How long does it take to hike the Phulchowki?

It takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete the Phulchowki day hike and an additional one hour to drive to/from the starting and ending point of the trail.

Is it safe to hike Phulchowki alone, or should I join a group?

It is best if you hike in a group. If you are a solo hiker, hire a guide who is knowledgeable about the Phulchowki hiking route. The hiking route is well-established, but we do not recommend hiking alone to ensure your safety, especially if you are not used to solo hikes.

Is combining the Phulchowki hike with other nearby hikes or activities possible?

You can combine Phulchowki day hiking with a Godawari Botanical Garden Visit, a special bird-watching tour, Lakuri Bhanjyang Hike, etc.

How crowded does the Phulchowki trail get on weekends and holidays?

On the weekends and holidays, you will see a good number of locals on the Phulchowki hiking route. The trail will not be crowded unless there is nothing special going on, but it will be busier than usual.

Are there any specific rules for waste disposal on the trail?

All hikers are requested to bring their waste down the hill and throw it in the garbage can. Carry a disposal bag or a plastic bag to carry your waste.

Is there cell phone reception throughout the hike?

The cell phone reception is not that stable along the Phulchowki hiking route. Many parts of the route do not have any reception because of dense forests.

Are there any local eateries or restaurants near the trailhead?

There are many eateries, shops, and restaurants at the starting/ending point of the Phulchowki hike, but not along the hiking trail.

What should I do in case of an emergency while on the trail?

If you feel sick or hurt while hiking, inform your guide. He will help you return or provide first aid as needed. Do not panic, and ask your guide for help.

Are there any wildlife risks hikers should be aware of?

There are no wildlife risks during the Phulchowki day hike on the marked trail. We recommend hikers not go off the marked trail.

Are there any water sources along the trail, or should I carry all my water?

We recommend carrying 1-2 liters or 2-3 liters of water bottles during the hike. There are limited drinking water sources, so carrying the water is best.

Are there any permits or fees required to hike Phulchowki?

For the Phulchowki day hiking, you will only need the Godawari Botanical Garden entrance permit.

Phulchowki Day Hiking | One Day Hike Near Kathmandu

Phulchowki day hiking is another excellent day activity for travelers in Kathmandu. It is a 7 to 8-hour day hiking program that takes you away from the bustle of the city and lets you unwind in a serene setting.

Phulchowki means the Hills of Flowers and is known as Godawari in the Nepali language. The best time to do a Phulchowki day hike is definitely the spring season (March to May).

It is the time when the entire hill blooms with various flowers. The hiking route is breathtaking, and the landscapes are equally mesmerizing. You can also enjoy the Phulchowki day hike in other seasons as well.

Phulchowki Hill is the highest hill in Kathmandu. It stands 2,782 meters above sea level. The top of the hill offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges and a striking aerial view of Kathmandu Valley.

Similarly, Phulchowki Hill is also a paradise for bird lovers. The hiking route is peaceful and well-established. You will hike through dense forests of rhododendrons, pine, and oak.

Imagine the soothing scent of forests, fresh air, crisp environment, and chirping of birds. Doesn't this sound lovely? These are some of the less talked-about highlights of the Phulchowki hike.

You can start the Phulchowki day hike from Thamel in just 40 minutes of comfortable drive. So, travelers searching for something adventurous but not challenging near Kathmandu and wishing to spend some time in nature should consider Phulchowki day hiking.

Highlights

Another excellent day activity for travelers in Kathmandu
Escape away from the bustle of the city and lets you unwind in a serene setting
Enjoy various flowers and plants while hiking in the spring season (March to May)
Follow a lush green hiking route and enjoy tranquility
Spot different species of birds along the trail
Enjoy a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges and a striking aerial view of Kathmandu Valley
Start hiking in just 40 minutes of comfortable drive from Thamel
Ideal for travelers searching for something adventurous but not challenging and want to spend time in nature
Explore Phulchowki Mai Temple on the top of the hill

What can you expect during the Phulchowki day hiking?

You will start the Phulchowki day hiking early in the morning. We will assign you a friendly guide who knows the Phulchowki day hiking route and its surrounding area well. He will pick you up from your hotel at the fixed time.

We use a private four-wheeler as per the group size, to drive to and from the trailhead. In just half an hour of drive from Thamel, you will reach Godwari, from where the Phulchowki hike begins.

The hiking route is uneven and goes through lush forests. You will gradually walk uphill. The trail is not that challenging to navigate, so everyone will enjoy the walk.

