Phulchoki Hiking

Philchoki is the highest hill in Kathmandu and to walk to this highest point is known as the Phulchoki Hiking. Which is located in the southeast corner of the Kathmandu Valley. To hike to this deep forest lock hill is always beautiful. I always enjoy walking that trail ups and downs into the jungle.

This hiking trail is one of the most wonderful hiking trails near Kathmandu; in terms of flora and fauna. And this is the best destination around the Kathmandu Valley for bird watchers and lovers. 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 Phulchoki Hike I lust into 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 is 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 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. Verities of flora and fauna, that is why Phulchoki Hill is the best bird-watching place near Kathmandu. While walking to the top, through inside the jungle there are different species of plants that can be observed.

Culturally also 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 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 Phulchoki Hike and a confused about how to get there. First, you take whatever transportation 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 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 everyone can not 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 four-wheel jeep you can take it all the way to the Army camp at Phulchoki Hill.

What to bring with you?

While hiking to Phulchoki Hill 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 hike equipment. In Summer you must take a raincoat or Umbrella, Anty insect spray, with 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 some pack lunch and drink water. However, there may be a chance to get refreshments at the Army camp at top of the Phulchoki Hill.

Another activity to do nearby.

Hiking to Phulchoki Hill is the prior 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 a short hike to Marvel Danda. The second one is to visit the Botanical garden and surroundings in Godawari. Picnic is another popular activity to do in the base camp of Phulchoki Hill.

The permit requires 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, can take a bike or car near Phulchoki Hill. Therefore Cycling to Phulchoki Hill is also the best thing to do during the weekend.