The Bhutanese Royal Family Attend the Rhododendron Festival in Sheytemi

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

On April 3, 2026, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, accompanied by their children Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Prince Ugyen, and Princess Sonam Yangden, attended the opening of the second edition of the Rhododendron Festival at Sheytemi in Merak, Trashigang. The festival was attended by over 8,000 people.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

The week-long festival, held from 3 to 9 April at Sheytemi at an altitude of around 2,900 metres above sea level, celebrates the flowering season when rhododendrons come into bloom. Bhutan has approximately 46 species of rhododendron, of which 41 are found in the highland areas of Merak and Sakteng.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel, Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden

Festivities included traditional dances, singing, and games. Local products unique to the area were also on display. Merak and the neighbouring Sakteng Gewog, which fall within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, are renowned for their distinct highland culture and remarkable biodiversity. The festival is organised by the Department of Tourism.

Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen and Princess Sonam Yangden
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