Godavari National Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden with indigenous plants is located at the base of Mount Phulchowki (2715m.) at an elevation of 1,515 metres above sea level, at the Godavari, at the south-eastern corner of Kathmandu valley. The garden, founded in 1962, covers an area of 82 hectares, is visited annually by more than 190,000 people and is surrounded by evergreen natural forests. The visitors include nature lovers and researchers, and students. The garden has an exclusive collection of ornamental plants, rock plants, rose cultivars, trees and shrubs, lilies, ferns, medicinal plants and native flora, aquatics, cacti and orchids. The botanical garden is vital for scientific investigation, conservation, education, and demonstration. The garden details each plant in description and photo signs, making an educative tour for all the visitors. The temperature of the area ranges between -5°C to 20°C during winter and 20°C and 30°C during summer.
Phulchowki Hiking and Birding
Phulchowki Hill, above the southern skyline above the Kathmandu Valley, at an elevation of 2,695 metres above sea level, is one of the four major hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. The other three significant hills around the valley are Shivapuri (2,732 metres), Nagarjuna (2,095 metres) and Chandragiri (2,551 metres). Phulchowki is rich in fauna and floras and is one of the most preferred destinations for birders of Kathmandu and many bird-loving to Nepal. The area is dense, with a middle hill forest of 1,000 to 1,800 metres above sea level. It consists of the subtropical broadleaf forests of evergreen species in the lower parts and upper subtropical forest with Chir pine, wild Himalayan cherry, oak and laurel families mixed with rhododendron species. The Nepalese army guards the hill’s summit though one can visit the tower and the temple of goddess Phulchowki. Phulchowki is an evergreen destination for hikers: summer is cool with lush nature and birds. Spring is full of rhododendron and orchids from February to May and full of birds. The winter is a lovely destination for youngsters of Kathmandu Valley to play in the fresh snow. Autumn is one of the best months to hike here to enjoy the magnificent sceneries of the Himalayas. From Phulchowki, there are beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley and panoramic mountain scenery of Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh, Dorje Lhakpa, Phurbi Gyachu and impressive views of uncountable rolling hills in all directions.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, your guide and driver reach your hotel. Take a drive of 14 kilometres to the southwest of Kathmandu. Reach at the Godavari in about 40 minutes. Before continuing the tour, we check into our accommodation at Godavari village resort.
Godavari Village Resort lies near the National Botanical Garden of Godavari and on a superb meadow. The resort is a perfect five-star retreat out of the valley, providing an excellent atmosphere for those looking for comfortable accommodation after visiting the botanical garden or hiking to Phulchowki Hill. The resort’s neighbours are traditional Nepalese villages and ancient Newari settlement, which allow one to stroll around and experience the traditional and regular life that represent most of the Nepalese.
We then continue with a short drive to the Botanical Garden and get checked in the Botanical Garden Area, registering our names and paying the entry permit fees.
The visit includes the garden area, Godavari water spring and a Buddhist Monastery. We take lunch in a local restaurant and take a full-day tour of the entire botanical garden area. Then, we take a short drive back to the resort or optionally walk in the evening.
We have a hearty breakfast at the resort, take a short drive back to Godavari Garden, and hike through a lush forest full of rhododendron, oak and bamboo forest with many kinds of birds.
It is a long hike to reach the top of Phulchowki, which takes 4 to 5 hours of walking in nature. On arrival at the top, one is rewarded with magnificent sceneries extending from Annapurna to the west to Mount Tseringma (Gauri Shanker) to the east. We stop here for our hearty packed lunch, enjoying the magnificent sceneries. There is a small army canteen to buy tea, coffee, water, soups and cookies. After enjoying the views and lunch on top of Phulchowki, we continue the return walk down to the Godavari, stop for a refreshing drink and drive to Kathmandu. Arrive at your hotel and be free on your own.
