Phulchoki Day Hike Overview
Phulchowki is the highest of the hills that encircle the Kathmandu Valley, and it’s a great day excursion destination for those who do not want to spend multiple days trekking to sight the snow-capped Himalayas in Nepal. The hill station is located 20 kilometers from the city at an elevation of 2750 meters above sea level known for providing visitors with beautiful vistas that are truly enchanting.
"Phulchowki" means "hill full of flowers," in Nepali. Indeed, it is a wonderful site where the hills come alive in the springtime. Many varieties from trees to shrubs, wildflowers, and beautiful rhododendron and magnolia are in full bloom.
It is a magnificent scenic spot to get away from city life for a day and be in intimate harmony with nature. It is a place where one may breathe fresh, pure country air while taking in breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan Mountain range. The hill station provides a wonderful view of high Himalayan peaks as far as Annapurna and Manaslu peaks in the far west, as well as the enormous Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal range in the middle north, with vistas of Mt. Everest and its range to the east.
The Phulchowki Day Hike begins, with a short drive to Godawari which lies at the base of Phulchowki. The trail winds uphill through lush foliage and tall trees, passing through a few small farm communities. The journey progresses through the dense vegetation till the summit of Phulchowki Hill, the highest point in the area offering a bird's eye perspective of Kathmandu valley and nearby villages, as well as unexpected Himalayan views.
Aside from the breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding stunning sceneries and Snow Mountains, the area is also well-known for bird-watching. You can see a variety of birds such as Rufous-gorgeted, Yellow-browed Tit, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Red-billed Leiothrix, different species of butterflies, and wild animals, resulting in the hill as an excellent site for botanists and naturalists. The hikers can also observe the religious ceremony happening at the Phulchowki Mai Temple which is seated on this hilltop during the months of March-April.
In a nutshell, the Phulchowki Day Hike allows visitors to explore the natural rich sceneries and biodiversity in such a calm and peaceful trail, which indeed make their holiday splendid, and memorable, keeping aside adventure and enjoyments.
Phulchowki Day Hike Highlights
- An amazing journey to the highest hill around the Kathmandu valley
- Sublime views of the Himalayas such as the Annapurna ranges and Gaurishanker
- The peaceful and rich Botanical Garden
- Opportunity to witness different species of birds, butterflies, and wildlife
- Phulchowki Mai Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site on the top of the hill
Best Time to do Phulchowki Day Hike
Phulchowki Day Hike can be done any month of the year. However, the finest seasons are spring and autumn giving blue skies and clear views.
March through May is the finest season for clear views until late afternoon when wildflowers are in bloom, especially red Rhododendrons and magnolia, and the mountains are spectacular. The day will be lovely, with a cool morning and evening. Also, between the months of March/April, there is a month-long religious celebration at the Phulchowki Mai Temple.
The fall/autumn months, mid-September to early December are great for mountain vistas as well as surrounding landscape views. The days are clear, stable, and warm with cooler mornings and evenings. The hiking trail is at its best with few local and international companions.
The rainy season which is also the summer runs from mid-June until mid-September. It is best if these months are avoided because the heavy rain pour makes the trail slick and slippery. The views are obstructed by the cloud most of the time. However, if you are interested to face the challenges, you can go there with full-on preparation.
Hiking to Phulchowki hill station in the winter allows hikers to enjoy the snow, which is a rare thing in the Kathmandu Valley, and so offers a new and unique experience. Also, during the winter months, the views of the snow-capped mountains are the most attractive.