Rhododendron Festival

The three-day Rhododendron festival at the Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi, about 35 kms from the capital Thimphu, is a truly an experience for nature lovers to engage in the beauty of wild rhododendron that grows in abundance. Bhutanese derive out of it various use from wild Rhododendrons since time immemorial. From homemade remedy to its use in traditional medicines, rhododendron has always been special for Bhutanese. Numerous Bhutanese songs glorify the flower owing to its aesthetic beauty.

The three-day rhododendron festival celebrates the blossoms at the Lamperi botanical park. Initiated in 2013, a rhododendron festival is an annual event. The Lamperi botanical park records the highest species of rhododendron with 29 of the total 46 that are grown in Bhutan. The rhododendron festival is expected to create a platform to promote eco-tourism and at the same time create opportunities for self-sufficiency for local communities. The festival also highlights the conservation efforts of the country and the harmony between people and parks. It also aims to enhance ecotourism opportunities, and provide means of income opportunities to park residents apart from showcasing the rich diversity of rhododendrons and associated ecology in Bhutan. The festival will focus on ecology, culture, food and entertainment. It also serves as an avenue to integrate ecological and cultural themes through entertainment.

During the three-day festival, enjoy traditional Boedra and Zhungdra songs relating to nature performed by the local community. Take a stroll through the different stalls depicting the livelihood of local communities nearby and their dependence on park resources. The event is followed by other cultural programs and educational activities on environment conservation performed by school children.

The annual rhododendron festival is organized by Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division under the agriculture ministry with support from the Tourism Council of Bhutan and also involves the participation of the community and schools of Toeb, Dagala, Chang and Kawang gewog through a committee, Meto Pelri Tshogpa, Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators, and Guide Association of Bhutan, among others.