Phulchowki Hiking

If you ask me where to escape from the Kathmandu’s noise without traveling to the remotest areas, my answer would be Pukchowki Hike. This is the highest hills surrounding the Kathmandu valley that reaches around 2,762 in altitude and I still remember my first time climbing Phulchowki Hiking, as the view from the top was truly breathtaking.

As you hike up to the summit, you will experience the walk-through dense forest with lots of unique flower, colorful rhododendron and that peacefulness will take you into another dimension. And even though this hill is located quite close to the Kathmandu city, it feels like another world without any noise of the city.

While leaving the noise city for the green silence, it just takes less than hour and is something that surprises many people. And if you ask any local about the best hikes near Kathmandu, most of the time they will definitely mention Phulchowki Hiking.

It is not necessary to have specialized trekking equipment and years of practice for visiting the hill. People of all ages can easily complete this whether you are with your family or hiking along for the first time in your life. This is basically the main reason why it is one of the most visited hills each and every year.

The mountain is situated at a distance of 20 km southeast of the city of Kathmandu and just takes about one hour to reach this place using a car or motorcycle. The interesting thing about this mountain is that despite being close to the city, this particular mountain happens to be the mountain with the most diverse flora and fauna, having more than 500 plant species and almost 300 bird species.

Local prefer to visit this place for escape on weekend with their friends just when they need to catch their breath. However, tourist come here for a totally different purpose because they look for best hikes near Kathmandu which will not be as crowded as Nagarkot or Shivapuri.

No matter what one might be looking for – stunning mountainous landscapes, fresh air or just some rest from the city lifestyle, there is no doubt that Phulchowki hikes will provide all of these in single day.

Where is Phulchowki Located?

Phulchowki is located in Lalitpur District to the southeast of the Kathmandu valley. It is part of the same hill that surrounds the Kathmandu valley, but what makes Phulchowki hiking stand out is that it is higher than all other hills. That extra height is what makes the view from top more rewarding when your reach there.

The distance from Kathmandu city to starting point of Phulchowki is about 20 kilometers. By using a vehicle, you will reach there in about an hour, depending on the traffic. But, once you leave the main road of the capital, the path shifts into calm with scenic view.

The usual start point for this hike is Godawari, a tiny village known for its botanical garden and cool climate. The trail from Godawari to the entrance of the hill is well marked, and there is less chance that you will be lost.

the location is what makes the Phulchowki hiking the most accessible hiking in Kathmandu. You can begin early in the morning and complete the hike before it gets late. Hikers can have an adventure while being on a hike, but without wasting extra days or making a special plan of travel. You get to explore the mountains and doesn’t require days off or any special arrangements to do that. Godawari to Phulchowki remains one of the easiest routes in the whole valley.

Best time for Phulchowki Hiking

Season plays a major role when hiking to Phulchowki. It changes the entire mood of the whole experience, and sometimes more than people expect.

Spring season which last from March to May is the most beautiful season because in this time rhododendron start to cover up the entire forest which feels like you are walking into a magical place. This is actual reason, why many people choose this time.

Autumn from September to November is another season people prefer to go Phulchowki Hiking. After the monsoon rain, the visibility becomes much better, and you can actually see the Himalayan mountain.

Even hiking through winder in Phulchowki holds its unique features. The forest becomes calm and serene but be sure layer properly because the top can be even colder. Sometimes the upper part of the trail is covered with snow in winter. This is not dangerous, but you have to walk carefully and slowly.

It is not easy to hike in the mountains during monsoon between June and August. It rains heavily, and there are many leeches in the forest. Thus, most hikers decide not to visit Phulchowki in such conditions.

Difficulty Level and Who Can Join

To be honest, the Phulchowki Hiking isn’t hard, that doesn’t mean it a walk in the park. There are some sections with stair climb and slight steep which can make it difficult, but not difficult to completely exhaust. For starter, this one will suit you perfectly because the sections are mostly moderate difficulty.

