Rhododendrons and Wildflowers
In spring (March-May), the lower Khumbu explodes with color. The national flower of Nepal, the Rhododendron, paints the hills red and pink. It adds a magical layer to the Everest trekking scenery.
The forests between Lukla and Tengboche are prime territory. Walking through a blooming tunnel of ancient trees with the white Everest summit in the background is a photographer's dream.
Higher up, look for tiny alpine flowers. Edelweiss grows in the rocky soil. They are small but hardy, surviving the freezing temperatures of the Mount Everest expedition route.
Sherpas use many local plants for medicine. Juniper is burned as incense. Fragrant shrubs line the trail. The mountain is a garden if you know where to look.
Nature's beauty isn't just in the big peaks; it's in the small petals too.
