Highlights:
- A fantastic 5-6 hours to one of the tallest hills near Kathmandu
- A perfect short gateway into nature if you want to take a quick break from the bustle of Kathmandu Valley
- Ideal for all ages of travelers, families, solo hikers, students, etc
- Enjoy tranquility, the chirping of birds, fresh air, and the soothing scent of nature
- Explore the rich biodiversity along the hiking route, including lush vegetation, flowers, and many species of birds and butterflies
- If the weather is clear, you can see the stunning view of the Himalayas from the top of the Phulchowki Hill
- Witness a superb aerial view of Kathmandu Valley from the top of the hill, along with nearby villages
- Explore the Phulchowki Mai temple and get to know its religious significance
Overview
Phulchowki day hiking is one of the best hikes near Kathmandu. Also known as the Hill of Flowers or Godawari in Nepali words, it is one of the best hiking trails around Kathmandu Valley. The hike will offer you a quick gateway into nature along with a glimpse of snow-capped mountain views.
If you want a short break from the bustle of Kathmandu, we highly recommend Phulchowki day hike. Phulchowki is located just 14 kilometers southeast of the Kathmandu Valley. The Phulchowki hill stands 2,782 meters above sea level, which makes it one of the highest hills around the city.
The Phulchowki hiking route is filled with different vegetation and flowers. It is also a paradise for bird lovers. Not only that, but the hikers also get to witness distant views of the Himalayan range. The Phulchowki hiking route is tranquil. So, if you want to spend some peaceful time in nature, you can consider hiking here.
The trail goes through forests of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. You can see butterflies and different species of birds during hiking. The soothing scent of nature, the chirping of birds, the fresh air, and the serene surroundings will help you unwind. By the end of the hike, you will feel rejuvenated.
What to expect during the Phulchowki day hiking?
Hiking to Phulchowki is less time-consuming. You can complete the Phulchowki hike in 5 to 6 hours. Start early in the morning and get done with the hike by early afternoon. It makes this hike one of the fantastic short gateways.
Likewise, the hiking route is easy and has a good pace. So, all ages can do the Phulchowki day hiking without any worry. If you are someone who is just getting into hiking, then the Phulchowki day hike is one of the best options to start with.
Apart from the hiking trail, Phulchowki Hill also has religious importance for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. On the top of the hill, there is a temple dedicated to the goddess Phulchowki Mai. You can see prayer flags and tridents around the temple. During some auspicious days, the entire hill sees celebration.
Once you are at the top of Phulchowki hill, you will get to see stunning distant views of the mountains like Gaurishankar, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna Range. In the winter season, the hills experience snowfall. Between late December to February and early March, the hike is even more mesmerizing because of snowfall all around the hilltop.
All these make Phulchowki day hiking a great day excursion near Kathmandu. If you are not ready to commit to a multi-day hike in Nepal but would love some trip into nature, then the Phulchowki hike is an excellent alternative.
You do not have to do the challenging Everest Base Camp trek, Langtang Valley trek, or Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal to enjoy nature. Instead, you can combine day hikes like this in your itinerary. We have a wide selection of day hikes near Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can check the packages on our site.
In the spring season, the entire hill comes alive with lush trees and vibrant flowers. Different hues of rhododendrons and magnolia drape the entire hill. The scenery is just incredible, and the fact that you can enjoy this pure bliss in just half an hour or one-hour drive from Kathmandu is unreal.
Phulchowki day hiking from Kathmandu
You will start the Phulchowki day hiking from Kathmandu with a short drive to Godawari. It is located at the base of the hill. From here, you will follow a well-marked trail that gradually ascends via tall trees, small farms, and villages. The vegetation gets dense as the hike progresses.
Once you reach the summit of Phulchowki Hill, you will witness the bird's eye view of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding villages, along with a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan range on the horizon. Spend some time at the top of the hill, explore the temple, and take some pictures. After that, follow the same trail down to the base and drive back to Kathmandu.
Visit the National Botanical Garden- Godawari
Godawari, or the National Botanical Garden, is a center of plant conservation, education, research, and recreation. If you are into plants and flowers, you should definitely stop at this garden and spend some time exploring.
Spread into 82 hectares of varying topography. As you will be starting and ending the Phulchowki hike from Godawari, we highly recommend you visit the garden. You will get to witness a huge species of floral diversity and different types of gardens.
Phulchowki day hiking distance and difficulty
The Phulchowki day hiking distance is approximately 6.8 kilometers. From the starting point of the hike, you will reach the top of the hill in around 4 hours of gradual ascent. From the top, it takes around 2 hours to descend.
Approximately you can complete the Phulchowki hike in 5 to 6 hours, which makes it a perfect activity to do if you have a free half-day in Kathmandu. Similarly, Phulchowki day hiking difficulty is easy.
Any individual can complete this hike if they can walk 5 to 6 hours. There is no risk of altitude sickness during this hike, and our expert guide will make sure you are hiking safely. Check more details about this hike in our Phulchowki day hiking route map.
Best time to do the Phulchowki day hike
You can do the Phulchowki day hiking throughout the year. However, to enjoy the finest weather and rich vegetation, hike between March to early May. The rhododendron and other wildflowers' blooms are spectacular, making the hiking route exceptionally beautiful.
Likewise, the sky remains mostly clear in these months, so you may get to witness a wonderful mountain panorama from the top of the hill as well. You can enjoy a cool morning hike and moderate day temperature, perfect for hiking.
Moreover, devotees visit the temple at the top of the hill in spring because of festivals and yearly celebrations. So, overall, the environment will be quite joyful and serene. Another great time of the year to do the Phulchowki hiking is from late September to November, which is the autumn season.
The autumn landscapes are also quite captivating. The sky remains clear with stable weather and a mild climate, perfect for hiking. The hues of brown, fallen leaves & cool air will make hiking magical. We also love winter hiking to Phulchowki Hill. You may get to experience snowfall and see breathtaking mountain views.
The trails are attractive, with snow and partial greenery. Do note that if you are not knowledgeable about the route, we recommend doing the Phulchowki hiking in winter with a guide for safety purposes. The trail can be slippery, and you may need proper gear.
June to August (summer/monsoon) and early September is the time when Phulchowki Hill sees frequent rainfall. The hiking routes are all messed up because of rain. The trails get slippery, and the views are obstructed because of clouds. Likewise, there are also bugs and leeches on the trail. You have to be very careful. Hiking with a guide is recommended in the summer/monsoon season as well.
Phulchowki day hiking packing
You will need proper clothes and gear for a comfortable hiking experience. Follow the below packing list:
- Wear comfortable underwear, a base layer, and a windproof jacket
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and socks
- Rain jacket (as per the weather)
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Hiking pole (optional)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- SPF and lip balm
- Some snacks like chocolates, nuts, fruit, etc
- Camera, power bank, mobile, etc
- Toiletries and small first aid kit (tissue paper, band-aid, insect repellant, etc)
Why do the Phulchowki day hiking with Trekking Guide Team Adventure?
We, Trekking Guide Team Adventure, provide the best hiking guides. You will get to hike with a knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable guide. Likewise, our Phulchowki day hiking price is also very affordable. The guide will pick you up from your location (your hotel) and drop you there before/after the hike starts and ends.
You will get the best service by doing this hike with our team. It is simple to book the hike with us.
You can make the booking and payment directly via our site. If you want to make any changes to the package or combine some other activity, feel free to contact us.