The trails are well marked all the way to summit, so you will never find yourself wondering which way to go. In fact, what makes this hiking so difficult is its constant upward slope. No sharp turns, just one constant ascent that your legs will feel at the end of the day.

I have seen families with children completed this hike while also having fun and taking plenty of pictures during the process. There is nothing special about the preparation for such an adventure except walking for two or more hours. You don’t require any special requirement, just comfortable clothing clothes and strong boots. If you can walk hours comfortably, you are physically ready for it.

Phulchowki Hiking Route

Phulchowki Hiking Route follows the trails which are marked very clearly, making it easy to navigate even for first timers. In most cases, Phulchowki hiking route starts from Godawari Botanical Garden, which is a very serene and beautiful green park at the foot of the mountain. Therefore, this becomes an ideal starting point of the hiking tour with a beautiful garden and quiet entrance.

Further, Phulchowki Hiking Route passes through the entire forest where the tall trees create shadows making it a pleasant walk-through cool weather almost the entire way. It means that you will get to experience the fresh environment of a forest throughout the hiking trail.

Along the way, there are some stone staircases which can pose difficulties, however, the distance between the stairs is short to allow resting in between.

After some time, the route changes and heads towards rhododendron forest which would be blooming when you go there during spring season. Usually, this section is considered as the most scenic part and is used as photo shooting place.

Now the trail heads up to the top, which stands at an altitude of 2,782 meters and from where you can see the beautiful view of the Kathmandu valley along with the snowcapped Himalayas. Once you finish at the top, now the trekking journey heads back to the same rhododendron forest, stone staircases and finally back to the forest trail.

This journey back is comparatively easy as it allows you to view whatever you might have missed on your climb up to the top. Once you reach Godawari, your hiking is done.

This simple itinerary is the main reason behind the Phulchowki Hiking from Kathmandu being considered as the easiest hiking in Kathmandu route.

Food and Drinks

The food choices available in Phulchowki is very limited but there is enough food stall that cover what you need for one day hike.

In lower section of the hike, there are small teahouses which can be found working on weekends. These shops provide tea, noodles and snacks providing hikers a nice place to just sit and rest for a bit. For the hike, better to carry packaged food as most hiker bring their own lunch box. Sandwiches, boiled egg and fruit make perfect choice to eat enough to restore your energy.

As for the drinking water, I must say that this hike requires special attention to it. The thing is that there are no drinking water sources on the way, so bring at least 1.5-2 liters per person.

Also carry some snacks like energy bar, nuts or that will help you maintain energy while hiking. These snacks are easy to carry without putting much weight on you. Just make sure to not throw garbage in the route and bring the plastic wrapper with you.

Generally speaking, this case requires some preparation work, but all you need is to pack lightly and stay hydrated, and you will get plenty of energy for enjoying your hiking through the Phulchowki Hiking Trail.

Flora and Fauna of Phulchowki

The forest at Phulchowki is full of life from whichever direction you choose to move. This forest in the mountain has the highest diversity of plant in all the valley you can ever see, and this is precisely why the walking in this greenery forest make the experience very fascinating.

There will be lot of rhododendron flower growing on the hills, especially from March to May. The vibrant color of red, pink, and white flower can be found on the hills, making walking on the feel magical. You can also see orchid flower blossom hiding under the bushes. Hiking through Phulchowki really reward with unique thing, you just have to look for it.

There will be butterflies everywhere around the trail, especially during the warmer months. The colorful butterflies create an additional layer of beauty to this walk which was already beautiful on it own. While hiking toward the summit, you can even see some wildlife such as deer, wild board, and even leopards but very rare. It is unlikely that you would come across any big animals while trekking around the area but the feeling of being in the presence of nature adds to the charm of the hill.

The combination of flora and fauna plays an important role in making Phulchowki one of the top treks in Nepal close to Kathmandu. This place is not just a hike; it is a journey through biodiversity.

