The Phulchowki hilltop

Phulchowki is the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley to the south. It’s famous for the richness of flora and fauna through the trail leading to the top. Home to varieties of birds in the Godavari-Phulchowki hike area, this trail is also commonly known as the bird watching trail in Nepal.



Getting there

You can take a private car or choose to take a public microbus from Ratna Park to Lagankhel. From Lagankhel, you have to take another public vehicle to Godavari. It takes around 45 minutes in private vehicle while public vehicles may take more than an hour to reach Godavari.[break]



Bare essentials

A day bag

Water bottle

Sunglasses

Sun-block cream

Hat/cap

Reasonable walking shoes

Light warm jacket

Windcheater

Light snacks

An extra pair of clothes



Hike level

This is an easy to moderate hike. But the trek can be a bit demanding at times due to steep uphill and downhill inclines at certain places.

The hike starts from Godavari; from there, it takes around four hours of uphill walk to get to the hilltop of Phulchowki. You can also visit Godavari Botanical Garden which offers a fascinating collection of different vegetation and a greenery space to relax before and after the long hike.



Hike highlights

The hike to Phulchowki offers an unforgettable experience of the rural life inside the Kathmandu Valley. The hill is abundant in rhododendron flowers and oak trees and several species of orchids and colorful birds and butterflies. Wildlife like leopard, barking deer, Himalayan langur, and common races of monkeys are also said to inhabit in the forests.



The hilltop is considered a paradise for bird watchers. During winter or early spring, one can enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan mountains.

The shrine of Phulchowki Mai, the guardian goddess of the forest, marks the summit of the hill. It’s the only place in the vicinity of Kathmandu to experience snowfall in winter.



Weather

Generally, the weather is chilly around the hilltop. The ideal time for the hiking to Phulchowki is either from mid-February to April or mid-October to December. And if you want a rare experience of snowfall around the Kathmandu Valley, then you should visit the hilltop during January or February.



Information courtesy

socialtours, Tridevi Marg, Thamel

For details: call 4412508, or email at info@socialtours.com

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