Bhutan Rhododendron Festival - A festival organized at the scenic Lamperi Botanical Park to celebrate full bloom of several varieties of Rhododendron in Bhutan

The three-day Rhododendron Festival is held at Royal Botanical Park, located about 35 km from capital city Thimphu and in vicinity of Dochula pass. The entire Dochula area has special religious and cultural significance for the people of Bhutan.

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. 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.

From homemade remedy to its use in traditional medicine, Rhododendrons hold a special place in heart of Bhutanese since ancient times. Numerous Bhutanese songs glorify the flower owing to its aesthetic beauty.

Showcasing different Rhododendron species that are in full bloom during April-May, the three-day Rhododendron Festival celebrates the blossoms at Lamperi Botanical Park. Initiated in 2012, Rhododendron Festival is an annual event featuring Rhododendron garden walk and exhibition, local culture and cuisine, arts & crafts, traditional games, cultural programs, guided walks and activities. The festival displays different Rhododendron species that are in full bloom in their natural habitat. The festival also highlights conservation efforts of the country and the harmony between people and nature. During the festival, one can also witness traditional Boedra and Zhungdra songs relating to nature ,performed by the local community. The Rhododendron Festival is organised by Nature Recreation and Eco-tourism Division under the Agriculture Ministry with support from Tourism Council of Bhutan and also involves the participation of the local community, Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators, and Guide Association of Bhutan.