Overview
Phulchowki Hill Hike, the nearest high scenic hill within the Kathmandu valley rim.
Located southeast from the city suburb within Lalitpur district, in a green environment surrounding of Godavari village area.
A great way to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle busy city life of Kathmandu. A great escape in the harmony of pristine surroundings in the shade of lovely rhododendron, magnolia, oaks, and pine forest.
Distance of about 20 k.m from Kathmandu, an hour or less drive to reach the starting point of the hike. Where walk starts from Godavari village a pleasant place with a botanical garden nearby, as the hike takes you on winding uphill.
Climb of few hours to Phulchowki Hilltop, the highest point around Kathmandu valley at 2,782 m high. An excellent viewpoint overlooking more than 380-degree wide panorama of Himalayan snow peaks.
View as far to Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal in the west with Langtang and Jugal Himal towards the north. The views of Himalayan peaks stretch to the Everest range in the far-east direction, on a clear fine day.
Phulchowki Hill is also famous for bird watching about 90 species of birds have been sighted around this scenic hill. The common birds are babbler, Curia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Woodpeckers, and the Black-throated Parrot-bill, to name a few. After a nice morning around the fresh surrounding, facing glorious views of the Himalayan range, then downhill to end the day hike.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Hiking Day
Depart from the hotel after breakfast by 7 a.m. depending upon group size either in a car or coach. Where drive leads south of the city and over Bagmati Bridge that separates Kathmandu and Patan / Lalitpur city.
Drive continues through Lalitpur city and then heading towards off the city limit and beyond to reach rural farm areas. On arrival at Godavari village and close to a botanical garden, start to walk uphill on a winding trail towards Phulchowki hilltop.
A beautiful spot in the cool forest surroundings enjoys the great panorama of Himalayan peaks from Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himal. Views of the mountain range extend to Jugal Himal with Gaurishankar as far towards Everest on the far eastern horizon.
After a marvelous hike away from the hustle, the bustle city life of Kathmandu, head downhill to the Godavari parking area. Time permitting visit the botanical garden enriched with exotic vegetation and rare herbs and the drive to your hotel.