In May 2026 — following a months-long sea voyage and a subsequent journey by small truck — 600 apple saplings from Europe have arrived in Chepel. The saplings, including varieties such as Golden and Red Delicious, as well as Jonagold, derive from South Tyrol in Italy; they are approximately three years old and each features six to seven branches. Six families are participating in the “Chepel Apple Orchard” pilot project.
The project also encompasses an irrigation system (funded by the Nepalese government), fencing, hail protection, plant protection supplies, and fertilizer, as well as the necessary training for the local residents who will be tending to the trees. Significant yields are expected in approximately three years. The proceeds will remain with the participating families, though a portion will also be allocated to the cooperatives in Chepel.
Apple cultivation in Nepal is a well-established and thoroughly conceived concept, proven over the last ten years. The six different apple varieties have been carefully selected to thrive specifically at Chepel’s altitude and to produce staggered harvests at different times.
