We offer special group discounts, please contact us for the offers.
Trip Duration 5 hours
Group Size 2-15 people
Maximum Altitude 2791m.
Difficulty Grade Easy
Start & End Point Kathmanu/Kathmandu
Best Seasons All season
Trip Highlights of Phulchoki Hiking
Take pleasure in the hike around the Kathmandu Valley.
Views of Mount Everest, Mount Manaslu, Mount Annapurna, and Mount Gaurishankar are breathtaking.
Experience the botanical garden’s many species of flora and fauna.
Enjoy the pleasant day with vegetation and a natural setting.
Overview of Phulchoki Hiking
The highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley, Phulchowki, is the ideal location to experience snow-capped mountains, rare birds, and other wildlife. The Botanic Garden offers a vast array of plants and animals for you to enjoy. The Annapurna range and Gaurishankar are both visible from the straightforward walking trail. The endemic spring babbler, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpeckers, Curia, and Black-throated Parrotbill are just a few of the 90 unusual bird species you can discover.
Itinerary of Phulchoki Hiking
Phulchoki Hill Detailed Hiking Itinerary
6:30–7:30 AM: Travel to Godawari
Drive from Kathmandu (45–60 min depending on traffic).
Park near the entrance of Godawari Botanical Garden.
Light breakfast or tea at local shops.
Carry enough cash (entry + snacks).
Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon clouds and enjoy clear Himalayan views.
7:45–10:30 AM: Hike Through Lower Forest
Trail Characteristics:
Wide dirt road initially (jeep track)
Gradual incline for first hour
Dense forest of oak, pine & rhododendron
Cool and shaded
What You’ll Experience:
Bird calls (Phulchoki is famous for birdwatching)
Occasional valley viewpoints
Peaceful forest atmosphere
Hydration Break: After 1.5–2 hours, take a 10–15 min rest.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Steeper Ascent to Summit
The trail becomes:
Steeper and more continuous uphill
Rocky in some sections
Narrower in upper forest
You’ll pass:
Small shrines
A few resting spots
Communication towers near the top
Final 30 minutes feel the toughest — pace yourself.
12:30–1:30 PM: Summit Time (2,782 m)
At the top:
Small Hindu shrine
Army post (carry ID)
Communication towers
Open viewpoints (weather permitting)
On clear days, you can see:
Langtang Lirung
Ganesh Himal
Gaurishankar
Parts of the Kathmandu Valley below
Lunch Break:
Sit near the shrine area or forest edge. No proper tea houses at the summit, so bring packed food.
1:30–4:30 PM: Descent
Same trail back down
Easier but can be slippery (especially after rain)
Use trekking poles if knees are sensitive
Take short breaks to avoid strain
You should reach Godawari by late afternoon.
Cost of Includes And Excludes
What's Included?
Private transportation (Hotel–Godawari–Hotel)
Licensed professional hiking guide
Guide insurance & salary
Government taxes & service charges
Entry permit/fee for Godawari area
Basic first-aid kit carried by guide
Drinking water (sometimes 1 bottle provided)
Packed lunch (if mentioned in package)
What's Excluded?
Personal travel insurance
Additional snacks & beverages
Personal trekking gear (shoes, jacket, poles, etc.)
Tips for guide and driver
Emergency rescue or medical evacuation
Extra services not mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation (unless overnight package is booked)
Phulchoki Hill – Essential Information
Situated south of Kathmandu Valley
Above Godawari in Lalitpur
Approx. 45–60 minutes drive from Kathmandu
Elevation
2,782 meters (9,127 ft)
Highest hill surrounding Kathmandu Valley
Elevation gain: ~1,200 meters from Godawari
Hiking Details
Duration: 6–8 hours (round trip)
Distance: 14–16 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Forest trail / jeep track
How to Reach the Starting Point
Drive or take local transport to Godawari Botanical Garden
Hike begins near the garden entrance
Entry Fees (Subject to Change)
Small entry fee at Godawari Botanical Garden
Additional guide cost if hired
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (Oct–Dec): Clear mountain views
Spring (Mar–Apr): Rhododendron blooms
Avoid monsoon season (muddy & leeches)
Mountain Views (On Clear Days)
Langtang Lirung
Ganesh Himal
Gaurishankar
What to Bring
2–3 liters of water
Packed lunch & snacks
Good hiking shoes
Warm layer / windproof jacket
Sunscreen & hat
ID card
Important Notes
Limited food facilities on the trail
Start early for better weather & views
Trail can be slippery after rain
Carry cash (no ATMs on route)
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
Phulchoki Hill lies in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, above Godawari in Lalitpur, about 45–60 minutes’ drive from Kathmandu.
It is a moderate-level hike with a steady uphill climb. Suitable for beginners with good fitness. The trail gains about 1,200 meters in elevation.
Ascent: 3–4 hours
Descent: 2–3 hours
Total time: 6–8 hours (round trip)
The summit stands at 2,782 meters (9,127 feet) above sea level — the highest hill around Kathmandu Valley.
A guide is not mandatory, as the trail is straightforward. However, hiring a guide is recommended for:
Birdwatching
First-time visitors
Safety & local insights
October–December: Clear skies & mountain views
March–April: Rhododendron blooms
Avoid monsoon (June–September) due to mud and leeches.
There are very limited facilities along the trail. It is recommended to carry:
Packed lunch
2–3 liters of water
Snacks
Yes, a 4WD vehicle can drive close to the summit, but road conditions can be rough. A short walk is still required.
On clear days, you may see:
Langtang Lirung
Ganesh Himal
Gaurishankar
Yes. Phulchoki is considered one of the best birdwatching spots near Kathmandu, with over 250 recorded species.
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