The heartland of the Himalayas, Nepal, harbors more than 385 species of orchids. The mild climatic condition favors for the florish of orchids. Monsoon rainfall from June to last of September bring around 80% of annual rainfall and the tourist season from mid october to May. Spring and autum are the best season to visit nepal and the time is the peak season of flowering time mostly the epiphytic orchids.
The rain invades Nepal from eastern part and and gradually decreases towards west. So, the eastern half of Nepal receives much more rain than the western half and this is positively reflected in the orchid flora. The central part of Nepal especially pokhara valley which is near to one of the richest rainfall area of Nepal - Lumle, is rich in orchid flora. GAB VAN WINKEL in his report mentions - "Stay east of Pokhara if you want to see orchids, especially epiphytes".
If you are interested in orchids of Nepal, you have to visit the mid altitudes(1,000–2,300m). This region harbour the highest number of epiphytic orchid species. Popular treks, such as Annapurna, Lantang and Everest, quickly bring you above 2,500m and up to a breathtaking 5,000m. While the landscape is truly spectacular there, the only orchids that grow on those high meadows are alpine terrestrials – which typically bloom during the summer monsoon.
For the study of orchids of course, the eastern Himalaya is the suitable place where there is more rain and a shorter dry season. Of course you would not decline an offer to explore the orchids in Bhutan or Myanmar – if you could ever get access – but if you seek a friendly and accessible orchid country for your holiday, Nepal should be on your shortlist.
Source: This article is based on a paper - "Finding orchid in Nepal" by GAB VAN WINKEL
The rain invades Nepal from eastern part and and gradually decreases towards west. So, the eastern half of Nepal receives much more rain than the western half and this is positively reflected in the orchid flora. The central part of Nepal especially pokhara valley which is near to one of the richest rainfall area of Nepal - Lumle, is rich in orchid flora. GAB VAN WINKEL in his report mentions - "Stay east of Pokhara if you want to see orchids, especially epiphytes".
If you are interested in orchids of Nepal, you have to visit the mid altitudes(1,000–2,300m). This region harbour the highest number of epiphytic orchid species. Popular treks, such as Annapurna, Lantang and Everest, quickly bring you above 2,500m and up to a breathtaking 5,000m. While the landscape is truly spectacular there, the only orchids that grow on those high meadows are alpine terrestrials – which typically bloom during the summer monsoon.
For the study of orchids of course, the eastern Himalaya is the suitable place where there is more rain and a shorter dry season. Of course you would not decline an offer to explore the orchids in Bhutan or Myanmar – if you could ever get access – but if you seek a friendly and accessible orchid country for your holiday, Nepal should be on your shortlist.
Source: This article is based on a paper - "Finding orchid in Nepal" by GAB VAN WINKEL
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