As the first week of May arrives, the bright rhododendron flowers that started blooming in February are beginning to fall.

While the season is ending in the lower hills, the flowers will continue to decorate the high mountains until mid-June. These flowers do more than just look beautiful; they have become a major source of income and a way to promote tourism in Nepal.

A New Life for Local Business

In the mountainous district of Taplejung, the red forests attract many domestic and international tourists during March and April.

Local residents have noticed that opening small snack shops, tea stalls, and home-stays near these flowering areas has significantly increased their earnings.

Devraj Gurung, a former media worker who now runs a home-stay, says the business has been great this year. He has even started planting rhododendron gardens around his property to attract more visitors.

Similarly, hotel owners in the Pathibhara area report high profits during the blooming season as pilgrims and tourists flock to the region.

The "Rhododendron Capital"

The region where Taplejung, Tehrathum, and Sankhuwasabha meet is known as the "Rhododendron Capital" of Nepal. This area, specifically Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale (TMJ), is home to over 30 species of the flower.

• Tourism Growth: Visitors from the plains of Nepal travel here just to see the colorful hills.
• Local Products: In the Basantapur area of Tehrathum, rhododendron juice and wine have become very popular local products.
• Government Investment: The Ministry of Tourism has invested 70 million rupees to build a Rhododendron Park in Milke to improve the tourist experience.

Science and Diversity

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world when it comes to rhododendron diversity.

• Global vs. Local: Out of 1,157 species found worldwide, Nepal is home to 33 unique species.
• Wide Reach: These flowers are found across the country, from the east to the far west, covering about 10% of Nepal's total forest area.
• Expert Findings: Botanist Keshav Raj Rajbhandari notes that the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a particularly important spot, where all 33 Nepali species can be found.

Outside of Nepal, countries like China, India, Bhutan, and Japan are also known for having large varieties of these beautiful flowers.