RHODODENDRON FLOWER

Description:-

Rhododendron is a genus characterized by shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 centimetres (3.9–39 in) tall, and the largest, R. giganteum, reported to over 30 metres (98 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) to over 50 cm (20 in), exceptionally 100 cm (39 in) in R. sinogrande. They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In some species the underside of the leaves is covered with scales (lepidote) or hairs (indumentum). Some of the best known species are noted for their many clusters of large flowers. There are alpine species with small flowers and small leaves, and tropical species such as section Vireya that often grow as epiphytes. Species in this genus may be part of the heath complex in oak-heath forests in eastern North America.

 

Taxonomy:-

The species are organized by subgenus, section, subsection and series.

Subdivisions:-

Subgenera:-

There are four large and four small subgenera:

• Subgenus Rhododendron L.: small leaf or lepidotes (with scales on the underside of their leaves); several hundred species, type: Rhododendron ferrugineum.
  • The tropical rhododendrons (sect. Vireya, about 300 species) are usually included as a section in this subgenus, but sometimes split off as a ninth subgenus.
• Subgenus Hymenanthes (Blume) K.Koch: large leaf or elepidotes (without scales on the underside of their leaves); about 140 species, type: Rhododendron degronianum.
• Subgenus Pentanthera G.Don: deciduous azaleas; about 25 species, type Rhododendron luteum.
• Subgenus Tsutsusi: evergreen azaleas, about 110 species; type Rhododendron indicum.
• Subgenus Azaleastrum Planch.: five species; type Rhododendron ovatum.
• Subgenus Candidastrum (Sleumer) Philipson & Philipson: one species; Rhododendron albiflorum.
• Subgenus Mumeazalea: one species, Rhododendron semibarbatum.
• Subgenus Therorhodion: one species, Rhododendron camtschaticum.

Species

A garden with tall Rhododendrons in Lynnwood, Washington

Species include:

• Rhododendron arboreum – Tree Rhododendron
• Rhododendron arborescens – Sweet Azalea
• Rhododendron atlanticum – Dwarf Azalea
• Rhododendron boninense – a rare Japanese azalea
• Rhododendron calendulaceum – Flame Azalea
• Rhododendron canadense – Rhodora
• Rhododendron catawbiense – Catawba Rhododendron
• Rhododendron chapmanii – Chapman's Rhododendron
• Rhododendron ferrugineum – Alpenrose
• Rhododendron groenlandicum – Bog Labrador Tea
• Rhododendron hirsutum – Hairy Alpenrose
• Rhododendron lochiae – Australian Rhododendron
• Rhododendron luteum – Yellow or Honeysuckle Azalea
• Rhododendron macrophyllum – Pacific Coast Rhododendron
• Rhododendron maximum – Great or American Rhododendron
• Rhododendron moulmainense – Westland's Rhododendron
• Rhododendron mucronulatum - Korean Rhododendron (Korean Rosebay)
• Rhododendron nilgiricum
• Rhododendron occidentale
• Rhododendron oreotrephes
• Rhododendron periclymenoides – Pinxterflower
• Rhododendron ponticum
• Rhododendron schlippenbachii
• Rhododendron spinuliferum
• Rhododendron tomentosum

Hybrids

Rhododendrons are extensively hybridized in cultivation, and natural hybrids often occur in areas where species ranges overlap. There are over 28,000 cultivars of Rhododendron in the International Rhododendron Registry held by the Royal Horticultural Society. Most have been bred for their flowers, but a few are of garden interest because of ornamental leaves and some for ornamental bark or stems.

 Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt'

 

 source : http://en.wikipedia.org

Rhododendron in Nepal 

During march and april the rhododendron trees are in full blossom. There are plenty of them around Gorepani, Tatopani and on the way to Gandrung. In this season you will see the mountain mainly in the morning and it can rain regularly in the afternoon. still is a marvellous season for trekking. 

