Tourist influx peaks in Rhododendron capital as bloom season dazzles visitors (photos)

KATHMANDU: The Tinjure, Milke, and Jaljale region under Laligurans Municipality-1 has witnessed a remarkable rise in tourist arrivals as rhododendrons have begun to bloom, covering the area in vibrant colors.

Known as the “Capital of Rhododendrons,” the region has become a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists during this season of natural beauty.

According to Rupesh Tamang, Chief of the Area Police Office, Basantapur, around 25,000 tourists visited the Tinjure area on New Year’s Day (Baisakh 1) alone.

“An extremely large crowd was observed on New Year’s Day. Tourists not only came from various districts of eastern Nepal but also from Bihar in India. We maintained special security monitoring considering the heavy influx,” he said.

He added that tourists have been arriving from hilly districts such as Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Panchthar, and Dhankuta, as well as from lowland districts including Sunsari, Morang, and Jhapa, along with visitors from neighboring India.

Since mid-Chaitra, when rhododendrons began blooming, around 5,000 tourists have been visiting Tinjure, Milke, and Jaljale daily, according to Prakash Shrestha, President of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Basantapur.

“After the rhododendrons started blooming, the number of tourists suddenly increased. Hotels are fully occupied and business is doing well. If this continues, we expect this season to be highly profitable,” Shrestha said.

Major attractions in the region include Cholung Park in Basantapur, the gateway settlement; RR Garden in Tinjure; Pathibhara Temple; Tinjure Peak; Panch Pokhari; and Gufapokhari, all of which are currently crowded with visitors. The forests are covered with deep-red rhododendron blossoms, enhancing the area’s natural beauty. With 28 species of rhododendron found here, the region is also considered highly significant in terms of biodiversity.

To strengthen tourism infrastructure, the New Town Project Office in Basantapur has constructed structures worth approximately Rs. 105 million. Office Chief Sudip Jha said, “We have built picnic spots, toilets, and an open theater to make the tourist experience more comfortable and attractive. Further improvements are also ongoing.”

Similarly, public toilets have been constructed at various points along the road leading to Tinjure, and roofing has been installed on the staircase trail to Pathibhara Temple, making travel more convenient for visitors.

Local entrepreneurs say that earlier the winter season attracted more tourists due to snowfall, but in recent years, with reduced snowfall, the rhododendron blooming season has become the main attraction. Shree Karki, operator of Himganga Hotel in Tute Deurali, said, “The rhododendron season is now the busiest. The New Year brings especially large crowds. The number of tourists is increasing every year.”

Visitors have also expressed their admiration for the region’s natural beauty. Ayushma Rai, who came from Jhapa with her family to celebrate New Year, said, “I had heard a lot about Tinjure, but seeing it for the first time exceeded my expectations. The cold weather, fresh air, and rhododendron-covered forests are truly mesmerizing.”

Similarly, Surendra Kshetri from Itahari, Sunsari, praised the area, saying, “This place is truly a must-visit destination. For nature lovers, it feels like heaven. It is a place that makes you want to return again and again.”

Tinjure, Milke, and Jaljale, which attract tourists throughout the year, experience peak crowds especially during the rhododendron blooming season and New Year celebrations.

With its natural beauty, improved infrastructure, and better accessibility, the region is steadily emerging as one of the leading tourist destinations in eastern Nepal.