Rhododendron Festival (13th-14th April)

7 Days
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Gallery

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.

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

FAQs

Overview

Bhutan Rhododendron Festival. Bhutan has 46 species of Rhododendron found in Bhutan. Bhutan favors the growth of varieties of Rhododendron. Rhododendron grows above the altitude of 2890m. Varieties of Rhododendrons are displayed in Lamperi Park. The celebration is followed by a special dance and exhibition, local culture and cuisine, arts & crafts, traditional games, cultural programs, guided walks & 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 are the Rhododendrons. Of the total 46 species that grow in Bhutan, 40 species are found here. This includes the 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 including the magnificent Bengal tiger, the elusive red panda, leopard, leopard cat, musk deer, sambar deer, Himalayan black bear, Monal pheasant and Satyr tragopan. It is a haven for bird watching with more than 220 species being recorded. 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 2024

The Rhododendron Festival date 2024 is scheduled from the 14th to the 16th of April 2024. The festival will be held in Lampelri National Park Thimphu.

Highlights

  • Witness the beautiful 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.

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Arrival Paro

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.

Day 2 :
Thimphu Tour

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.

Day 3 :
Thimphu to Lamperi Rhododendron Festival

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.

Day 4 :
Punakha to Gangtey

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

Day 5 :
Gangtey to Paro

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

Day 6 :
Paro Tiger Nest Hike

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

Day 7 :
Paro to Airport and see Off

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

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

  • Accommodation in 3-star Hotel.
  • Licensed Tour Guide.
  • Comfortable vehicle.
  • All entrance Fees.
  • Airport Pick and drop.

Exclusion

  • International/ Domestic Airfare.
  • Insurance Premiums.
  • Alcoholic Drinks.
  • Hotel Upgradation

FAQs

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.

What is included in the Festival Tour?

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Rhododendron Festival (13th-14th April)
From $1,500
/ Adult
Need help with booking? Send Us A Message

Trip Info

  • Paro
  • Paro
  • Licensed Tour Guide.
  • Accommodation in 3-star Hotel.
  • Comfortable vehicle.
  • 13th April

Related trips

Pho chu and Mo chu
Punakha Spring
A monk dancing a traditional religious dance in Paro Tshechu Bhutan
mask dance

4 Days - 3 Nights Easy
$960
The festival of Punakha is celebrated every year before the nomadic people of Laya depart back home. The Punakha Tshechu (or ‘festival’) takes place each February or March inside the incredible Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan. As well as being a really fun and exciting day out for the Bhutanese, the tshechu also provides devout Buddhists with an opportunity for pilgrimage and prayer.
View Details
Paro Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu

9 Days - 8 Nights Easy
$2,990
The Paro Festival, also known as the Paro Tsechu, is an annual religious festival held in Paro, Bhutan. Firstly, during the festival, locals dress up in their finest traditional attire and gather at the Paro Dzong, a stunning fortress-like monastery. Secondly, the festival commences with the unfurling of the thongdrel, a large religious scroll that is believed to bestow blessings on those who see it.
View Details
Thimphu Tshechu
Wangdiphofrang bridge
Wangdi Dzong 2

2 Days - 3 Nights Easy
$910
Wangdue Tshechu is a three-day festival of mask and folk dances founded by the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan, Mr. Tenzing Rabgye (1638-1696), to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. The festival is held in wangduephodrang Dzong. The festival is Known for dance of the Ox.
View Details
Tour Bhutan