Sikkim located in the eastern Himalayas is endowed with a repository of floral wealth and is considered as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. One of the most stunning sights you can witness, especially in the higher altitudes, is a whole forest ablaze with various hues of Rhododendrons during the local summer season.

A total of 36 species with 45 different forms including subspecies and varieties occur in Sikkim ranging from tiny mat-like growths in alpine region (R. pumilum, R. setosum) only a few cms tall to the giant R. arboretum standing at 25 mtrs.

The Rhododendron Trail is designed to allow you to discover this floral rainbow traveling in the comfort of a car. Best recommended for the local summer season (April - June), this tour takes you to the higher reaches of Tsomgo lake & the North Sikkim areas covering Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen & Thanggu. These areas vary in altitude from 2500 mtrs to 4250 mtrs and cover rhododendron reserves such as the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary near Gangtok and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary near Lachung, the only area where you find R. niveum the state tree of Sikkim.

The itinerary offers you an introduction to the rhododendrons in Sikkim but if you are interested in a more detailed study the tour can be customized to suit your requirements.