Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan is a 2-day event celebrating the blooming of this beautiful flower across the country. The festival includes guided walks through rhododendron gardens, an arts and crafts exhibition, traditional games, and a cultural program featuring local performances.
Bhutan is home to 46 recorded species of rhododendrons, with 29 species and rare orchids found in the Royal Botanical Park. The park also features viewpoints, a serene lake, and a canteen, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Bhutan’s rich biodiversity.
Festival Dates: 13th – 14th April 2026
Venue: Royal Botanical Park, Lam Pelri, Punakha District
Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness Rhododendron festival.
- Immerse in local culture.
- Meet local people.
- Ancient temples, monasteries and dzongs.
- Bhutanese village and farm house.
- Witness archery matches.
- Most scenic landscapes.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 3. Thimphu – Rhododendron festival in Bhutan| 76 Km | Drive: 2 hrs | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 4. Punakha sightseeing | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 5. Punakha – Paro sightseeing | 130 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 6. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 Km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 7. Paro – Departure.
Rhodondendron Festival tour cost:
The cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
Below are the prices for different group sizes.
- Solo travel: US $ 1940 per person.
- 2 persons: US $ 1660 per person.
- 3 persons or more: US $ 1435 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Rhododendron Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver, who will accompany you on the scenic drive to Thimphu. Along the way, visit the historic Tamchog Monastery, built by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the tallest Buddha statue in the world at 51.5 meters, followed by visits to the sacred Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
In the evening, enjoy stunning views of Thimphu from the Sangaygang Viewpoint, visit the tranquil Dupthop Lhakhang Nunnery, and conclude with a tour of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and summer residence of the Je Khenpo. End your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing.
In the morning, start your day in Thimphu with a visit to the National Postal Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s unique philatelic history. Continue to the Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute) to witness traditional Bhutanese art being taught and practiced. Explore the lively Craft Bazaar, showcasing authentic local handicrafts, and enjoy some free time strolling through the town, perfect for photography.
Afterward, drive to Paro and begin your afternoon with a visit to the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, followed by the impressive Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery. End the afternoon with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and culture. In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, ideal for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu – Rhododendron festival in Bhutan – Punakha.
In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha Valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, along with the monk body.
On the way, stop at the scenic Dochula Pass (3,140 m), adorned with 108 stupas, and enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views. The Druk Wangyel Festival is held here annually on December 13th.
Spend the day at the Rhododendron Festival 2025 at Lam Pelri Park, where you can explore the gardens and engage in cultural festivities.
In the evening, drive to Punakha.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 4. Punakha sightseeing – Hike to Khamsum Yulley monastery.
In the morning, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 2012 and has now been fully restored.
Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. Known as the “Temple of Fertility,” it is visited by childless couples seeking blessings.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened Bhutan’s first parliament here in 1952.
Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Monastery, built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for His Majesty’s long life and world peace.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 5. Punakha – Paro sightseeing | 142 Km | Drive: 4 hours
In the morning, drive to Paro, with occasional stops for photography along the way.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower now converted into the National Museum of Bhutan.
Then, explore Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This architectural masterpiece also served as a filming location for the movie “Little Buddha.”
In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, offering insights into local lifestyle and culture.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 6. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Walk: 2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
In the morning, embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike, a two-hour ascent, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of Bhutan’s most cherished experiences.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of Victory,” which holds significant historical importance, and the sacred Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 7. Paro – Departure.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan as you drive to Paro International Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you with departure formalities, ensuring a smooth and memorable end to your journey. Safe travels!
FAQs - Rhododendron Festival tour itinerary
Can photos and videos be taken during the festival?
Photography is allowed, but it’s courteous to avoid interrupting rituals. Always seek permission before photographing monks or performers.
Is prior booking necessary to attend the festival?
While tickets are not required for the festival itself, it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance due to high demand during festival time.
What should I wear to the festival?
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. Bhutanese attire like Gho (for men) and Kira (for women) is ideal but not mandatory. Comfortable, respectful clothing is recommended.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
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