Phulchoki Hill
The tallest hill on the southern Kathmandu Valley rim — a paradise for birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts with spectacular rhododendron forests.
Know before you go
Trip readiness
Best timing
March-May, October-November
Treat this as the first planning window, then verify local trail and weather conditions.
Time needed
6h
Include acclimatization and transport buffers for mountain routes.
Permit status
No listed permit
Confirm current trekking rules before booking guides, flights, or jeeps.
Difficulty
Challenging
Kathmandu route. Match this to fitness, altitude experience, and daily walking hours.
Live conditions
Trail weather available
Use the weather card before starting, especially during monsoon and winter windows.
Phulchoki is the tallest hill on the southern rim of the Kathmandu Valley and a paradise for birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts. The trail passes through some of the best-preserved temperate forest in the valley, with massive rhododendron trees that create a tunnel of red and pink blossoms in March-April. Over 265 bird species have been recorded here.
The summit at 2,762m offers views stretching from Everest to Annapurna on clear days, though it is frequently cloudy by midday. A small shrine to Phulchoki Mai (forest goddess) sits at the top.
The trail starts near the National Botanical Garden in Godavari, southeast of the valley. Spring (March-May) is the best time to visit for the spectacular rhododendron and orchid blooms.
Planning this trek? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
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