Dhaulagiri

Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower of and found especially in the hilly areas above 1200m altitude. It blossoms from March to May in the spring season. The mid mountain vertical belt between 2,000 and 4,000 m serves as the 'wild' preserve of the rhodododendron, or GURANS and CHIMAL, the two words being used in Nepali. Below are the major areas for Rhododendron:

tree of rhododendro

1.  Langtang national park, near from Kathmandu
2. Makalubarun national park
3. Milke Danda-Jaljale Himal, a transverse mountain range which separates the two river systems of the Tamur and the Arun
4.  Upper Tamur River Valley

rhododendron forest of hills in nepal

 There are 30 original kinds of Rhododendron and the one that is widespread throughout the country and not found elsewhere, is Rhododendron lowndesit. It has a lemon or velvety yellow flowers, which are short & well-shaped and are retiring or in pairs on the branch. It can be found near Muktinath and Phoksundo of western Nepal. Very grand sightings ohttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7348670829564568012f Rhododendron can be assured in the south west side of Kanchenjunga area & the upper side valley of the Tamur river system. Nine species of Rhododendron can be observed In the upper area of Langtang Valley at around 2000m. The best time is from late March to mid June, and in addition to the Rhododendron, spring blooms of wild poppy, magnolia and primrose will undoubtedly make any trek a memorable one.

Rhododendron Trek in Nepal:-

8 days special rhododendron trek in Nepal. See rhododendron forests near the famous Himalayan Viewpoint of Poon Hill in full bloom. Enjoy magnificent mountain views on Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Mount Macchapuchare.


Facts Of Trip
Time of Rhododendron trek Poon Hill is from half March till half may.Other famous rhododendron areas in Nepal are:

- Makalu Barun National Park (Makalu Base Camp trek)

- Milke Danda

- Upper Tamur river
 

Outline Itinerary:-

Day 1 Arrival Kathmandu
Day 2 Kathmandu - Pokhara
Day 3 Pokhara - Naya Pull - Tikhedunga
Day 4 Tikhedunga - Ghorepani
Day 5 Ghorepani (Poon Hill) - Tadapani
Day 6 Tadapani - Ghandruk
Day 7 Ghandruk - Naya Pull - Pokhara
Day 8 Pokhara - Kathmandu 

Detail Itinerary :-

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Meet our representative at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 Kathmandu - Pokhara
Early morning private transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the drive we will already have stunning views on the mighty Himalaya massifs which rise above 8.000m, like Manaslu and Annapurna. Stay in hotel in Pokhara.
Day 3 Pokhara - Kathmandu
We will start trekking from Naya Pull after a 1,5 hour drive with a private vehicle from Pokhara.
After 15 minutes short walk along the bank of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1.015 meters) a large village that has many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village. The trail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1.495m and after the short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1.570 meters. Today�s walk offers a short and relatively easy day, during the journey which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.
Day 4  Tikhedunga - Ghorepani
Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village at 2.070 meters. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2.250 meters. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2.460m. After another hour of walking through rhododendron forests we will finally reach Ghorepani at 2.900 meters.
Day 5 Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at elevation of 3.210 meters, a brilliant spectacle; this vantage point provides a superb view of sunrise over the high Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare.
In Poon Hill we will spend about 1 hour, we then return to Ghorepani we take a hot breakfast at the hotel and continue our trek to Tadapani (2.600 meters).
Along the trail towards Tadapani, we make climb along ridges and through pine- and rhododendron forests. Our final destination for today, Tadapani, offers magnificent views of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South.
Day 6 Tadapani - Ghandrung
Ghandrung (1.950m) is a large, prosperous Gurung village and after arrival we have time to explore the maze of narrow alleyways separating the neat slate-roofed houses and watch the sunlight on Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Day 7 Ghandrung - Pokhara
From Ghandrung we descend to Syauli Bazaar. From Syauli Bazaar it is a pleasant easy walk following the river to Birethanti (1.040m) where we cross the bridge. A short walk from the village brings us to the road at Naya Pull where we take transport for the 1 hour drive into Pokhara.
Day 8 Pokhara - Kathmandu
Transfer back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by private transport. Spend the rest of the day in Kathmandu at leisure.

