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 found in Bhutan. 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 that are 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. This includes 29 species that grow naturally in the area and another 11 that have been planted in the park garden. The Park also has 114 species of ferns, as well as numerous wild orchids. The Royal Botanical Park also hosts rich animal life. 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 of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtye and Paro.
Rhododendron Festival Date for 2025
The organizers have scheduled the Rhododendron Festival from the 22nd to the 24th of April 2025. They will hold the festival in Lampelri National Park, Thimphu.
Rhododendron Festival Tour Itinerary Overview
- Day 1 Arrival at Paro International Airport Alt. 2200M and drive to Thimphu.
- Day 2 Thimphu City Tour
- Day 3 Thimphu to Lampelri Botanical Garden to attend Rhododendron Festival.
- Day 4 Punakha to Gangtey
- Day 5 Gangtye to Paro Tour
- Day 6 Paro Tiger Nest Hike
- Day 7 Paro to Airport and See Off
Rhododendron Festival Tour Cost
- Solo Traveller Cost USD 1840.00
- 2 Pax Group Cost USD 1680.00 Per Person
- 3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 1550.00 Per Person
Similar Tours and Sights
Rhododendron 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.
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 museam, 13th arts and crafts school. After lunch visits simply Bhutan museam to witness the live performance of traditional dance.
Attend Bhutan Rhododendron Festival at Lampelri. Witness the beautiful Rhododendron festival at Lamperi National Park. 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.
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.
