At the top of more than 600 steps, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, lies the Jungpana garden. Inaccessible by vehicle and invisible to hurried onlookers, this secluded estate has cultivated a form of understated excellence since 1899. Facing due south, it benefits from prolonged sunshine, which gives its leaves a rare maturity and a unique aromatic complexity.
Jungpana also marks a new chapter in the history of tea. The estate has been managed for ten years by Lassi Tamang, the first woman to hold the position of garden manager in the Darjeeling region. Under her leadership, practices have evolved without ever compromising their exacting standards: meticulous hand-picking, conversion to organic farming, and the perfection of artisanal techniques.
She instills in the garden a committed and sustainable vision, placing people and living things at the heart of every harvest. This powerful approach resonated deeply with Agnès, who has led our House since the early 2000s, and she was determined to include this garden in our collection. Jungpana embodies, in its own way, the values we uphold at Betjeman & Barton: excellence, commitment, and women of character.