Gopaldhara Tea Estate is a tea garden in the Mirik CD block in the Mirik subdivision of the Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Gopaldhara Tea Estate, “one of Darjeeling’s pride”, is one of the highest tea estates in Darjeeling producing Darjeeling tea. Out of a total area of 320 ha (790 acres), 172 ha (430 acres) have been planted with tea. Most of the estate is between 5,500 to 7,000 feet (1,700 to 2,100 m) and a sizeable area of 60 ha (150 acres) is at an average elevation of 6,500 ft (2,000 m). The high altitudes of Darjeeling offer a perfect combination of moisture and sunlight ideal for mature high quality tea leaves. The cloud cover helps the aroma to linger on. Gopldhara Tea Estate produces premium tea, most of which is exported.[2] As a result of the cooler environments at great heights, tea plants grow at a slower pace. Normally tea gardens follow a follow a 5-year cycle of tea pruning when tea plants are pruned by 30–40 cm. At higher heights it becomes a 7-year cycle.
