Bhutan is a country of Flowers. Almost 30 different species of Rhododendrons have been discovered in Bhutan. Rhododendron Festival draws hundreds of visitors from all over the region and features the Rhododendron Festival Pageant and the Craft Fair with food and dances. Our guide provides essential information on festival dates, showcasing the natural wonders and cultural festivities that surround this annual celebration.
Rhododendron Species in Bhutan
Bhutan has 46 species of Rhododendron. Bhutan favours the growth of varieties of Rhododendron. Rhododendron grows above the altitude of 2890m. The celebration ends with a special dance and exhibition. The dance showcases local culture and cuisine, arts and crafts, traditional games, cultural programs, and guided walks and activities. The festival displays different species in full bloom in their natural habitat.
Despite its small size, the Park has a wide assortment of flora and fauna. A unique attraction of the park is the Rhododendrons. You can find forty of the total 46 species that grow in Bhutan here. In addition to 29 species that grow naturally in the area, the park garden also features another 11 species planted. Moreover, the park is home to 114 species of ferns and numerous wild orchids. This includes the magnificent Bengal tiger, the elusive red panda, the leopard, the leopard cat, musk deer, sambar deer, the Himalayan black bear, the Monal pheasant and the Satyr tragopan. More than 220 species have been recorded, making it a haven for bird watching. Also, check Royal Manas National Park for more varieties of animals. The festival tour covers the most popular places, such as Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtye, and Paro.
Rhododendron Festival Date for 2025
Rhododendron Festival Tour in Bhutan. The organizers have scheduled the Rhododendron Festival from the 22nd to 24th of April 2025. They will hold the festival in Lampelri National Park, Thimphu.
Flights Schedule during Festival Time
- Flights Detail Bangkok to Paro KB 131 Departs at 0730 and Arrival at 1040
- Paro to Bangkok KB152 Departs at 1150 and Arrival Bangkok at 1600
- Kathmandu to Paro KB 401 Departs at 0900 and arrives at Paro at 1020
- Paro to Kathmandu KB 400 Departs at 0700 and Arrival Kathmandu at 0800
Rhododendron Festival Tour Itinerary
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- Day 1 Arrival at Paro International Airport Alt. 2200M and drive to Thimphu.
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- Day 2 Thimphu City Tour at 2300M
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- Day 3 Thimphu to Lampelri Botanical Garden to attend Rhododendron Festival.
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- Day 4 Punakha to Gangtey. Distance 70 KM and Driving Time 3 Hours
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- Day 5 Gangtye to Paro Tour. Distance 205KM | Time 5 Hours
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- Day 6 Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 KM | Hiking Time 4 Hours
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- Day 7 Paro to Airport and See Off
Rhododendron Festival Tour Cost
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- Solo Traveller Cost USD 1840.00
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- 2 Pax Group Cost USD 1680.00 Per Person
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- 3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 1550.00 Per Person
Similar Tours and Sights
The Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant blooms against the backdrop of the Himalayas were breathtaking. The traditional dances, local crafts, and warm hospitality made it truly special. It’s a perfect blend of nature and culture—an absolute must-see for any visitor!
Raghav Brinda Delhi,India April 2023 Rhododendron Festival Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Paro airport. Our team will greet you with Tashi Khadhar and escort you to Thimphu. On the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang across the river. The view is excellent and in Thimphu visit Largest Buddha Statue over looking at Thimphu Valley. Dinner and over night in the hotel.
The guide will assist you to go around Thimphu city. Thimphu is the largest city of Bhutan. It has a population of more than 100000 people.Visit Folk heritage museum, 13th arts and crafts school. After lunch visits simply Bhutan museam to witness the live performance of traditional dance.
In the morning, start your journey toward Punakha district ,the Ancient Capital of Bhutan. We stop at the scenic Dochu la pass (3140 m) with 108 small stupas and enjoy the view of the Himalayas. Witness the beautiful Rhododendron festival at Lamperi National Park. You can take a walk in the garden or take part in the cultural festivities. The Royal Botanical Park is the country’s first nature recreational park, established in 2004 to preserve the rich natural biodiversity of the area. This area of 47sq. km in the Dochula Conservation area has been delineated for protection and development into a site for eco-tourism and nature education. Later drive to Punakha. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan and the monk body, Visit Longest suspension bridge and Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Drive to Gangtye from the old capital of Bhutan. Visit Gangtey Monastery 16th century temple and popular black-necked crane breeding centre. Hike the beautiful trail of Phobjikha. Overnight at Hotel. Read more about Wangdiphodrang
Explore Paro. The drive from Gangtye valley takes about 4 hours to reach Paro. If time permits visit Drugyel Dzong recently restored and opened for tourist visit. Way back visit 6th century kichu monastery. Over night at Hotel
Hike the popular Tiger nest temple. The hike takes depending on your pace. Some parts are quite steep so go slow and be sure of your footing – especially when you make the return trip downhill which can be quite slippery. The hike is about 6 km (4 miles) in length round trip
Depart Paro after Bhutan Rhododendron festival. Our guide and driver will see you off from the airport.