Bird Watching in Phulchowki

For Bird lover, Phulchowki is considered one of the best places for bird watching in Nepal because about species of bird can be found in this tiny area covered by this hill, which is quite impressive. Due to this reason many bird lover visit this place from all around the world. There are many who visit Phulchowki just to enjoy the combination of hiking in Kathmandu with bird watching.

The common type of bird that you can see here are laughing thrushes, sunbirds and different kinds of flycatchers. The chirping sounds of these birds fill the whole forest in the early hours of the morning.

Rare birds can also be seen here which includes the spiny babbler, a bird species found only in Nepal. Spotting one is definitely an achievement on any dedicated birdwatcher. The best time for bird watching is around spring and autumn, which is also the best time for Phulchowki hiking. Wake up early and start early, it will greatly increase the probability of spotting one as bird are very active in the morning.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Phulchowki is not just any other hill that is just used for hiking purpose. This place has some real spiritual significance as well and I must say that I personally felt something the moment I got near the top of the mountain. At the peak, you will find a temple known as Pulchowki Mai Temple which is a shrine devoted to a goddess worshipped by locals for many years.

This was something that I personally experienced when hiking there. People would trek to the temple to pay their respect, most likely before sunrise. This is not hiking for fun for them; this is a spiritual hiking what looks like a normal nature walk.

According to the local people, this goddess is believed to guard the hills as well as the village that surrounds this region. People visit this temple before getting married or making any important decision in their life to take blessings of the goddess. It is an old tradition that people still follow with deep respect despite the influence of modern city into this year.

Along the hike, you can also see several small shrines and prayer flags. Even those who do not practice any form of religion stop for a moment to admire the view. There is just something about them which tells people to show respect and not walk right through them.

This is why Phulchowki is so unique compared to the other mountains in the city of Kathmandu. Not only does it involve forest and mountain treks but also hiking through the sacred land of the locals.

Essential Packing List

• Strong hiking shoes
• Dring water bottles (1.5 to 2 ltr)
• Rain Jacket
• Hat or Cap
• Light Food and Snacks
• Warm Jacket
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Cash

Conclusion

Phulchowki is truly an example of the fact that adventure don’t need to be distant, especially in such a small area like Kathmandu. Located right close the capital city of Nepal, this place is full of greenery, birds, temple and breathtaking view that are worthy of the effort you put into getting to them.

There are plenty of trails all across the valley, but something about this one always manages to pull hikers from all around the places. The trail is quite easy to walk for beginners, but at the same time, it has everything you would expect from the route.

With its rhododendron, birds and spirituality at the top, this hill has much more to offer than any other regular day hike. This is perfect combination of many different things in just a few hours of trekking.

When looking for easy yet rewarding hiking near Kathmandu, there is nothing else like Phulchowki. It is undoubtedly one of the best hikes near Kathmandu.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

How long does Phulchowki Hiking take?

It takes 4 to 6 hours on average to complete the trek including the break you take during the hike.

Is permit required for Phulchowki Hiking?

Yes, there is a small entry fee as the Phulchowki is located in the protected   area of Godawari.

Is guide necessary for Phulchowki hiking?

No, guide is not necessary as the trails is very clear but if you are a beginner and want to be extra careful you can hire one.

Are there any toilets on the way to summit?

You will find toilet facilities in Godawari, but after that there are no toilet found within the forest.

What is the best time to start hikin g on this trail?

The best time to start hiking is in the early morning before 7:00 Am

Is Phulchowk suitable for young children?

Children of older age will adjust well, but little ones may find it hard to walk uphill.

What altitude does Phulchowki reach?

The top of Phulchowki stands at an altitude of about 2,762 meters, being the highest mountain in the entire valley of Kathmandu.

Is it possible to hike Phulchowk without any previous experience?

Yes, since the level of difficulty is moderate and paths are clearly marked, beginners can definitely trek Phulchowki.

How crowded is Phulchowk on weekends?

There is a significant increase in visitors during the weekend, mainly locals trying to escape from the hustle of Kathmandu.