Phulchoki
The highest hill on the valley rim at 2,762m — rhododendron forest, over 265 bird species, and a steep-sided southern wall of Kathmandu.
Trails
2
Best Season
March-May for rhododendron bloom; October-November for clearest views
How to Get There
Primary trailhead at the National Botanical Garden in Godavari, 45 minutes southeast of Kathmandu. Secondary trailhead at Bishanku Narayan.
Permit Information
Small entry fee for Godavari Botanical Garden. No permits required for the mountain itself.
Phulchoki ('hill of flowers') is the tallest peak surrounding the Kathmandu Valley at 2,762m and one of the most biologically rich forests anywhere near a capital city. The southern slopes drop steeply toward the Lele valley; the northern slopes ease down through Godavari to the valley floor.
Massive rhododendron trees tunnel the upper trail in pink and red through March and April. Over 265 bird species have been recorded, making Phulchoki one of Asia's premier accessible birding hills. A small Phulchoki Mai shrine sits at the summit. Military and telecom towers share the top, and a road reaches near the summit — hikers can descend via road or return via the forest path.
Multiple approaches: the classic forest climb from Godavari Botanical Garden, a steeper ridge approach from Bishanku Narayan, and a gentler route from Lele for those linking with Ranikot.
Trails in Phulchoki
- 01Ranikot Hike7 km3 hrs→
- 01Phulchoki Hill18 km6 hrs→
Location
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