Phulchowki (Phulchoki) Hike is the most adventurous and longest day-long walking trip to the scenic hill station around the Kathmandu Valley. It is a perfect one-day adventure tour for usual hikers and training for a long mountain trek in Nepal.
A Day Hike to Phulchowki is one of the best walking tours in Kathmandu and is also for bird watchers. The Phulchoki Hill is in the South of Kathmandu, situated at 2782 m (9127 feet) above sea level. It is the highest elevated hill station around the valley, from where you can see magnificent views of Gauri Shankar, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Sisapangma, Manaslu, and Annapurna massifs. On super-clear autumn days, you can also see Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks. Other green hills, such as Chandragiri, Shivapuri, Jamacho, Bhasmasur, Champadevi, and more, also look magnificent from the top of Fulchoki Hill. You can also see the whole Kathmandu Valley and captivating landscapes from the Phulchowki Peak.
The Phulchowki Hill Hike begins from Godawari, where you can reach by private or public transport. We arrange private transport and a hiking guide for this adventure walking trip. You can get one from Ratna Park in Kathmandu if you want to take a public bus.
You walk on stone steps ascending through a dense forest from Godawari to hike to Phulchoki Hill at the beginning for around an hour and then trek on the forest trails. You will meet the road while walking and cross through shortcuts while hiking toward Phulchoki. You can also walk on the road for the whole trip, which takes many hours. Those who do not dare to hike for many hours but are interested in seeing pristine views from Phulchowki Hill Station can drive directly to the top.
Difficulties of Phulchowki Hill Hike
The Phulchowki Hill Hike is a spectacular nature walk but has several challenges. First, the trail ascends steeply inside the dense forest, which can be challenging for beginners. Finding shortcuts in the forest will also be difficult, and it can take many hours to reach the top if you do not know the route correctly.
There are no public settlements, and I rarely meet people on the trail to Phulchoki Hill while walking inside the forest. There are no restaurants and shops along the way, so you might be hungry and thirsty while hiking. We suggest taking food, snacks, and drinks from Godawari before walking. You must start early in the morning; otherwise, returning after the Fulchoki Hill visit might be dark.
Best Time for One-Day Hike to Phulchowki
The pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are the best times to hike to Phulchowki. The pre-monsoon season runs from March to May, and the post-monsoon season runs from September to November. However, there might be rainy days until mid-September and late May. November and December offer the most pleasant weather, with bright views of the white mountains and the Kathmandu Valley during these two months.
You will be walking into the dense forest while hiking to Phulchoki Hill, so you can see beautifully blooming rhododendrons in spring. The Forest of Phulchowki is one of the best places to see a wide variety of flowers. Also, the spring months offer warm temperatures, and it will be nice to walk in the shade of the trees in the cool air.
You can also hike to Phulchowki Hill in winter, but the trail will be slippery at higher elevations with frost. You can still see pristine mountain views from the top, but fog covers Kathmandu Valley. But the summer, from June to August, is not the ideal time to visit Phulchowki.
Equipment and Things to Bring to Phulchowki
To hike to Phulchowki Hill, wear comfortable clothes appropriate to the season. If you are on this trip in autumn and winter, the temperature will be colder, so wear long-sleeved trousers and a shirt. Also, remember to pack a warm jacket because it will be very cold and windy on Phulchowki Hill.
The most important thing to wear is well-gripped hiking shoes that are light and comfortable. We also suggest wearing a sunhat and sunglasses for the Phulchowki Day Hike.
The hike to Phulchoki Hill is a day trip into nature. Before walking from Godawari, it would help if you took day snacks and drinks. The Army canteen is on the top of Phulchowki Peak, but they only prepare instant noodles and tea at your request.
Sidewalks on Phulchowki Route
First, it will be challenging to find a hiking starting point in Godawari for the hike to Phulchowki, and there are many sidewalks afterward. People may follow the wrong trail to a place where locals go to collect firewood and grass for animals. If you follow the false trail, you may go inside the forest and get lost because the main trail to Phulchowki and the sidewalks look the same.
You reach the top of Phulchowki by following the road and won't miss the trail, but it takes many hours. So, if you're up for a fearless hike to Phulchowki Hill, we recommend hiring a guide. We arrange experienced, friendly hiking guides and transport for the Phulchowki Day Trip at the best possible cost. You can contact us by email or WhatsApp at +9779851043624 to book this adventure nature trip.
