Important Information

Region
Hiking in and around Kathmandu Valley
Duration
1 Day
Max Altitude
2765 M
Best Season
All season except Monsoon
Activity Per Day
7-8 Hours
Grade
Level 2
Group Size
2 – 12 people
Transportation
Car, Jeep, Eco Van, bus

Facts of Phulchowki Hike 

  • Maximum altitude: 2,765 meters
  • Hiking distance: 18 km Approximately 
  • Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate

Phulchowki is the highest Peak among all surrounding peaks of Kathmandu Valley towering at the height of 2782 meters. In the Nepali language, Phul means ‘Flower’ and Chowki means ‘Tollhouse’ where there the army barracks and telecom office is built on the top of the hill. The main viewpoint lies within the army area on top of the Hill where tall towers of Nepal Television, Nepal Telecom, and Hawaii are erected and on the opposite, there is Phulchowki Mai Temple. 

Phulchowki is a popular hiking destination in the Lalitpur district that lies above the national botanical garden of Godawari in the southeast of Kathmandu Valley. Hiking to Phulchowki is ideal for nature lovers to experience the dense forest rich in wild lives and to witness the diverse views from the top. From the top of Phulchowki, you can see the plains of the entire Terai in the south, the mighty Himalayas to the north, and the beautiful Kathmandu Valley in the North-West filled with its mystery of ancient temples and cities that date back to antiquity. 

During the clear sky Mount Everest, Gaurishankar, Ganesh, Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna range can be seen from Phulchowki viewpoint. 

Phulchowki Hiking Route: 

(Godawari - Kunda-Latta Bhanjyang-Phulchoki-Nau Dhara)

The actual Phulchowki hike starts from the Godawari bus station. One can drive directly to the top also through the dirt road which is normally utilized by armies. Before starting your hike you need to pay for the entrance ticket a few meters away from the bus station. From the entrance, you will first visit the Godawari Temple where there are water taps. The trail starts right from the left side of the temple. The trail is all an uphill climb with the beginning stone stairs. Sometimes the trail goes straight up and switch in different directions in right and left. In between, you will often meet the motorable road and again skip the road and hike through a shorter hiking trail. 

Phulchowki hike is difficult for beginners and it is actually an exhausting hike.  Taking multiple breaks on the way will ease your hike.  After trekking for a few hours you will reach near small pond that is located on the left of the road. This marks your final 600 meters ascent to the top which is about 5 km meters from there. Walking through the dense forest to enjoy nature will lead to the top where the Army check post is situated and they will register your name. After registering your details will allow you to enter the gate to witness the jaw-dropping views.  

Himalayan Wander Walkers will arrange this one-day hike in Kathmandu, providing all of your transportation to and from the starting point, a professional guide, and a packed.

If you are looking for a different itinerary than the itinerary here, please Customize Your Trip. 

Your trip at a glance

1 day

  1. Day 1 Phulchowki Hike Itinerary
    • Pick up at 7 am
    • Drive to Godavari Bus station.
    • Start Hike right from the viewpoint.
    • The total hours of Hiking are 7 to 8 hours in total
    • Pick up the bus station and drop you at your place.

What's included 3 items

  • Land Transportation to Godawari Bus Station and Pick up from there and drop to your hotel
  • National Park Permit
  • Hiking Guide

What's not included 2 items

  • Tips for guide
  • Other things not mentioned in the include section

Useful Information

CHECKLISTS FOR PULCHOWKI HIKE

  • Comfortable day hiking clothes (light layers, comfortable t-shirt, hiking pants or leggings, sun hat or cap, comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners, rain jacket or windbreaker)
  • Small daypack or backpack (20-30 liters capacity), water bottle or hydration pack (at least 1-2 liters), snacks and energy food (trail mix, energy bars, fruits)
  • Personal Items (sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first-aid supplies, any personal medications, insect repellent), camera or smartphone for photos, trekking poles (optional, but helpful for knee support on descents) 
  • Cash in Nepali Rupees for entrance fees, snacks, and emergencies (credit cards may not be accepted in remote areas)
  • Mobile phone (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators, then your cell phone will work in Nepal.)

Frequently asked questions

What to Bring ?

The most important consideration for any tour is staying warm and dry, lightweight, breathable, moisture-winking under layers are highly recommended. Insulating layers and jackets are necessary. Comfortable shoes, quality socks (quality socks are recommended), and head covering (insulating caps and brimmed caps designed to block sunlight) are essential. Outer layers should be made of waterproof, wind-blocking material such as Gore-Tex. Sunglasses and sun-block cream, drinking water bottles, and other personal necessities.

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