Thanks,

Destination Pokhara and Its Beauty

POKHARA 

pokhara view

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Gurungs and Magars, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

pokhara lakeside

Climate:

The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.

The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar.

Of Interest

• Phewa Lake
• Begnas lake and Rupa lake
• Barahi temple
• World Peace Pagoda
• Seti Gandaki
• Devi's Fall
• Gupteswar Gupha
• Mahendra Gupha
• The Old Bazaar
• Bindbyabasini Temple
• Matepani Gumbha (Buddhist Monastry)
• Bhadrakali Mandir
• Museums
• Himalayan View
• Nightlife and Entertainment
• Around Pokhara

Phewa Tal (Lake)

fewa lake from Sarangkot

Phewa lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. The enchanting lake is an idyllic playground. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can be rented on reasonable cost around lakeside.

Fewa Lake & Fishtail Mountain

The lake is neither deep (roughly 47 meters at most) nor particulary clean, but the water is warm and swimming is pleasant if you don't think about the probable pollution.

The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, consists of seemingly endless strip of lodges, restaurants, bookshops and souvenir shops. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.

Begnas lake 

Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is situated in the eastern part of Pokhara valley, at a distance of 15 km from Pokhara. Tourists can relax in the lodges and resort situated along the lakeside. Yet another popular lake of Pokhara is the Rupa Lake. It is separated from Begnas Lake by a ridge known as Pachabhaiya. The lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion and opportunities for boating and fishing. There are buses running from the city centre of Pokhara to Begnas and Rupa Lakes.

Barahi temple

This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa lake, the two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda is built by  Nipponzan  Fujii, after the II world war finished the pagoda was erected.During of the II world war many people lost their lives. At that time guru Nipponzan  Fujii became very sad, since that time he began to compaign against the violence activity.He has focuses on unity of human being in the world, according to Guru Fujii  he wanted to profounded the concept of cosmopolitan. 

Similarly,the Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds within the world and to help unite them in their search for world peace. Actually in the world peace pagoda we can see four statues of Buddha,let people informed about the four incidents of Buddha,s life.Pokhra is itself a hanging paradise on the earth, still more the pagoda has added more charm and beauty in pokhra, from World Peace Pagoda perfect view of mountain of Annapurna range.

 
 A Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order. Fujii was greatly inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and decided to devote his life to promoting non-violence herewith he got very vital Consciousness through II world war too. And  In 1947, he began to construct Peace Pagodas as shrines to World peace.

By 2000, 80 Peace Pagodas had been built around the world in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Civilization is not to kill human beings, not to destroy things, not to make war. civilization is to hold mutual affection and to respect one another. -Most Ven. Fujii..

Seti Gandaki (River Gorge)

Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination - over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi's Fall

Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), Devi's fall (also known as Devin's or David's) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinnydipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.

Gupteswar Gupha (cave)

Gupteswar Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city. The entrance is right across from Devi's Fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. An entrance fee of Rs. 5 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.

Mahendra Gupha (cave)

Mahendra Gufa, locally called Chamero Odhaar ("House of Bats"), is the large limestone cave. Shepherd boys are said to have discovered it around 1950. A two hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, although most of them have been carted out by souvenir hunters.

Bindbyabasini Temple

Bindhyabasini temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of shakti. Worshippers flock here to perform sacrifices, and especially on Saturdays the parklike grounds take on a festive fair.

Himalayan View

The magnificent Annapurna panorama that's visible on the northern skyline of Pokhara is quite incredible. The main peaks are Annapurna I to IV and the beautiful Machhapuchhare (or Fishtail Mountaian, so named after its twin peaks). Besides these, you can also see the Himchuli, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and other peaks. The

mountains will probably be hidden in the clouds between April and September. A nice evening on the banks of Fewa Lake with the mountain range as the backdrop is what Pokhara is really about!

Thanks,