Reduced rhododendron blooming affects tourist visits in Tinjure area

By Our Correspondent,Hile, May 26: In the past, the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale area used to be covered with blooming rhododendrons, locally called laligurans, turning the hills red and bringing many tourists to the region.

However, this year, the rhododendrons have bloomed far less compared to previous years and the number of visitors has also declined.

Locals attributed the decline to the effects of rising temperatures, lack of rainfall and snow, forest degradation and broken branches. 

Some of them also said that after a year of heavy blossoming, the chances of an equally vibrant blooming the following year are typically low. Local Dika Bahadur Gurung stated that the decline in rhododendron flowers is directly linked to the drop in tourist numbers. “In previous years, this time of year used to be full of both rhododendrons and tourists. But this year, there were neither flowers nor visitors,” he said. The Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale area is often referred to as the “Capital of Rhododendrons.”

Thousands of tourists flock to the region during the blooming season. However, this year, due to the scarcity of flowers, the number of visitors has decreased significantly. Located at the junction of Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung districts, the area is home to 28 of the country’s 33 rhododendron species. 

In previous years, more than 50,000 domestic and international tourists visited the area during this season. Locals estimate that this year, the number of tourists could drop by 50 per cent.

Sujit Singh, who came from Dharan, said, “The place itself is naturally beautiful and charming, but we had heard that during this season the hills would be covered in red rhododendrons. Sadly, we did not see that.”

From the end of March to mid-June, domestic and international tourists usually visit this region to witness the blooming rhododendrons. However, with fewer visitors this year, local businesses are also suffering. Local hotel owner Chandra Karki noted that both winter snowfall and spring rhododendron blooms used to boost tourism and trade. “This year, we got neither snow nor flowers. As a result, the drop in tourists has led to a slump in business,” he said.