Grown on the mountainous hillsides of Northern Nepal in the district of Nuwakot, Lekali coffee brings you the taste of original premium Nepali coffee. The literal translation of "Lekali" is highland or mountainous which describes the imposing surroundings of the high hills rising behind Bhirkune Village.

Lekali coffee estate is a unique partnership between the Tamangs and the Brahmin hillside tribes of BHIRKUNE village, with the help of some private group of coffee enthusiasts. The Bhirkune family co-operative cultivates and process 100% organic Arabica, single-origin coffee beans while the private coffee authorities markets and distribute the coffee.

Lekali Coffee is the producer and exporter of single-origin, 100% organic premium Arabica coffee. It is certified organic, forest canopy grown, hand picked, fresh water processed, sun dried, hand sorted and freshly roasted to ensure the highest possible quality for each cup of Lekali Coffee.

We at Lekali coffee grow 100% Arabica coffee organically at an altitude of 1300 – 1600 meters above sea level, 40 kilometers north of the capital Kathmandu at the foothills of the Ganesh Himal mountain range. Our coffee is naturally cultivated and processed in the Bhirkune Village of Nuwakot district located in Northern Nepal. It was the historical district of Nuwakot that the ruling Shah dynasty was established. Rich fertile soil, high elevation and ample rainfall make Bhirkune one of the premium coffee growing regions of Nepal. We naturally cultivate a wide variety of Arabica coffees under a canopy of sun-filtered papaya, avocados, hazelnut and macadamia nuts in altitude ranging from 1300 to 1600 meters. Due to the abundance availability of cattle, buffalo and other livestock at Bhirkune, we have the advantage of sufficient organic fertilizers for various applications. The shade and high altitude slows the growth of our coffee cherries, creating a more complex, dense and intensely flavored bean. The fallen leaves from our various fruit and tree create nutritious mulch for our coffee plants, providing a subtle fruit and nutty taste to our coffee.

It is our thanks to Mr Mingma Sherpa, our founder and the visionary who foresaw A better future for the people of Nuwakot district, we proudly include his likeness On every bag of Lekali Coffee.

Plantation

Lekali Coffee Estate has planted more than 20,000 of well adopted coffee varieties of “Coffee Arabica” especially recommended for altitudes ranging above 900 meters. A total of 3 blocks and 9 zones are divided under the 10 ha of land for the better management and frequent supervision purposes. Prior to the plantation phase our estate prepared a 20 by 20 inch of pits with the necessary fertilizers required for the coffee plants. Subsequently all the rocks and harmful weed were also removed from the pit and its surrounding landscape prior to the plantation. This has been a very adventure filled project contributing to reforestation, soil conversation, and wildlife preservation especially in connection with proving shelter to both migratory and non migratory birds and endangered animals many of which have returned after several years to the neighborhood.

Our project has had considerable impact on the livelihood of the local inhabitants of this backward region especially in regard to women employment and training.

Compost and Fertilizers

At the rate of five kilograms of well decomposed self made compost were applied while plantation of coffee saplings in each pit. Compost which was made from the local plant materials and cattle manure was treated with extended EM.

Shed Tree Management and varieties

For the instant provision of temporary shed tree, Mendola and Sanai, an annual leguminous plant species were spread immediately while planting the coffee plants. Similarly Avocado, Macadamia Nut, Hazelnut, Albezia, Ipil, Amala, Gulmohar Casia and other harmonious plant species are also under the plantation as permanent shed tree management.

Drinking water and irrigation

There are number of water sources and irrigation system in the village. But all the sources are not designed as for the required organic standard. So we studied its potential use and its rate of flow for drinking and irrigation purpose. Now there are three different catchments and we have constructed quite big water reservoirs for the regular supply of drinking water and irrigation to the villagers and coffee fields round the year.

Preparation for Inspection and Organic Certification

Lekali Coffee estate being a producer and exporter of high quality Arabica Coffee understands and accepts the 100% organic and fair trade certification as per the NASSA (National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia ltd) right from the year of 2008.