Bhutan Hosted First-Ever Rhododendron Week in Merak and Sakteng
Bhutan’s inaugural Rhododendron Week, held from 3rd to 9th April 2025 in the highland communities of Merak and Sakteng, was a celebration of blooming landscapes, Brokpa culture, and sustainable eco-tourism. With His Majesty The King gracing the closing ceremony, the event showcased the beauty, biodiversity, and living heritage of one of Bhutan’s most remote regions.
From 3rd to 9th April 2025, the highland communities of Merak and Sakteng in Bhutan’s eastern district of Trashigang welcomed visitors to the country’s first-ever Rhododendron Week. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of rhododendron forests in full bloom, the event was a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and community.
Celebrating Brokpa Culture and Traditions
Visitors were treated to the spectacular sight of high-altitude rhododendrons at their peak, transforming the landscape into a vivid canvas of colour. The festival provided a rare opportunity to experience the distinctive Brokpa culture, including their traditional yak-herding lifestyle, age-old customs, and unique attire. Locals shared traditional delicacies, performed folk songs and dances, and guided visitors on scenic hikes through some of Bhutan’s most remote and untouched trails.
Ecotourism and Biodiversity
Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts were delighted by the chance to explore the region’s rich biodiversity, which included sightings of the elusive red panda and the iconic blue poppy. The event also spotlighted the highlands’ ecological significance and cultural richness.
The Rhododendron Week offered a rare and immersive glimpse into the daily lives of the Brokpa people. Community members took part as hosts and guides, sharing indigenous knowledge about the region’s flora, fauna, and traditional practices. Their warm hospitality and deep-rooted connection to the land added a meaningful layer to the experience.
His Majesty The King graced the closing ceremony of the festival on 9th April in Sheytemi, Merak, during a Royal Tour of Bhutan’s eastern dzongkhags. His presence underscored the national importance of the event and the cultural value of the highland regions.
A New Chapter for Sustainable Travel
Held during the peak blooming season, Rhododendron Week aimed to promote eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental conservation. It served not only as a celebration of natural beauty but also as a platform to honour and preserve the unique heritage of Merak and Sakteng.
The inaugural Rhododendron Week stood out as a truly unforgettable occasion—bringing together adventure, tradition, and ecological wonder in one of Bhutan’s most enchanting regions.
