From a Backpack in Nepal to an Award in Hand: Brewing Dreams with Coffee

Having spent my childhood in the Terai region, I’ve always felt a deep, unspoken connection with Nepal. There was a voice within me — gentle, yet persistent — urging me to return, to backpack through its hills and heartlands, to reconnect with my roots and witness the change I had only heard stories about.  That voice grew louder with time, until one day, I listened.

I arrived in Nepal as a solo traveler — seeking stories, stillness, and maybe a spark of something bigger than myself. What I found was a country rich in culture, resilience, and flavor. In the midst of the mountains and morning mist, I discovered an untold coffee culture quietly brewing its way into the world. And in that moment, I knew this journey was meant for more than just me.

Nepal is known to the world for its snow-capped Himalayas, sacred temples, serene trekking trails, and spiritual pulse. Tourists flock here for mountain adventures, cultural retreats, and slow living. But few know about the high-altitude coffee farms, tucked away in regions like Gulmi, Gorkha, and Sindhupalchok—where farmers nurture each bean with patience, pride, and a promise of change.

As the founder of Curly Brew, an exclusive digital agency dedicated to promoting coffees globally, I knew I could be the voice that Nepal’s coffee culture deserved. It wasn’t just about content or campaigns — it was about storytelling with soul. About shining a spotlight on the farmers, roasters, baristas, and dreamers who pour their passion into every single bean. I felt a deep responsibility — and an even deeper calling — to amplify their stories to the world.

From sipping at roadside cafés in Pokhara to hiking up to remote coffee farms in Gorkha, I began to document the heartbeat of Nepal’s coffee scene — raw, real, and remarkably rich. I carried nothing but a phone, a notebook, and a heart full of wonder. What started as solo storytelling on my camera roll and journal slowly grew into a platform, a community, and eventually, a movement.

I remember visiting coffee estates, where I’d meet with farmers and listen as they opened up about the real challenges they face—from climate change to market access. I spent hours with entrepreneurs and roasters, learning how they’re innovating within limited resources, and I visited barista training academies, where young professionals are mastering their craft with passion and precision.

In the bustling cafés of Kathmandu and Pokhara, I struck up conversations with everyday consumers, understanding how their connection to coffee was evolving. Each encounter deepened my belief that Nepal’s coffee culture wasn’t just growing—it was thriving with heart and hope.

Today, standing on the international stage and receiving the Excellence in Coffee Journalism & Storytelling Award, I am filled with humility and gratitude. This recognition is not just mine — it belongs to Nepal. To every farmer who welcomed me with open arms, every cup that carried a legacy, and every moment that brewed a deeper connection to the land I now proudly call home.

Nepal gave me more than a story. It gave me my purpose. My people. My voice.

This journey — from a backpack to a global platform — has shown me that some of the most powerful revolutions begin in silence. In remote hills. In the hands of everyday heroes who dare to believe in something greater.

And to every dreamer out there, chasing something meaningful — trust your inner voice. It may just lead you to your roots, your reason, and your revolution.

Have you ever followed a quiet inner voice that led you somewhere unforgettable? Comment below!

With love and brew,
Puja Jain
Founder, Curly Brew