Rhododendron in Nepal: A Treasured Flower Beholding the Country’s Identity

Trekking in Nepal is the best way to experience the country’s rich biodiversity. If you plan one for the summer, the trails to your trekking destination will most likely pass through dense rhododendron forests. But do you know that the rhododendron in Nepal isn’t just a mere plant but also holds the value of the country’s identity?

Yes, you heard it right! Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower, and it’s exclusively found in the country. The blooming of these bright red flowers signals the arrival of spring in Nepal, attracting visitors to the hills to admire the flowering trees.

Besides, Nepal is also home to the world’s largest rhododendron forest. This forest lies in the Ghorepani-Poonhill region within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Since Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal climbed Mount Annapurna in the 1950s, this region has become popular for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural immersion.

Let’s dig deeper into the essence and occurrence of Rhododendron in Nepal.

Everything About Rhododendron in Nepal

National Flower of Nepal

The rhododendron, known as Lali Guras (लाली गुँरास) in the local language, was declared the national flower of Nepal in 1962. This particular species is Rhododendron arboreum, whose tree can grow up to 20 m tall.

The rhododendron plant holds exceptional value among the Nepalese because different species grow throughout the country. The crimson color is also the base of the national flag of Nepal and symbolizes victory, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of the people.

Why is Rhododendron Popular in Nepal?

Though rhododendrons have different colors, the most distinguished are red, maroon, white, yellow, and pink. Most people think that only the red one is a rhododendron, as it is the most commonly found throughout the hills of Nepal from east to west.

People have found various uses for the flower. The petals can be eaten raw, fermented into pickles, or infused with alcohol. The dried petals can be used as tea or chewed to treat dysentery.

The flower also has medicinal value that can treat cardiac disease, inflammation, constipation, bronchitis, and asthma. According to WHO (2000), about 65% of the global population uses the medicinal value of the rhododendron plant as a painkiller, antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.

However, not all rhododendrons are suitable for consumption, as some species have toxic nectar. The young leaves can be used to prepare fish poison, and the juice is used to treat bed bugs.

Rhododendron Forests: Where to Spot Crimson Blossoms?

Every traveler on Nepal’s trekking routes may be interested in spotting rhododendrons. All the hiking trails around Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and the trekking routes of Nepal pass through the stunning backdrop of this vibrant, lush forest of rhododendrons along the trekking routes of Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.

Moreover, the Ghandruk-Poon Hill areas have the densest forest, allowing the most romantic rhododendron view trek in the Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek.

Many Rhododendron species can be seen during the Langtang Valley Trek, Lower Everest Region Trek, Makalu Barun Valley Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek. Although this most attractive and diverse species is found throughout Nepal’s hilly region, adequate rhododendron species are found predominantly in Teenjura, Milke, and Jajale, also known as the TMJ region. Hence, this region is known as the Rhododendron Capital of the nation and was declared a rhododendron conservation area in 1998.

During this trek, you will also see the beautiful peaks of the region, in addition to the attraction of rhododendron flowers.

A Blooming Paradise in the Himalayas

Rhododendron is an evergreen or deciduous plant mainly found in Asia. This crimson Rhododendron flower blooms during the spring season. The flower covers the lush hills of Nepal from 1,200 m to 5,500 m, starting from a low altitude of 1000 m above sea level. It has 33 species, and 31 species are found in Province 1 alone.

From March to May, this flower transforms the forest into a vibrant spectacle, with rhododendron blooms painting the landscape in red, pink, and white tones. Seeing these blossoms against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre creates a breathtaking panorama. A wide range of tones—pink, light pink, yellow, white, and purple- create a mesmerizing textile of color against the setting of gigantic peaks.

In Nepal, there is a large variety of species of Rhododendron, such as

• सुनखरी गुराँस (Rhododendron anthopogon)
• लाल गुराँस (Rhododendron arboreum)
• ठुलो लालीगुराँस (Rhododendron campanulatum)
• स्नो गुराँस (Rhododendron nivale)
• कालो गुराँस (Rhododendron barbatum)
• चिम्से गुराँस (Rhododendron cinnabarium)
• वाल्लिच गुराँस (Rhododendron wallichii)
• थोम्सन गुराँस (Rhododendron thomsonii)

The particular type has a designated altitude to survive. There are jungles of mixed types of rhododendrons in Ilam and Panchthar. Species found at various altitudes, such as Sunpati (R. anthopogon), Laliguras (R. arboreum), Neelo Chimal (R. campanulatum), and Hiun Guras (R. nivale), can be seen as scattered individual trees or dense shrubs around slopes and high alpine meadows.

However, other species like Rato Chimal (R. barbatum), Sano Chimal (R. cinnabarium), Wallich’s Chimal (R. wallichii), and Thomson’s Chimal (R. thomsonii) are observed growing either together or in association with other plant groups. Rhododendrons primarily grow alongside oak, birch, Bhote Champ (Michelia), bamboo, and various species of pine and juniper. The shortest tree of Rhododendron lowndesii can grow only up to 10 cm.

Another type of Rhododendron from the family Ericaceae, which contains a compound called “grayanotoxin,” is consumed by bees and synthesizes the mad honey. This is a psychoactive compound that creates hallucinations when consumed in high amounts. This compound also makes the muscle numb, gives a trippy sensation, and promotes relaxation.

Trekking Experience Through the Rhododendron Forest

The Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek is a popular route offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and moderate trekking challenges. Typically, the trek commences after a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Birethanti.

Trekking through Tikhedhunga and Ulleri, we reach Ghorepani at 2,860 m in the shadow of the Rhododendron Forest. Early in the morning, we hike to Poon Hill to feel the warmth of the sunrise.

Along with the rhododendrons, the forest is home to diverse plant species, rare orchids, and medicinal herbs. Exotic species such as langurs, Himalayan monals (Danphe, Nepal’s national bird), and musk deer are found in the forest.

Some other famous rhododendron treks in Nepal are listed below:

1. Langtang Valley Rhododendron Trek
2. Annapurna Sanctuary Rhododendron Trek
3. Tinjure Milkhe-Jaljale Rhododendron trek
4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Rhododendron trek
5. Pikey Peak Trek
6. Mohre Danda Trek
7. Mulde Hill Trek
8. Khopra Danda Trek
9. Milke Danda Trek

If you are looking for a rhododendron view trek, choose the most suitable one.

The Role of ACAP in Rhododendron Conservation

The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area under the ACAP and a UNESCO-designated biodiversity hotspot. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is responsible for preserving the ecology and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region. Sustainable and responsible tourism practices and community involvement in waste management are crucial.

Seasonal Splendor: When to Visit for Full Bloom

The ideal time to explore the rhododendron in Nepal is during the Nepali months of Chaitra and Baisakh (March–April), when the blooms are at their crowning. However, the Ghorepani-Poonhill trek is a year-round adventure, offering different charms each season, from lush green landscapes in summer to snow-tipped trails in midwinter.

The world’s largest rhododendron forest in Ghorepani-Poonhill is not just a destination. It’s an experience that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker, a nature lover, or someone seeking serenity amidst the Himalayas, this remarkable region promises memories that will last a lifetime. So if you plan to visit Nepal this summer, don’t miss out on a trek to one of these forests.

Enjoy the variety of rhododendrons in Nepal!