Overview
- Duration Full day
- Max Elevation 2732m / 8963 ft m
- Group Size 2-10
- Best Season All around the year
- Average Walk 04-05 hrs
- Location Lalitpur
- Start/End KTM / KTM
- Transportation Car / Van
Pulchowki which lies in the southern side of Kathmandu Valley is the highest trekking route hill. The hill provides a crystal clear view of the Kathmandu Valley which is 2732m above the sea level. Pulchowki is named after the Hindu Goddess whose shrine is also placed in a very magnificent manner. One can explore various flowers which is one of the major motives to visit the place. Among these, Rhododendron which is the national flower of Nepal has covered the wider area. One cannot take their eye off from this beautiful scenery. Alike Shivapuri the trek is also famous for bird watching and different mountain ranges. The birds like Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Tit, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Whiskered Yuhina, Besra, Bronzed and Racket-tailed Drongos Nepal Cutia etc. has added extra glimpse in this marvellous route. Moreover, the mountain ranges of Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu and Gaurishankar has established this place to be more exploring.
The trekker passes through a dense forest which offers different flowers and bird’s views with a pleasant environment. The hike is really appropriate for the people who have very less leisure in this hustle-bustle. It is a day hike which journey consists of 4-5 hours. Among the rare place of snowfall in Kathmandu, Pulchowki is the one. Apart from hiking people also prefer to take two-wheeler to enjoy their weekend. As there is a shrine of Goddess Pulchowki people tends to visit the annual religious ceremony held in the month of July and August. The Botanical garden in the Godavari where the trip begins is also quite popular for vegetation.
The hike starts from Botanical garden after 40minutes drive from Kathmandu. Trekkers then begin to walk through a dense forest offering birds view and natural beauty. Unlike the Shivapuri route, the way of Pulchowki is smooth and easier to walk. The unwrinkled route is the major cause to lead the destination towards the hill even through motorcycle by the people. After reaching the peak trekker finds a relaxing environment with different mountain ranges. After exploring, trekkers prefer to have lunch and walk the same route leading towards Godawari and drive back again to Kathmandu.
Additional Information
- The overall trip comprises of 07-08 hours which leads towards Pulchowki hill.
- Internationally recognized botanical garden and a member of Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI)
- You will find a shrine of Hindu Goddess named as Pulchowki Mai which has its own religious value. The surroundings of the shrines comprise of flags with different colours which have its own value
- One need to carry enough water and food for themselves as there are very few retailers nearby.
- It is better to take a guide or hike with some fellow with for safety reason.
- Start your hike as early as possible and get back before getting dark
- The trekker must also be careful enough to get rid of Leech which is quite common in the place.
Itineraries
Pickup
You will be picked up from your respective hotels and drive towards Godavari Botanical garden.
Stop At: Godavari Botanical garden
The journey starts from the botanical garden which is also regarded as a centre of plant conservation, education, research and as well as recreation. You will surely enjoy it if you love greenery. Located on the foot of Phulchwoki hill in the southeast part of Kathmandu Valley.
Stop At: Pulchowki Mai Temple
If you head toward the south from the main crossing along a partially sealed road and climb up 600m you come to the Phulchowki Mai Temple. We start our walk towards Phulchowki hill through Naudhara Kunda. To hike to Phulchowki Mai temple we took the footpath which might be a tough walk of about 03-04 hrs to the top and you will get the breathtaking view of Kathmandu Valley and panorama view of Mountains.
Drop off
After spending some time at the top we head back down to the Godavari and Later on, you will be driven back towards Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions: Phulchwoki Hike
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When is the best time for hiking?
The place is appropriate for hiking throughout the years. However, people tend to avoid rainy days to make there hiking more adventurous and get rid of Leech. Moreover, people also visit during the time of snowfall in the place.
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What are the best things to do in a journey?
One can explore the Hindu Shrine to know about the facts of Pulchowki Mai. Apart from exploring forest and mountain ranges, a trekker can view the scenic beauty of Nepali villages and the lifestyle of the people.
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Are there any hotels available?
Pulchowki is the hiking area where one cannot find any hotels having proper accommodations. However, going through Godawari visitors can find many hotels from Economy to Luxurious.
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Can we find restaurant or any shops to buy food?
There are less retail shops available on the hiking route. Hence it is recommended to carry some foods, water and first aid in the starting of the journey.
