The best treks for rhododendron in Nepal are Poon Hill and Ghorepani, Mardi Himal, Khopra Ridge and the lower Annapurna Base Camp trail in the west, Langtang, Helambu and Pikey Peak in the centre, and Makalu, Kanchenjunga and the Milke Danda area in the east. The peak is late March to mid-April at 2,500 to 3,200 m.
The short list
- Poon Hill and Ghorepani: 4 to 5 days, high point 3,210 m. The most famous rhododendron forest in Nepal.
- Mardi Himal: 5 to 7 days, high point about 4,200 m. A tunnel of flowers on the ridge.
- Khopra Ridge: 7 to 9 days, high point 3,660 m. Flowers without the crowds.
- Langtang and Gosaikunda: 7 to 12 days, high point 3,870 to 4,380 m. Central Nepal's best.
- Pikey Peak: 6 to 8 days, high point 4,065 m. Rhododendron with an Everest panorama.
- Makalu Base Camp: 16 to 20 days, high point 4,870 m. The greatest variety.
- Kanchenjunga: 20 to 24 days, high point about 5,140 m. Days of flowering forest.
The treks in detail
Poon Hill and Ghorepani. Whole hillsides between Ulleri, Ghorepani and Tadapani flower red and pink, with Dhaulagiri behind.
Mardi Himal. The forest between Forest Camp and Low Camp is thick with old, moss-hung trees.
Khopra Ridge. The same forest belt as Ghorepani, with far fewer people.
Langtang and Gosaikunda. The lower Langtang valley and the forest below Sing Gompa.
Pikey Peak. Ridges in lower Solukhumbu flower in April.
Makalu Base Camp. The Arun and Barun valleys hold many species, from tree to dwarf forms.
Kanchenjunga. Eastern Nepal has the richest rhododendron diversity in the country.
When to go
Flowering moves uphill with the spring. Around 1,500 to 2,000 m the first trees open in late February and early March. Between 2,500 and 3,200 m, where the forest is densest, the peak is late March to mid-April. Near the tree line, at 3,500 to 4,000 m, shrubs and dwarf species flower into May. A cold or late winter shifts everything by a week or two.
About the flower
Nepal has more than thirty species of rhododendron. The best known is Rhododendron arboreum, the tree rhododendron, whose red form, lali gurans, is the national flower. Trees reach 15 metres or more and are red at lower altitude, turning to pink and then white as you climb. Higher up come species with yellow, cream and purple flowers, and above the tree line low, aromatic shrubs used locally as incense.
West, centre or east?
The Annapurna foothills are the easiest to reach and have the famous forests. The east has the greatest number of species, because it is wetter, and the longest flowering season, but needs more time. Central Nepal, around Langtang and lower Solu, is a good middle choice.
Combining flowers and views
Spring haze can soften distant views in the afternoon, so plan to be at viewpoints at dawn, when the air is clearest. A sunrise on Poon Hill with red forest below and white peaks above is the classic picture of the season.
Photography tips
Early and late light brings out the colour. Overcast spells are useful for close-ups, since the reds do not burn out. After rain the flowers are at their freshest, and fallen petals carpet the stone steps.
Practical notes
Carry a rain shell from April, since pre-monsoon showers begin then. Leeches appear in the forest from late April at lower altitudes. Do not pick flowers or break branches in the conservation areas.
A sample flower trek
Five days from Pokhara in early April: drive to Ulleri and walk through flowering forest to Ghorepani; climb Poon Hill at dawn and walk the ridge to Tadapani, the finest stretch of all; descend to Ghandruk; and return to Pokhara. Add two days and you can continue to Chhomrong and the hot springs.
Other spring flowers
Rhododendron is the headline, but not the only one. Magnolia flowers white on bare branches in March, daphne scents the lower forest, primulas carpet damp ground near the tree line in May, and orchids hang from trees in the wet eastern valleys.
Lodges and crowds in flower season
Late March and April are busy on the Poon Hill loop, though less so than October. Booking a guide who reserves rooms ahead is worthwhile at Ghorepani and Tadapani. On Khopra, Pikey and the eastern treks you will have the forest largely to yourself.
Common questions
Which month is best for rhododendron in Nepal?
Late March to mid-April for the main forests.
Where is the best rhododendron forest?
Around Ghorepani on the Poon Hill trek, and in the east around Makalu and Kanchenjunga.
What is the national flower of Nepal?
The red rhododendron, lali gurans.
Can I see rhododendron in May?
Yes, higher up, between about 3,300 and 4,000 m.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
