Phulchowki Hiking Tour: Nature and Culture meet
Phulchowki Day Hiking is renowned as the most favored trekking and hiking destination in Kathmandu. For those seeking an ideal hiking and trekking experience close to the city, Phulchowki Hill presents an excellent choice due to its manageable length, ease of access, and ability to complete the journey in a single day. As the highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley, Phulchowki Hill rises to an impressive altitude of 2,771 meters above sea level. The hill derives its name from the temple situated at its summit, known as Phulchowki Mata. Additionally, some believe that the hill is home to a variety of flowers, which has contributed to its reputation as the "Hill of Flowers.". Situated in the southeastern region of Kathmandu, this hiking trail boasts stunning vegetation and provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and stunning snowcapped mountain vistas. Despite its challenging terrain, reaching the summit rewards adventurers with breathtaking views, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Consider selecting the Phuchowking hiking excursion while you are in Kathmandu to immerse yourself in the untouched splendor of nature and inhale the refreshing gusts of wind. After an invigorating six-hour hike, you will have the chance to visit the botanical garden and admire the beautiful flowers before wrapping up your journey in Kathmandu. Join us at Himalayan Trekking Path for a Phulchowki Day hike in Kathmandu and enhance your day with this experience.
Highlights of the Phulchowki Hiking
- The hiking trail begins and ends at the Godawari Botanical Garden.
- Embark on a challenging yet rewarding 25 km hiking trip.
- Discover the diverse flora and fauna of Phulchowki Hill (2782m)
- Immerse yourself in the dense forest and observe a variety of bird species.
- Experience an incredible hiking tour on Kathmandu's highest Hill (2782m)
- Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna ranges and Gaurishankar.
- Get the chance to spot different species of birds, butterflies, and wildlife.
- Visit the significant Phulchoki Mai Temple, located at the hill's summit.
- Indulge in a picnic-like lunch amidst the stunning natural beauty.
- Enjoy the picturesque vistas and serene atmosphere throughout the hike.
Phulchowki Hiking: Escape Kathmandu's Chaos
Kathmandu is a city that preserves the essence of ancient art, architecture, civilization, culture, and lifestyles, offering a truly immersive experience. There are numerous activities to engage in around Kathmandu, including sightseeing, tours, paragliding, trekking, mountain flights, Everest heli tours, cable cars, ziplining, short trekking, and hiking tours. Among these options, Phulchowki Day Hiking stands out as an exceptional exploration opportunity, combining adventure, breathtaking scenery, wildlife, birdwatching, flora, and fauna. It allows you to escape the noise and chaos of Kathmandu life, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature, while enjoying the refreshing cool breeze and admiring the majestic snow-capped peaks. If you seek a deeper connection with nature and a chance to embrace its beautiful biodiversity, Phulchowki Hiking is the perfect choice for you.
Phulchowki Hiking Itinerary and Package
Our Phulchowki day hiking trek begins after breakfast, where you will meet our nature guide. From there, we will travel to the trailhead at the Botanical Garden Godawori in private vehicles. This is where your journey to the Phulchowki Hike will start. The first kilometer of the trail is paved with asphalt, but after that, it transitions into a gravel path. To ensure you have sustenance along the way, we will provide a packed lunch before leaving Godawari, as there are no restaurants or tea shops along the trail. As you traverse through dense forests, you will be treated to frequent views of the Kathmandu Valley. The climb to the top of Phulchowki is approximately 1,600 meters, with a descent of about 500 meters. The trail offers multiple shortcut routes consisting of recently built stairs. It is important to take breaks and stay hydrated to endure the strenuous climb.
The higher you ascend, the more breathtaking the mountain views become. The trail consists of sharp switchbacks that will test your endurance. Continuing along the gravel path through the dense forest, you will come across a small area adorned with prayer flags, adding a touch of vibrancy to your journey. The final section of the climb covers approximately 5 kilometers and involves a 600-meter ascent. This part of the Phulchowki Hike is known for its challenging ascent, so it is recommended to maintain a slow and steady pace. As you near the top, you will encounter a small check post where you must provide details to the army members responsible for protecting Phulchowki Hill. If the weather conditions are favorable, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Gaurishankar Himal, and others.
Phulchowki Peak (2782m)- Cultural Significant
Phulchowki is the highest peak of Kathmandu Valley; it is also the best vantage point of the mountains and Kathmandu Valley. Do you know that Phulchowki is the spiritual center of Hindu pilgrimage? At the summit, there is a small temple (Phulchowki Mai Temple) dedicated to Hindu pilgrims, adorned with prayer flags. If you visit Phulchowki during March and April, you will have the opportunity to witness a month-long annual festival celebrated at the shrine of Phulchowki.On the other hand, during the spring months of March to May, you will witness the various flowering plants blooming, which makes your trip more memorable. Once fulfill your desire with delight, then you can return the Godawori the same way you came. Finally, you will travel back to Kathmandu in a private car.
Phulchowki (Full of Flowers)
Phulchowki means full of flowers, which is why you can experience many wild flowers during your visit. Especially in the spring season, you can witness the range of flowers along the way. Phulchowki Hill boasts a diverse array of flowers, including Ipomoea Carnea, Touch-me-not balsam, the imperial Japanese mix of Morning Glory, Lindenbergia, Pueraria prunedanensis, Colquhounia Coccinea, Japanese Thimbleweed, Cautleya spicata, Rhododendron, and many others.
The Best Time for Phulchowki Hiking
Phulchowki Peak offers ideal weather conditions and temperatures during Autumn (August to November) and Spring (March to May). Nevertheless, the accessible trails make it possible to enjoy hiking during Winter (December to February) and the Rainy season (June to August) as well. This allows for a year-round opportunity to join the Phulchowki Hiking tour and have a memorable experience. The adventure is highly recommended for travelers of all levels, including beginners, trekking experts, students, volunteers, airline staff, and those seeking a short adventure. The rugged and demanding landscape necessitates a decent level of fitness and overall good health, although prior mountaineering experience is not necessary. The hiking trail spans approximately 20 kilometers, requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness. We trust that you will have a delightful hiking experience in Kathmandu, and this will serve as a valuable preparation for high-altitude treks such as Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, and peak climbing.
Phulchowki Hiking Cost for 2024/2025
The Phulchowki Day hiking cost ranges from USD 70 to USD 100 per person, depending on the group size. The package includes a private car, guide, lunch, water, and all taxes and service fees. For solo travelers, the cost is USD 100. For group travelers, there is a discount ranging from USD 90 to USD 70 per person, based on the group size. Here is a detailed breakdown of the Phulchowki hiking cost according to the group size
- The cost of the Phulchowki Hiking is USD 100 for a solo traveler
- The cost of the Phulchowki Hiking is USD 90 per person for a group of 2-6 pax
- The cost of the Phulchowki Hiking is USD 80 per person for a group of 7-10 pax
- The cost of the Phulchowki Hiking is USD 70 per person for a group of 11-20 pax.
