Rhododendron Week

26/08/2026

🌺 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐀 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬.

Before the flowers, there was the mountain.

Before the celebration, there were the people who knew its paths, its weather, its silences. And every spring, when the rhododendrons open across Merak, the mountain gives something back.

A colour.
A song.
A story carried from one generation to another.

From 𝟬𝟯–𝟬𝟱 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳, 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶, 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗸, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴 becomes the gathering place for the 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸.

Come and walk where the hills are in bloom.

Listen to the music.
Taste what has been kept and passed down.
Meet the people who call these mountains home.

Because this is not only a celebration of flowers.

It is a celebration of what remains—when a place remembers its people, and its people remember the place.

🌸 𝐑𝐇𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕
𝟎𝟑–𝟎𝟓 𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 | 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐘𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐈, 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐊, 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐆

Come for the bloom.
Stay for what the Sheytemi leaves in you.

28/06/2026

02/06/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 🌸📖

What began as a celebration of nature, culture, and community in the breathtaking landscapes of Sheytemi now finds a permanent place in history.

Today, Trashigang Dzongkhag proudly launched the 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲—a vibrant record of seven unforgettable days where the mountains bloomed, traditions came alive, and every visitor found a story to take home.

More than a report, it is a tribute to the people, landscapes, and shared experiences that made Rhododendron Week 2026 a remarkable journey of discovery and connection.

𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺𝘀. 𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗔 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 🌺 🌸🌺

📖 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶—𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.

10/04/2026

Yesterday, as the curtains gently fell on the 2nd Edition of Rhododendron Week, our hearts were full.

What began as a celebration of blooming rhododendrons became something far more beautiful — a gathering of people, cultures, laughter, music, and memories in the mountains of Sheytemi. From misty mornings to vibrant evenings, every moment carried the spirit of community and the pride of our land.

Behind every performance, every archery arrow, every smile in the crowd, and every trail walked among the rhododendrons were countless hands and hearts working quietly together.

As the festival closes, the flowers will fade with the season, but the memories we created will continue to bloom in all of us.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞. 🌺

09/04/2026

As we conclude Rhododendron Week, we are pleased to share the arrival statistics for Day Seven, marking the final day of this vibrant celebration.

Thank you to all our international, regional, and Bhutanese guests for joining us throughout this week-long event. Your presence and participation made the festival truly memorable.

We deeply appreciate your support and enthusiasm, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year for another beautiful celebration.

Trashigang Dzongkhag Administration
Department of Tourism, Bhutan

08/04/2026

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟔 | 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

The sixth day of Rhododendron Week unfolded across the breathtaking highlands between Sheytemi and Merak, as visitors set out on an excursion through valleys painted with blooming Rhododendrons. Against sweeping landscapes and mist-lined ridges, the day became a celebration of discovery — visitors exploring the trails, capturing photographs, and immersing themselves in the natural beauty that defines this corner of Bhutan.

But as the sun lowered over Sheytemi, attention turned to a different spectacle.

The 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 reached its final moment, drawing cheers and anticipation as Shongphu Gewog faced Phongmay Gewog in a spirited contest of precision and pride. Arrow by arrow, the tension built until the final shots sealed the victory.

🏹 Shongphu Gewog emerged as the champions, claiming the title and closing the tournament with celebration and applause.

From quiet mountain excursions to the thrill of competition, Day 6 captured the very spirit of Rhododendron Week — nature, culture, and community blooming together.

🌸 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.

Department of Tourism SecretariatSakteng Wildlife SanctuaryTrashigang Forest DivisionMerak Waste ManagementTrashigang Dzongkhag Administration

Photo Courtesy: Sherubtse Media Society - SMS

07/04/2026

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟓 | 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 – 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝟕 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲

High in the mountains of Merak, where Rhododendrons bloom against the misty ridges of Sheytemi, today’s celebration turned its focus to the people who safeguard the nation’s health.

Graced by the Hon’ble Health Minister of Bhutan, 73 health workers — doctors, nurses, health assistants, technicians, village health workers and senior specialists — were honoured for their dedication and years of service, many in Bhutan’s most remote communities. Their work often unfolds quietly, far from the spotlight, yet it remains vital to the wellbeing of the nation.

In a festival that celebrates the beauty of nature, the message of the day reached deeper: true flourishing begins within.

The highlight of the day, “𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏: 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑. 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 – 𝑺𝒐𝒘𝒂 𝒁𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒚,” invited participants into a moment of stillness. Through mindfulness, breathing and guided reflection, the session emphasised the importance of mental wellbeing, emotional resilience and inner balance.

Among the blooming Rhododendrons of Sheytemi, the message was clear: 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙.

🌸 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧. 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩. 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.

Ministry of Health, Royal Government of BhutanWorld Health Organization Bhutan

Photo Courtesy: Sherubtse Media Society - SMS

07/04/2026

Day Five of Rhododendron Week

The celebration continues into Day Five with vibrant energy, as visitors gather to enjoy the blooming rhododendrons, cultural experiences, and warm community spirit.

With strong participation from international, regional, and Bhutanese guests, the festival remains lively and engaging.

As we near the final days, don’t miss the chance to be part of this beautiful celebration.

Trashigang Dzongkhag Administration
Department of Tourism, Bhutan

06/04/2026

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟒 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 | 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐩𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

From the soulful melodies of 𝑲𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒂 drifting across the highland air to the rhythm of the 𝒀𝒂𝒌 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎, Day 4 unfolded as a heartfelt tribute to the living culture of the Brokpa people.

The festival grounds came alive with sacred storytelling and vibrant movement. The mystical 𝑨𝒄𝒉𝒊 𝑳𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒐 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎 transformed the mountains into a spiritual stage, while the powerful 𝑨𝒓𝒑𝒉𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎 retold the heroic legend of Ling Gesar Gyalpo, echoing courage, wisdom, and victory through every step.

History and legend converged at 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗼𝘇𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗞𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂 𝗟𝗲𝗸𝗽𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, commemorating the triumph of Prince Lhasey Kuentu Lekpa over the demoness queen Duem Hacham—an enduring symbol of protection and legacy.

As the afternoon sun softened over the highlands, participants embarked on the Mindula–Jigmeling Hike, an 8-kilometer journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, celebrating the harmony between nature, biodiversity, and community.

Day 4 was more than a programme—it was a living tapestry of Brokpa identity, where songs, legends, rituals, and mountains came together to honor a culture that continues to thrive with resilience and pride.

𝑹𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌: 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔. 🌺

Trashigang Dzongkhag Administration
Sherubtse Media Society - SMS

06/04/2026

Day Four of Rhododendron Week

The celebration continues to bloom as we step into Day Four, with the festival grounds once again coming alive with vibrant colors and joyful moments. The energy remains high as visitors immerse themselves in the beauty of the rhododendrons, cultural experiences, and warm gatherings.

With only three more days left, the excitement is building as we move closer to the conclusion of this special week. Each passing day brings new memories, meaningful interactions, and a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural richness of Trashigang.

We invite everyone to join us and be part of these final days of Rhododendron Week as the celebration continues to unfold.

Trashigang Dzongkhag Administration
Department of Tourism, Bhutan