Upon reaching the top of Phulchowki Hill, you can see a temple. The temple is dedicated to Phulchowki Mai, a Hindu deity. The Phulchowki Hill also holds religious values for Buddhists.

Likewise, the views of the Himalayan mountains, such as Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Gaurhsankar, and Annapurna range, are breathtaking from the top of the hill.

During the winter, snow falls on the hill. It makes the hiking route more adventurous and beautiful. Locals love to visit Phulchowki during snowfall.

You will spend some time on the top of the hill and later descend back to Godawri to end the hike. Your guide will drop you at your hotel and also give you a Phulchowki day hiking completion certificate.

Is the Phulchowki day hike suitable for you?

The Phulchowki day hike is suitable for travelers who are not ready to commit to a multi-day trek in Nepal but want to experience some sort of hiking.

It is also a great option for travelers who are in Kathmandu and have nothing to do. You can take a break from the noise of the city and spend quality time in nature.

Likewise, this one day hike is also a great workout. You will walk around 4 to 5 hours on uneven terrain. We also recommend Phulchowki day hiking to travelers who are interested in biodiversity.

Solo travelers, groups, students, colleagues, families, friends, etc, everyone will enjoy Phulchowki day hiking.

The National Botanical Garden- Godawari

One of the highlights of Phulchowki's day hiking is Godawari. It is the national botanical garden in Kathmandu. Here, you can explore various species of plants and flowers and see many birds.

The garden is spread over 82 hectares in varying topography. Therefore, you can expect to see plants and flowers found in different climatic zones.

Though visiting Godawari is not part of our Phulchowki day hiking package, if you have, we highly recommend stopping by it. You may have to pay a small ticket fee to enter the garden.

Phulchowki day hiking distance and difficulty

During the Phulchowki day hiking, you will walk approximately 6.8 kilometers. From the trailhead, you will reach the top of the hill in around 3 to 4 hours of hiking. Likewise, it takes around 2 hours to descend.

Though previous hiking is not required for the Phulchowki day hike, we recommend that trekkers be mentally prepared to push themselves. Stretching before and after the hike is highly recommended.

It will help reduce body pain if this is your first time hiking. The hiking route ascends through even hill terrain. It requires both physical and mental efforts. Similarly, you will ascend to 2,782 meters above sea level during the Phulchowki day hiking.

The risk of sickness increases above 2,500 meters altitude, but as you will only spend a short time at this altitude, you do not have to worry about it. A pro tip is keeping yourself hydrated and taking frequent breaks to catch your breath.

Best time to do the Phulchowki day hike

Phulchowki Hill looks best in the spring season, from March to May. It is when the hill blooms with rhododendrons, magnolia, and various other flowers. The fine weather, rich vegetation, flower blossoms, and stunning scenery make the hike blissful.

Autumn (late September to November) is another great time of the year to go hiking in Phulchowki if you want to experience a pleasant climate, clear sky, and stable weather.

Thanks to high visibility, the mountain views are clear from the top of Phulchowki Hill in both seasons. Locals also love to hike during spring and autumn, so the environment is quite delightful, especially on Saturdays.

We also love the Phulchowki day hike during the winter season. Snow falls all over the hill at the peak of the winter, making hiking extremely adventurous and magical.

The trail condition is bad between June and mid-September because of frequent rainfall. We recommend preparing well and wearing rain boots if you want to do monsoon hiking. Also, be extra attentive because the trails are slippery.

Phulchowki day hiking packing

You do not need anything special for Phulchowki day hiking, but wearing proper clothes and shoes is important. Below, we have made a list of things that you will need during the Phulchowki day hike:

Comfortable undergarments
Hiking trousers/shorts
Breathable t-shirt
Windcheater jacket
Thermal layer (as per the weather)
Comfortable hiking shoes (do not wear new hiking shoes)
Socks
Backpack
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Sunhat
SPF and lip balm
Map (optional)
Packed lunch/snacks
Hiking poles (optional)
Mobile, camera, power bank, spare batteries
Wet wipes
Tissue
First-aid kit
Whistle (great to have)

Why do the Phulchowki day hiking with Adventure Treks Nepal?

Adventure Treks Nepal is a local Nepali trekking and climbing company based in Kathmandu. We can help you streamline your Phulchowki day hiking trip. Our team will arrange transportation and permits.

Likewise, we will provide you with a local guide to hike with. After the hike, we will drop you off at your location. Our service saves you time and energy and ensures your safety.

We have affordable Phulchowki day hiking cost. As per your interest, you can also combine additional excursions to your trip. To book a Phulchowki hike with us, contact us anytime or use our website.

We have shared some of our other popular day hikes in Kathmandu below: