Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by admin
While trekking is an adventure looked forward to by many, in the hope to capture some stunning landscapes at the end. There are ways to enjoy the journey rather than just the end. Rhododendron Blossoms during the trek are a great way to enjoy the scenery.
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Rhododendron Blossoms
Rhododendrons are native chiefly in the north temperate zone, especially in the moist acidic soil of the Himalayas. They are found in Uttarakhand, Himachal, Kashmir and Sikkim states of India. Rhododendrons blooms with flowers in spring (March/April). Flowers may be scented or not and are usually tubular to funnel-shaped and occur in a wide range of colours. The ones in India are generally Red, Scarlet or Purple.
Since they are present on the hills, many treks pass through the Rhododendron trail. The Trek to Triund passes through these spectacular red trees, painting a beautiful landscape.
Learning about Rhododendrons in Himachal
“You should have trained more”, squealed my calf muscles not even halfway through the trek. I couldn’t agree more, but I tried to find a solution to finish this fast or turn back; at the same time secretly cursed the friend who convinced me to join this trip. I looked ahead to identify any familiar faces who started out with me but there was nobody in the picture. Triund trek was not going to be easy, I assured myself.
I tried to motor myself, looking at the glistening snow-capped mountain; after all, I was going to see and feel the snow first time in my life. A little more ahead and I saw some bright and luscious red flowers. They became more common with thicker canopies, giving a much-required respite from the harsh spring sunlight.
I overheard a tour guide explain to a bunch of students about these flowers and how important they are to the state cuisine. He made a student taste the flower petal, exclaiming that in Kangra and Kinnaur valleys of Himachal Pradesh, their red juice is quite popular and its pickle is considered a delicacy. Intrigued about these flowers, I pressed my ear hard to know its name. With no internet on my phone, I had no other option but to either wait to get back to town to know about this red flower or go upfront and ask the guide while shamelessly claiming that I overheard him.
I couldn’t contain my excitement as the sight of these flowers along the trek helped me forget my calf muscles and I gave in to find out more. “Burass” he said in his heavy pahadi tone. Great, so I had the pictures and the name.. the only problem was that they disappeared during the last 2 kilometres of the trek making it one of the most difficult moments. Well, the snow helped a bit but made me slip in my sports shoes.. so much for the snow excitement!
I was climbing Triund in the Indian state of Himalayas. Triund, known as the crown jewel, is situated 18 km away from Dharamshala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the popular destinations for the breathtaking views of Kangra valley during the trek and the Dhauladhar Mountains from its top.
With a well-laid path passing through rhododendron, oak and deodar, this easy 9 km trek is easy to complete within a day.
Once I came back home, I learnt that Rhododendron Blossom treks have actually gained a lot of popularity in the last few years amongst Indian travellers. Triund Rhododendron trek is yet to catch up but I am sure it will appear in the circuit soon. Not only does it offer the better of two seasons – winter and spring, it certainly elevates the notch for trekking making it an extremely beautiful and relaxing trek. Imagine walking over a flower bed with views of snow-capped mountains ahead of you and a valley behind you!
For those of you trying to understand what is Rhododendron and how it make trekking relaxing – it is the national flower of Nepal and the state flower of Himachal Pradesh. Thanks to them, the already existing trekking routes are gaining popularity during the months of March-April thanks to these flower blooms.
Rhododendron Blossoms treks to consider in India
• Brahmatal, Uttarakhand: Here the scarlet rhododendrons bloom in the lower sections and pink ones take over the upper sections.
• Sandakphu and Phalut, Sikkim: With the views of four tallest mountains in the world, the trail leading to the top has pink Rhododendron flowers making it one of the most beautiful treks.
• Deoriatal – Chandrashila, Uttarakhand: Get rewarded for an easy trek in shades of crimson, magenta and bright pink.
• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim
• Chopta-Tungnath, Uttarakhand
• And many many more.
