National Flower Rhododendron Blooms in Kathmandu's Outskirts, Drawing Crowds Amid Conservation Concerns

Kathmandu. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal's national flower, the Rhododendron (Lali Guras), is currently in full bloom. The forest area in the Switzerland Park region, located outside the Ring Road, looks stunningly red with the fully blossomed rhododendrons.

With the arrival of the spring season, the rhododendrons, which color the entire forest, have attracted the special attention of nature lovers, young people who enjoy photography, and TikTok creators. The blooming of the rhododendron, usually identified with the hilly and Himalayan regions, in the periphery of Kathmandu Valley itself has become a beautiful sight.

The number of domestic tourists, students, and nature enthusiasts visiting the Switzerland Park and surrounding forests has sharply increased following the rhododendron bloom. People are flocking to this area to take photos with the flowers and enjoy the natural scenery, seeking temporary relief from the dust and crowds of the city.

However, alongside this natural beauty, some worrying aspects have also surfaced. The existence of the rhododendron is being threatened as forest areas are gradually shrinking due to rapid urbanization, haphazard road expansion, and house construction occurring in Kathmandu Valley.

According to local residents, irresponsible tourists visiting during the blooming season are causing damage to the flowers and trees. Locals complain that activities such as plucking flowers, breaking branches, and indiscriminately littering in the name of taking photos are not only spoiling the natural beauty but also causing the rhododendron plants themselves to disappear.