Red Panda at Choyatar Community Forest, photo credit Sonam Tashi Lama

Red Panda Network Tea in Nepal

Like the Asian Elephant, the Red Panda is an endangered mammal native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China. Habitat loss from deforestation and poaching remains the root causes of its endangerment. Red Pandas — part of the bear family — are more threatened with extinction than their relatives in China — the Giant Panda. Pandas are Musteloids, a superfamily of carnivoran mammals that include wolverines, raccoons and weasels. They weigh between 7-33 pounds, are great climbers, and feed on fresh bamboo shoots and leaves, and their blossoms and fruits.

There are two subspecies — the Himalayan and the Chinese red panda — and they diverged genetically about 250,000 years ago. The Himalayan Red Panda is found in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, and lives in both coniferous and temperate broadleaf forests. The Nepalese tea farm we source from is connected to the Red Panda Network. The Network is part of several community-based conservation programs in Nepal to help recover the species.

The tea farm nestles at the foothills of Mt. Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. This is the forested habitat of the Red Panda. Given the higher elevation, the tea produced yields a soft, sweet, flowery flavor — a balance of light, air and the water coming off the Himalayas.

Your purchase of our tea with the Red Panda Network symbol supports sustainable economic practices for the people in this mountainous region. This in turn promotes conservation activities protecting the eastern Himalaya habitat of these threatened animals.

136 E Broadway St, Missoula
4.9
5
Judy Hogg
Best store in Montana possibly in all of the United States. I don't know. This is the first Gong Fu tea shop I've ever been to. I came in for a matcha whisk because I donated mine to a museum. Before I left a random customer who was introduced to me as a regular bought me tea. I hugged him which isn't something I normally do. But I was incredibly thankful. Then the man behind the counter gave me a free sample. I went in looking for a simple tool and left with tea and a happy spirit. I am looking forward to making it back as soon as possible! I loved it. I think it will always hold a special place in my blood pumping organ.
5
Sari Barnes
This atmosphere of this shop is so wonderfully cozy and pleasant. The menu has such a nice selection of to-go options and the loose teas to purchase for home brewing are phenomenal and in vast selection. The service was quick and friendly. I came here with my family and we bought many of the different teas to try, as well as some to-go teas. My sister and I really enjoyed their house Chai. It was the perfect amount of spice and tea, like a spicy hug for your soul. I will be recommending this shop to others in the future.
5
Brooke Blackler
I've been going to Lake Missoula Tea Company for years, and recently have had the privilege of putting some of their tea in my store. The quality of the tea is fantastic, and the blends are delightful. I have also attended one of their tasting / learning events and it was great. I highly recommend their downtown store for meeting with friends, family or even just for a nice place to go and have a cup of perfectly brewed tea.
5
Tim Specht
Amazing variety great prices and they'll brew top shelf teas you may be reluctant to buy before trying for a dollar more. Great selection for Missoula. Friendly knowledgeable staff and beautiful tea sets and accessories
5
Ashley Nelson
The atmosphere was so relaxing and pleasant I could stay there all day! The staff are super helpful and polite and helped me with all my questions (not to mention some helpful tips from patrons as well). The tea they have is top notch and all the selection you could ask for