Rhododendron Festival Tour from 3rd to 9th April 2027 in Bhutan.

Q: What are the Destinations I can visit during this Festival Trip?

Wangdiphodrang Lamperi National Park Tiger nest temple

Rhododendron Festival Tour in Bhutan

The Rhododendron Festival is held at Lampelri Botanical Garden for 2 days. The location is 2 hours drive from Thimphu towards Punakha. The garden is protected by the parks. 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, Gangtey, and Paro.

Key Information about the Rhododendron Festival

Festival Date: 3rd to 9th April 2027
Difficulty: Easy
Festival Venue: Lampelri Botanical Garden
Recommended Tour Duration: 5 to 7 days for a complete cultural experience
Tour Cost: Starts from USD 1,840 per person
Best For: Cultural travellers, photographers, spiritual seekers, and festival enthusiasts
Main Highlights: Traditional mask dances, Varieties of Rhododendron and interaction with local Bhutanese communities
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
Accommodation: Hotels and traditional stays are available in Paro and nearby areas
Dress Code: Modest and respectful clothing is recommended for attending religious festivals and visiting monasteries
Photography: Allowed in most outdoor areas; always ask permission before photographing monks or inside temples.

Festival Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Paro International Airport
Day 2 Thimphu City Tour
Day 3: Thimphu to Lampelri Garden for the Rhododendron festival
Day 4 Punakha to Gangtey
Day 5 Gangtey to Paro
Day 6 Paro Tiger Nest Hike
Day 7: Drop off at the Airport

Rhododendron Festival Tour Cost

Solo Traveller Cost USD 1840.00
2 Pax Group Cost USD 1660.00 Per Person
3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 1590 Per Person

5/5 - (170 votes)

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

FAQs

Hotels

Rhododendron Festival Tour 2026

Testimonials

“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.

You can also check a similar festival tour for 2027.

Paro Festival Tour

Gasa Festival Tour

Punakha Festival Tour

5/5 - (170 votes)

Rhododendron Festival Tour Highlights

Witness the beautiful Rhododendron Flower Exhibition at Lamperi Park.
Visit the 16th Century old Simtokha Dzong.
Enjoy the beauty of u shaped Gangtye Valley.
Immerse yourself in a traditional Hotstone bath.
Enjoy the mask dance at the Park
Hike the trail filled with Rhododendron flowers

Day 1 :

Arrival Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu | Distance 60KM | Driving Time 1 Hour | 2400M Altitude

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 the Largest Buddha Statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 :

Thimphu Capital City Tour. Altitude 2400M.

The guide will assist you in going around Thimphu city. Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan. It has a population of more than 100000 people. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and 13th arts and crafts school. After lunch visit simply Bhutan museam to witness the live performance of traditional dance.

Day 3 :

Thimphu to Lamperi Rhododendron Festival to Punakha. Distance 72.8KM | Driving Time 2 Hour 7 Minutes | Altitude 1200M.

Rhododendron Festival Tour 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.

Day 4 :

Punakha to Gangtey. Distance 72.8KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 16 Minutes| Altitude ranges from 2900 to 3200M above sea level.

Drive to Gangtye from the old capital of Bhutan. Visit Gangtey Monastery's 16th-century temple and popular black-necked crane breeding centre. Hike the beautiful trail of Phobjikha. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5 :

Gangtey to Paro. Distance 166KM | Driving Time 4 Hours 26 Minutes.Altitude 2300M.

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 the 6th century Kichu monastery. Overnight at Hotel

Day 6 :

Paro Tiger Nest Hike | Distance 15 Km | Hiking Time 4 Hours. Altitude 3120M.

Hike the popular Tiger Nest temple. The hike depends 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. In the afternoon visit the farmhouse where you can experience archery and local cuisine in the farm House.

Day 7 :

Paro to Airport and see Off | Altitude 2300M.

Depart Paro after Bhutan Rhododendron festival. Our guide and driver will see you off from the airport.

FAQs

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How many Days do i need to attend the Rhododendron Festival?

If you have very less day 2 nights and 3 days is minimum you can take for the tour.

5/5 - (170 votes)

What is included in the Festival Tour?

The festival tour includes visit to Dzongs, Monasteries and Museams.

5/5 - (170 votes)

Where can i see Rhododendron Festival?

The unique Rhododendron Festival is held at the Royal Botanical Garden (Lampelri), 35km from Thimphu on the way to Punakha. The event is backed by the Forest Department, Park Services, and The Tourism Council of Bhutan.

5/5 - (170 votes)

How long do rhododendron blooms last?

Coveted for their spectacular blooms which come in a wide range of shapes and colors, Azaleas and Rhododendrons usually proudly display their colorful blooms in spring for about three weeks, depending on the weather.

5/5 - (170 votes)

What is the tour cancellation policy?

90% refund for the tour cancelled 45 days prior to arrival date, payment transfer charges will be charged 75% refund for the tour cancelled between 30 to 45 days prior to arrival date No refund for the tour cancelled less than 30 days of arrival date and for the change of itinerary Booking made for 4 star and 5 star hotels have to follow individual hotel’s cancellation policies.

5/5 - (170 votes)

What is the flight cancellation policy?

70% refund for cancellation made before 30 days prior to arrival date (Documentation charge USD 25 applicable) 30% refund for cancellation made between 15 to 30 days of travel date NO refund for cancellation made less than 15 days of travel date Documentation charge applicable for the change of dates, sectors etc (issued tickets only, USD30/ticket)