Day hike Outdoor

Phulchowki Forest Day Hike

Hike from Godawari to Phulchowki and back: a demanding 6–8-hour forest walk on Kathmandu Valley’s southern rim.

Location Godawari–Phulchowki, Lalitpur Lalitpur

Best time October–April for drier walks; spring birdlife and flowers. Check fog, rain and winter ice. Evergreen pick

Good for Check difficulty Read the route notes below

Forested Phulchowki Hill viewed from the Dakshinkali road

Photo: Ashishlohorung · CC BY-SA 3.0

About this spot

Phulchowki rises to roughly 2,760–2,780 m above Godawari. The return hike takes about 6–8 hours, with a long ascent and sustained descent; allow a full day including transport. Route distances vary with the mix of footpath and road.

Leave Kathmandu early and budget 60–90 minutes each way to Godawari. Carry lunch, plenty of water and rain protection. Confirm local access, use a guide if unfamiliar with the forest and turn back before weather or daylight becomes a problem. The botanical garden is a separate visit.

Phulchowki and nearby Godawari are established birdwatching areas, so the forest is worth attention as well as the summit.

Sources (checked 17 September 2026):
https://accessnepaltour.com/tour/phulchowki-…
https://ntb.gov.np/en/things-to-do/bird-watc…

Location

Godawari–Phulchowki, Lalitpur, Lalitpur

Godawari–Phulchowki, Lalitpur, Nepal. Destination: Phulchowki, Lalitpur, Nepal. Nearby settlement / discovery location: Lalitpur. The suggested journey starts and ends in Kathmandu.

Open in Google Maps