giving back to the community that shaped him.
“As Sherpa Chai continues to grow, the company is also working on a ready-to-drink chai project, catering to the increasing demand for convenient beverage options. With a dedicated team of 20-25 employees focused on production and marketing, Sherpa Chai is poised for further expansion”, Sherpa said.
For tea enthusiasts looking to explore the rich flavors of the Himalayas, Sherpa Chai offers an authentic experience that goes beyond taste—each cup is a connection to the traditions and resilience of Nepalese culture. Sherpa Chai products are available at Whole Foods and select retailers nationwide, inviting consumers to savor the essence of the Himalayas in every sip.
Prash Bajracharya is a Young Professional at the East- West Center in Washington. She is currently pursuing her master's degree at McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University.