The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower, and not without reason. There are more than 30 species of rhododendron in dozens of sizes and colours. Rhododendrons can be found at altitudes from 1,200 metres up
to 3,600 metres. The flower grows across the entire country of Nepal and is remarkably coloured in every shade of red, pink, yellow, purple and white. The Nepalese rhododendron reaches a height of up to 15 metres and has the largest trunk, the largest blossoms and the earliest and longest flowering period of all rhododendron species worldwide.
Every rhododendron species has its own flowering season, but only some flowers bloom at any one time. Lali Gurans (the Nepalese name) also has its own time to thrive. Its flowering season is in spring, from March to May. In these months the blossoms adorn the forest with their natural beauty. When it is in bloom, no one can resist gazing at the combination of red flowers against the green forest and the magically white mountain range. As the red colour of this flower blends with the green of the forest, the whole woodland looks like an adorned bride.
The treks in the entire Annapurna region (Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, Kopra Dhanda and Muldai Peak – Poon Hill Trek), as well as in the Langtang and Kanchenjunga regions, offer the best opportunity to witness this natural spectacle that is unique in the world.
