A Guide to Rhododendrons: Where to Find Them and When?

Over the years, what trekkers are looking for in a trek has been slowly evolving. If I talk about a decade back, most trekkers chose treks based on views, summit climbs, terrain, and adventure. However, as times change, a growing number of trekkers are also choosing treks for their natural elements. Today’s trekker is also interested in biodiversity, bird watching, flora and fauna.

One of the natural elements that stand out for trekkers is the presence of Rhododendrons on the trek. Their majestic bloom and cultural significance have secured them a special place in trekkers' hearts and local life.

This piece is dedicated to delivering a nuanced understanding of these botanical gems. Read through!

What are Rhododendrons? Where are They Found?

Rhododendrons are fondly referred to as "Rhodos" in the mountains. They are considered as the ‘glory of the Himalayas’. The most notable species, Rhododendron arboreum, thrives as a tree in lower altitudes, while smaller shrubs dominate higher elevations. This species is culturally significant across the Himalayas. It is prominent in areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the northern part of West Bengal. 

On treks, such as Ranthan Kharak, Deoriatal Chandrashila, Phulara Ridge, and Sandakphu, we see a variety of red, pink, white, or purple dominating the scenery. The colour keeps changing with the altitude, which means, you will not find a single colour rhodos throughout your trek.

Did You Know? Rhodos also have colours such as yellow and orange, though these are rarer and can be found in the eastern Himalayas.

How do the Colours of the Rhododendrons Change with Altitude?

While ascending to the summit on the treks in the Himalayas, you will notice a shift in the colours of Rhododendrons. As the altitude increases, the colours change as follows:

• 6,000 to 9,000 feet: Vibrant red rhododendrons bloom on trees.
• 8,500 to 10,000 feet: Pink and violet blooms dominate here.
• Above 10,000 feet: White rhodos appear, with faint pink or violet tinges.

This palette of colours is a visual feast for trekkers traversing these altitudinal zones. 

But, Why do the Colours of the Rhododendrons Change with Altitude?

An enigma for many, the colour shift from red to pink to white with elevation remains under scientific study. This could stem from environmental adaptations to light, pollinators, and climatic conditions.

How do Rhododendrons Influence the Culture and Lives of Locals in the Himalayas?

Rhododendrons have a significant impact on the culture in the Himalayas. Red Rhododendrons are edible and are loved for their tangy-sweet taste. Consumed raw or made into juice, squash, chutneys and wine, they are popular in the Indian Himalayan regions.

Rhododendron wine is particularly popular in Nepal and Himachal Pradesh, while juices and squashes are common in Uttarakhand. 

All these products are made from the petals of the flowers, which are edible and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting properties. 

Talking about pink and white varieties: they are toxic and can be hard to digest due to the presence of certain proteins. Hence, they are never advised to be consumed.

Did You Know? Rhododendron campanulatum is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh. Rhododendron arboreum is recognized as the state tree of Uttarakhand and the state flower of Nagaland. Locally, they are referred to as Buransh in Uttarakhand and Gurans in Nepali language.

How are Rhododendrons Globally Distributed?

Rhododendrons are found across multiple continents, primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America. In Europe, they mostly grow as shrubs. Interestingly, while rhododendrons have a positive cultural impact in the Himalayas, some species are invasive in regions like Scotland and New Zealand. 

For example, Rhododendron ponticum, in Scotland and other parts of Europe, is considered highly invasive. It inhibits the growth of native plants and produces toxic nectar, which creates poisonous honey. The honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the Rhododendron ponticum plant is called "mad honey."

Did You Know? Rhododendrons have extraordinary codependency with bumblebees, which are among their most effective pollinators. Their bell-shaped flowers house tightly packed pollen that bumblebees release (from the anthers) through "buzz pollination," a specialized vibrating mechanism. 

Climate Change, Rhododendrons, and Trekking

Rhododendrons are highly prone to temperature and are affected by the global rise in temperature or what is commonly called climate change.

During peak blooming, from mid-March to mid-April, trails of popular treks like Deoria Tal Chandrashila, Sandakphu, and Ranthan Kharak are carpeted with petals. However, the typical blooming season is shifting due to climate change. Early blooms as early as January or February are observed, especially at lower altitudes, disrupting patterns and raising ecological concerns. 

These seasonal anomalies call for deeper attention and mindful trekking practices.

Top 3 Rhododendron Treks in the Himalayas

Below I will list the three most famous treks in the Himalayas that give you an unparalleled taste of trekking through the rhodo-filled trails. 

When Do Rhododendrons Bloom?

If you are stepping on a trek to witness Rhododendrons, it is important to time your trek well. In Uttarakhand, the peak flowering season starts at the end of February and lasts until the middle of April. Whereas, in the eastern Himalayas, i.e. in Sikkim, Nepal and North Bengal, rhodos are in full bloom from early April to early May.

1. Ranthan Kharak Trek: 

We fell in love with this trek because of the rhodos. On this trek, Rhododendrons are such a big highlight that the Ranthan Kharak trek can be synonymous with them. I recommend the peak blooming season, which runs from mid-March to mid-April. Just ahead of the forest section of the Namik village, you will start seeing them. From bushes and shrubs to tall Rhodo trees– you see them all in abundance and diversity. From reds to pinks and whites– they are everywhere.

It has not been long since we opened this trek but the amount of love trekkers have been pouring in in this trek is immense. And a major credit goes to Rhododendrons.

2. Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek:

Soon after you start the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, you are welcomed by a dense rhododendron forest. The sheer amount of rhodos you find at this section of the trail will blow your mind. You reach Deorital Tal and see that too surrounded by rhodos in red, pink and magenta colours. 

On the following day as well, from Deoriatal to Syalmi, as you trek towards Jhandi top, a forest trail with maple and rhodos is lined up. Rohini Bugyal is another spot which is bestowed with a sheer amount of rhododendrons. It is a small meadow surrounded by a beautiful rhododendron forest and a view of the Kedar Dome and the Kala Parvat peaks.

You might believe you've encountered the most stunning rhodos but wait for the following days. As you trek further on the trail, starting from Baniya Kund campsite, you will see the most beautiful pink blooms. You won’t believe but the charm of these majestic blooms just doesn’t end on this trek. It stays with you throughout.

Trekkers have been loving this trek for so many reasons and we are glad that rhododendrons is one among them.

3. Sandakphu Phalut Trek: 

During the peak blooming season in spring, the trails of Sandakphu Phalut Trek are spread with pink, red, scarlet, and white flowers, creating a truly magical moment. Additionally, The bamboo and rhododendron forests of the Singalila National Park are among the densest in the Himalayas. 

Akshay Upreti, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent several months in the Sandakphu region, says, "The best rhododendron sections are between Samanden and Molley. The last stretch of this walk is entirely through rhododendron forests. The flowers are completely red and pink here. If you time your trek right, you'll be trekking in a sea of pink,".

Wrapping Words:

This was my time sharing information on rhododendrons, especially, in the context of trekking and the Himalayas. 

Let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any other information about the rhododendrons you have observed. I would love to hear if you have been on any of these treks and what your highlight is.