Himalayan spring is synonymous with silken-red rhododendrons, staging a scenery against the mountains and weaving a floral carpet. Beyond its optical brilliance, the valuable plant possesses medicinal properties and a distinctive flavour that can be enjoyed in the form of tea, syrups, jams, compotes, vinegar, and even locally-produced wines. If you ask us, the best way to converse with these scarlet-hued blooms is to embark on a rhododendron trek at one of these breathtaking destinations. The delightful shadow of these flowers will follow with every turn on the trail, promising a journey of picture-perfect frames until you reach the summit.
Top rhododendron treks in India
Goechala, Sikkim
A striking mix of challenging and splendid, the Goechala trek comes alive with varying shades of rhododendrons depending on the altitude. Witness the most awe-inspiring sights between Tshoka and Phedang, roughly 9,000 ft to 11,000 ft where blooms in red, yellow, white, and pink hues await. Various stretches on this trek will make you tread through rhododendron tunnels, filtering rays of sunshine that light up your path in spectacular colours. If you’re considering the Goechala trek, don’t miss the sunrise on the Kangchenjunga Range and retreat along the Samiti Lake.
Trek duration: 10-11 days
Best time to visit: From March to April
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, West Bengal
Like Sikkim’s Goechala trek, the Sandakphu-Phalut trek is endowed with scarlet, pink, white, and yellow rhododendrons throughout. This Himalayan trek is world-famous for being the vantage point for four of the world’s tallest peaks: Mout Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. As you enter the belt between Samanden and Molley, count on dense, animated bushels of rhododendrons to greet you at every step.
Shiladitya Mukhopadhyay, an avid trekker, Biology Educator, and a travel writer on occasion who recently scaled West Bengal’s highest peak Sandakphu via Tumling, says, “The highlight of this trek for me was definitely the sunrise at Chintaphu top on the day of Nepali New Year! Chintaphu is in East Nepal, a day trek from Sandakphu.” He also shared that the massif of Mt Kangchenjunga, which mimics a reclining Buddha, shouldn’t be missed on this trek.
Trek duration: 6-7 days
Best time to visit: From March to May
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Ranthang Kharak, Kumaon region of Uttarakhand
Lesser known but no less charming, the Ranthang Kharak trek poses moderate difficulty levels, requiring you to cross bridges, ridges, steep climbs and sharp descents. The three stand-out characteristics of this Himalayan trek include scanty crowds, unmatched views of peaks like Panchachuli, Mt Dangthal, Mt. Mrigthuni, and a rosy blanket of rhododendrons. This trek is recommended for those who prefer bird-watching; the elusive Himalayan Monal might greet you at any turn.
Trek duration: 6 nights, 7 days
Best time to visit: From April to May
Difficulty level: Moderate
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim
Spread across 104 sq km, the Barsey (also called Varsey) Rhododendron Sanctuary is famed for housing 600 out of the 1,000 varieties of rhododendron found in Sikkim. Hikes in this sanctuary promise surreal views of Sikkim’s major peaks such as Pandim, Rathong, Kumbhakarna (also called Jannu), and Tinchenkhang.
Trek duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Best time to visit: Between April and May
Difficulty level: Easy
Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand
This round trek, starting and ending at Lohajung, is popular for its alpine meadows and majestic mountain views. While many prefer to chart this course during the winter months, when frozen lakes and snowcapped peaks prepare to delight, spring is an equally splendid season to see contrasting hues of the Brahmatal Trek. From the first day of the trek, trusty rhododendrons in their pink glory introduce you to the landscape, hiking with you through lakeside halts and mid-forest camps.
Trek duration: 4-6 days
Best time to visit: From March to April
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
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Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand
The famous Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek oozes a refreshing charm in spring when the routes are canopied by oak and rhododendron trees. When trekking in this region, you’ll spot two kinds of rhododendron plantations, the trees at lower altitudes are replaced by shrubs as you proceed higher. This Himalayan trek also offers a breathtaking birds-eye view of India’s tallest mountain Mt Nanda Devi in addition to the Kedarnath and the Kedar Dome, the Gangotri Range, Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Trishul, and Mt Thalaysagar, among others.
Trek duration: 5-6 days
Best time to visit: From March to April
Difficulty level: Easy
Annapurna Rhododendron Trek, Nepal
The Annapurna Rhododendron Trek starts and ends at Pokhara and promises a visual feast throughout. In addition to offering ethereal views of the Dhaulagiri Range, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna Range, the entire trail is shrouded with pink and purple rhododendrons, offering beauty at every step of the adventure. The Annapurna range trek is conducted by various agencies, with the base camp being a roughly two to three-hour-long drive from Pokhara (destinations like Hile, Tikhedhunga, and Ulleri, among others).
Trek duration: 10-12 days
Best time to visit: From March to April
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best time to see rhododendrons in bloom
One of the largest flowering plant species in the Himalayan region, rhododendrons can be witnessed in full bloom from late February to late April. In Sikkim, Nepal, and North Bengal, it’s possible to catch the delightful red flowers up until early May. If you want to spend time among these beautiful flowers, the months between late winter and early summer promise the best views.
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(Feature Image Credit: Kiwisoul/Shutterstock)
Related: Conquering Kedarkantha: A Beginner’s Guide To India’s Popular Trek
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Are rhododendron treks suitable for beginners?
Yes, most rhododendron treks are suitable for beginners. However, it is advisable to check the trek intensity with the organisers/agency beforehand. Most Himalayan treks during March and April promise a splendid scenery of rhododendrons.
– What should I pack for a rhododendron trek?
Like most other treks, make sure you have trekking essentials handy: gloves, first aid kit, rainwear, water bottle, sun cap, hiking pole, insect repellent, and headlamp to name a few.
– Do I need a guide for a rhododendron trek?
Yes, it is advisable to embark on the rhododendron trek with a guide.
– Are permits required for rhododendron treks in India?
Some treks in India require Inner Line Permits or permission from the Sub District Magistrate, Gram Panchayat, or even the Forest Department. Therefore, it is always advisable to check for permits in advance or ensure that the organising agency has the necessary permits.
– What are some alternative activities or attractions near rhododendron trekking routes?
Most Himalayan rhododendron treks are complemented by lakes, lush meadows, indigenous fauna, and viewpoints which make the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts as well.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
