Phulchoki is the highest hill in Kathmandu Valley, and walking to this highest point is called Phulchoki Hiking. It is located in the southeast corner of the Valley. To hike in this deep forest, Lock Hill is always beautiful. I always enjoy walking that trail with its ups and downs into the jungle.
This hiking trail is one of the most wonderful trails in Kathmandu. Because Phulchoki forest is very rich in flora and fauna. This is the best destination around the Kathmandu Valley for bird watchers and birdwatching activity. Also offers outstanding mountain views, dramatic landscapes, and the best view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Because of the top point of the Kathmandu Valley during the winter season, people will go there to play snow from all around Kathmandu. Every time I do the Phulchoki Hike, I get lost in the atmosphere and get refreshed because I am a nature lover, hiker, trekker, and explorer.
It’s a one-day walking activity, and it takes around 5 to 6 hours. But climbing the elevation of 2780M above sea level is very tough. Especially climbing up at that elevation and into the jungle without water can be killer. Still, this hiking trail is very popular for both internal and international hikers.
Naturally, this place is famous among adventure lovers. On the other hand, Phulchoki Hill is religiously very significant to the locals. On top of the hill, there is a shrine of Phulchoki Mai, who is an important goddess of the Hindu religion. That is why a month-long festival will be celebrated by the local people every year.
Why is Phulchoki Hiking the best hiking in Kathmandu?
Phulchoki Hill is the highest hill in Kathmandu. The view from the Phulchoki hilltop is spectacular; from there you can enjoy the panoramic Mountain View, the whole Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, and the surrounding greenery. This is a full day of hiking in Kathmandu.
Naturally, this is the best hiking trail because it has beautiful views, a lush forest, a proper walking trail, and a hilltop viewpoint. Varieties of flora and fauna, which is why Phulchoki Hill is the best bird-watching place near Kathmandu. While walking to the top, inside the jungle, there are different species of plants that can be observed.
Culturally, this place is very famous among the local people. This hill is named after the Phulchoki Mai. Phulchoki Mai is a Hindu goddess, and every year for a full month, devotees will travel to the hilltop to pray. On the base camp of this hill at Goadwari, there are many kinds of Hindu and Buddhist monuments standing. So that this region is not only naturally attractive but also culturally and religiously amazing.
How to get there?
If you are looking to make the Phulchoki Hike and are confused about how to get there. First, you take whatever transportation is available on your doorstep to Saatdovato or Lagankhel Bus Prak. Lagankhel Buspark is the place where local transportation is available for Godawari. Therefore, I suggest the best option is to go to Lagankhel Bus Park. And then take a Bus or Micro Bus to Godawari. Godawari is the starting point of the Phulchoki Hike.
If you have a private vehicle, then first drive to Saatdovato and take a turn to Godawari. This is an easy option, but not everyone can afford to travel by private vehicle. Cycling and motorbiking are also an option to travel to Phulchoki Hill. When we do a hike to Phulchoki Hill, then a hike from Gadawari is the best choice.
But if you want to take a bike or mountain bike and a four-wheel jeep, you can take them all the way to the Army camp at Phulchoki Hill.
What to bring with you?
While hiking to Phulchoki Danda, what kinds of equipment you need to bring depends on the season and weather conditions. If you are traveling there during Spring just take light hiking equipment. In Summer you must take a raincoat or Umbrella, anti-insect spray, and normal hiking clothes.
Autumn is the best time to travel there because you can walk with normal equipment. And the winter is a bit cold, so you must wear warm clothes and good hiking boots. Because there might be snow and slippery. And most importantly, pack lunch and drink water. However, there may be a chance to get refreshments at the Army camp at the top of the Phulchoki.
Another activity to do nearby.
Hiking to Phulchoki Hill is the first activity to do in Phulchoki. Although there are other things you can combine while hiking to Phulchoki Hill. The first thing you can do is take a short hike to Marvel Danda. The second one is to visit the Botanical Garden and the surroundings in Godawari. Picnic is another popular activity that can be done in the base camp of Godawari.
The permit is required for Phulchoki Hiking
Yes, you need to buy a national park entry permit at the Godawari, because this hiking trail is inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. At Godawari, there is a national park entry office, and that office will issue the permits for Phulchoki Hike and Marvel Danda Hike. To enter, the permit will cost differently for different nationalities, and if you want to take a vehicle need to pay for that too.
Update: Nowadays, there are only 10 Rupees to pay before entry to Phulchoki at the Godawari. Because of the good road conditions, you can take a bike or a car near Phulchoki. Therefore, cycling to Phulchoki Hill is also the best thing to do during the weekend.
Phulchowki Hiking – Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Where is Phulchowki Hill Located?
The highest Hill of the Kathmandu Valley is located in the Lalitpur district, southeast of the Kathmandu Valley, about 20 kilometers.
Question 2: How difficult is the Phulchowki Hike?
Phulchowki Hiking is known as the moderate level hiking route near Kathmandu. Hiking trails involve some part of a steep climb through the forest, which is suitable for beginners as well as experienced hikers, for a great day hike in Kathmandu.
Question 3: How long does the Phulchoki hike take?
Phulchowki Hiking takes around 6 to 8 hours for a round trip, depending on the starting point, walking pace, and breaks taken. Normally, ascent from Godawari to Phulchoki top takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Question 4: Is there entree fee or permit needed for Phulchowki Hiking?
Yes, you need to pay the entrance fee at Godawari before starting to climb up to Phulchoki Hill. That fee will be used to maintain the hiking trails and for other management purposes.
Question 5: What is the best time for Phulchowki Hiking?
The best time to do a beautiful hike to Phulchowki Hill is during the spring, Autumn, and Winter seasons.
Spring Season: March, April, and May
Autumn Season: September, October, and November
Winter Season: December, January, February.
Question 6: Can beginners do Phulchowki Hiking?
Yes, beginners can also do the Phulchowki Hiking if they are fit and able to walk 6 to 7 hours a day. As it is a beginner-friendly hike does not require technical skills. First-time hikers have to walk slowly, steadily, take enough breaks, and most importantly, start earlier.
Question 7: What mountains can be seen from Phulchowki Hill?
Phulchoki Hiking is popular for its majestic views of Kathmandu valley and the snowy peaks like Mt. Everest, Gaurisankar, Langtang Himal Range, and Ganesh Himal Range. Also, the sunrise and sunset views from the top are stunning on a clear day, like the Mountain.
Question 8: How do I reach the beginning point of Phulchoki Hiking?
Normally, everyone starts the Hike to Phulchowki from Godawari, which is easily accessible by public transport and private vehicles. First drive to Gwarko Chowk and then drive to Godawari via.…
Question 9: Is Phulchowki Hill good for birdwatching?
Yes, the jungle of Phulchowki is the best birdwatching place in Kathmandu; this place is home to more than 300 species of birds. So Phulchowki is the perfect place for a birdwatcher to enjoy the birdwatching activities.
Question 10: Are food and drinks available during the hike?
Along the way, there is no possibility to have tea and food breaks; however, on top, there is a tea shop that serves food and drinks, but it has limited options. It’s better to carry your own food and water during the hike up and down.
Question 11: Why is Phulchowki Hiking popular?
Phulchowki Hiking is popular because of the outstanding views, peaceful walking trails, lush forest, and rich biodiversity all within a hiking route, making this hike very popular among hikers.
