Rhododendron Festival Tour in Merak
Trip Overview
Tucked away in the cloud-kissed highlands of eastern Bhutan, the remote highland village of Merak bursts into bloom each spring with one of the kingdom’s most enchanting festivals. The Rhododendron Festival, held amid yak-dotted pastures and alpine trails, is a dazzling tribute to both nature’s brilliance and the proud Brokpa people who call this region home. Here, over 46 species of wild rhododendrons blanket the hillsides in waves of crimson, gold, pink, and white, transforming the landscape into a living canvas. But the festival is more than just a floral spectacle. It is an invitation to step into the world of Bhutan’s semi-nomadic highlanders and experience a way of life untouched by time.
At a Glance
US $2,8400 per Person
📅 Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
👥 Group size : 2 person & above
🏔️ Tour Type: Rhododendron Festival Tour
🏔️ Trek grade Level : Easy
🚶 Average walking Time : 4-5 Hours
🌄 Best Seasons : April 3-9, 2026
📊 Highest Elevation : 3,520m
🛏️ Accommodation : Hotels / Homestay
Tour Highlights
✅️ Attend Rhododendron festival with locals.
✅️ Enjoy picturesque drives through breathtaking natural landscape.
✅️ Visit local villages to engage with residents and learn about their traditions.
✅️ Witness people wear headgear made of yak’s wool with tentacles to drain away rains
✅️ Experience unique cultures of nomadic yak herder of Merak and Sakteng.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar
Our representative will receive you at the Guwahati Airport and escort you to Samdrup Jongkhar through tea gardens, transparent rivers interspersed with quiet villages
and small townships of vibrant culture. In the evening, take a walk-through town. Overnight hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 2 : Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang
After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Trashigang, the major commercial hub of the eastern Bhutan. This is going to be a stunning journey passing through tropical to broadleaved forests, villages and vegetation zones. Make stops at Narphung, Wamrong, Khaling and Kanglung to interact with locals. Overnight hotel in Trashigang
Day 3 : Trashigang to Sheytemi to Merak
Today you will drive to Sheytemi in Merak to attend Rhododendron festival with Rhododendron in full bloom. You can take a walk around the Rhododendron flower tree and enjoy with beautiful landscape. You will enjoy hot picnic lunch at Sheytemi with beautiful view. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to Merak. Overnight in Merak at Farmhouse.
Day 4 : Explore Merak Village
Explore the merak village. If you wish, you can go on a short hike in the valley. Overnight in Merak at Farmhouse.
Day 5 : Merak to Sakteng
After early breakfast, enjoy scenic drive to Sakteng via Rangjung. On the way you will visit Rangjung Monastery.
Hot pack Lunch will be served at monastery. After lunch, continue drive to Sakteng. On arrival, check into Farmhouse.
Day 6 : Explore Sakteng
It’s worth spending an extra day in Sakteng to explore the life and unique culture of the Brokpa people. You may visit schools and interact with the locals to learn more about their culture, social and religious structures of this unique community.
You may also go on a hike and enjoy the beautiful view of the Sakteng valley. Overnight in Sakteng at Farmhouse.
Day 7 : Sakteng to Trashigang
After breakfast, drive back to Trashigang. Upon arrival in Trashigang, you will visit Trashigang Dzong. Later in the afternoon, you will drive one hour to Radhi villages, which are renowned for “Bura” gho and kira, a textile made from raw silk. Explore villages and interact with the locals.Overnight hotel in Trashigang.
Day 8 : Trashigang to Trashiyangtse (Day Excursion)
This morning, you will drive to Trashiyangtse, which is well known for carving wooden bowls and you will see some craftsmen making them. On the way you will visit Gom Kora temple. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated here, and you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock near the temple. You will also visit the Chorten Kora, a white Nepalese style stupa built in 1740 which is one of the main attractions of eastern Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Trashigang. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.
Day 9 : Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
You will drive back to Samdrup Jongkhar for depart back to your home after exploring the whole eastern Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 10 : Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
Drive to Guwahati Airport for the departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Cost Includes
✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
Cost Excludes
✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature
Insurance
Note: Package does not include insurance of any kind.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.