Discover Merak: The Paradise of Rhododendron in Bhutan

Imagine stepping into crisp mountain air so cold you can see your breath as you speak. Vast meadows stretch before you, dotted with tiny red blooms and the gentle movement of grazing yaks. This is Sheytemi in Merak, often dubbed the Paradise of Rhododendrons. With its cool climate, sweeping landscapes, and the subtle fragrance of rhododendrons in bloom, Merak and Sakteng in Trashigang District are among Bhutan’s most picturesque and serene highland villages. April is the ideal time to visit, especially from the 3rd to the 9th, when the valley comes alive with color and culture during the annual Rhododendron Festival, locally known as Etho Metho week. Located about 27 kilometers from Rangjung Town, Sheytemi, the festival venue, is a scenic 1-hour 30-minute drive, offering travelers a journey as beautiful as the destination itself.

The Background of the Festival
The Rhododendron Festival was first introduced in April 2025, held from the 3rd to the 9th, as a celebration dedicated to the semi-nomadic communities of eastern Bhutan. Now in its second edition in 2026, the week-long festival continues to highlight the unique culture, traditions, and natural heritage of the region. It is jointly organized by the Trashigang District Administration and the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. The festival brings together around 15 stalls representing the gewogs of Trashigang, each showcasing a rich variety of local products and traditions. Visitors can explore everything from handicrafts to interactive stalls where you can try on traditional attire, including the distinctive dress of the Brokpa community. One of the highlights is the opportunity to taste zoetey, a fermented cheese known for its strong aroma and unique flavor, deeply rooted in the highland culture of the region in your dishes. Kindly avoid if you have health issues related to cardiovascular concerns and hypertension, while it is still a source of protein for Bhutanese.

Cultural performances form the heart of the festival, featuring traditional dances performed in gho and kira, alongside the vibrant attire of the Brokpa people. The program also includes arphachams (traditional mask dances), the Snow Lion dance, and lively cultural showcases. Beyond performances, the festival offers a range of engaging activities such as the “Planting for the Future” initiative, the Miss Rhododendron pageant, the playful “Chasing Zoetey” game, guided walks through blooming rhododendron fields, musical nights, and even tastings of rhododendron wine. Altogether, the festival offers an authentic and immersive experience, giving visitors a deeper insight into the food, culture, and everyday life of eastern Bhutan.

What Makes The Region Unique

One of the key highlights of visiting eastern Bhutan during the festival season is the rare opportunity to witness the unique lifestyle of highland communities. Merak lies within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast protected area spanning over 740.60 square kilometers, covering most of Merak and Sakteng gewogs in Trashigang, as well as parts of Lauri gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar. Tucked away in one of the most remote regions of the country, the sanctuary has seen limited development, allowing its natural and cultural heritage to remain largely untouched.
The highlanders here are semi-nomadic, relying heavily on livestock rearing as their primary livelihood, with nearly 83% of household income derived from animal husbandry. In contrast, only a small number of families in lower areas depend on subsistence farming. This deep connection between people and land is a defining feature of life in Merak and Sakteng. The region is also a biodiversity hotspot. Out of the 46 species of rhododendron found in Bhutan, 41 thrive in Merak and Sakteng alone. Some species, such as Rhododendron neriiflorum, are found exclusively in Merak, while Rhododendron papillatum grows in Sheytemi. This extraordinary diversity has earned the area the title “Paradise of Rhododendrons,” often likened to a Garden of Eden in the west in full bloom.

Beyond its flora, the sanctuary is rich in wildlife, home to species such as the red panda, Himalayan serow, wild dog, goral, common leopard, capped langur, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and jungle cat. The forests here support over 200 species of trees, along with numerous herbs and shrubs, as well as around 147 species of birds and 20 species of mammals. What makes this region truly remarkable is the harmonious coexistence of a unique semi-nomadic culture alongside thriving biodiversity within a protected landscape. Adding to its beauty, the valley opens up to breathtaking views of sacred peaks like Aum Jomo, rising over 4,000 meters above sea level, along with a range of snow-capped mountains bordering Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Itinerary / Who It’s Perfect For / Why Visit
The Rhododendron Festival itinerary typically spans around 10 days, offering a well-rounded journey through Bhutan. It begins in western Bhutan, including iconic sites like the Tiger’s Nest, before continuing with a domestic flight to eastern Bhutan for the festival experience. This itinerary is both affordable and ideal for travelers who want to explore Bhutan in depth, especially those interested in people-centered, cultural experiences combined with the country’s unique flora and fauna. It truly offers great value for the experience it delivers. So, why should you visit the festival? It offers a rare glimpse into the rich traditions and semi-nomadic lifestyle of the highland communities, providing an authentic cultural experience unlike anywhere else. The region itself remains remote and largely unexplored, preserving a sense of raw authenticity that is increasingly rare. Nature lovers will also appreciate the incredible biodiversity, from the vibrant rhododendron species to wildlife such as the red panda and capped langur, along with diverse forest ecosystems. The package typically includes both western and eastern Bhutan, along with domestic flights, making travel seamless across regions.

When to Book
It is recommended to book your tour at least three months in advance of the festival to secure availability. You can explore package options and plan your trip accordingly, Rhododendron festival: Into the land of Brokpas. As the rhododendrons bloom across the highland meadows of Merak, they do more than paint the landscape in vibrant hues, they tell stories of a place where nature and culture exist in quiet harmony. The Rhododendron Festival is not just an event, but an experience that stays with you long after you leave, the warmth of the people, the rhythm of traditional life, and the untouched beauty of the eastern Himalayas.

In a world that is constantly moving, Merak offers a rare chance to slow down, to connect, and to witness something truly authentic. Whether it’s walking through fields of blooming flowers, sharing moments with the highland communities, or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air, every moment here feels intimate. If you are seeking a journey that goes beyond sightseeing, one that touches culture, nature, and the soul, then the Rhododendron Festival in Merak is waiting for you.