Tourists Overflow in the Rhododendron Capital of Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Area; Many Turn Away Due to Hotel Shortages
The Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale (TMJ) area in Koshi Province is currently blooming with colorful rhododendrons and bustling with tourists. According to Prakash Shrestha, president of the Tehrathum Hotel Association, the influx of tourists has sharply increased since Chaitra 22. Indrabahadur Khadka, chairman of the Chaitra Community Forest User Committee, has issued a stern warning that those who pluck rhododendrons will face strict action under the Forest Act. (May 29, Dhankuta)
The TMJ area, a prime tourist destination in Koshi Province, is now fully adorned like a bride with vibrant rhododendron blossoms. With the arrival of spring, this region’s unparalleled natural beauty has attracted a dense crowd of visitors. Known as the rhododendron capital, TMJ is overwhelmed by a large number of both domestic and some foreign tourists, resulting in hotels being fully booked and leaving thousands of visitors forced to return without accommodation.
The TMJ region, where the districts of Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha, and Taplejung converge, is considered the ideal destination to visit from mid-Chaitra to Baishakh. The rhododendrons blooming from Chaitra through Jestha add vibrant reds, yellows, pinks, and whites to the forests and hills. This area extends from Basantpur in Tehrathum through Ghurbise, Panchpokhari, Fedi, Chowki, Mangalbare, Gufa, Suke, and Jorpokhari, reaching Taplejung. Its forests of rhododendrons and small to large ponds, such as Lampokhari and Gufapokhari, attract many tourists.
With the rhododendrons in full bloom, there has been a heavy presence of tourists from Basantpur Chotlunk Park to Tute Deurali, RR Garden, Dundapani, Ghurbise, Pathibhara surroundings, Panchpokhari, and Gufa. Locals report that due to adequate rainfall and favorable weather this year, the rhododendrons have bloomed more extensively than last year. This spectacular flowering has rapidly increased the pressure of tourists on the area.
