Godavari National Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden, with indigenous plants, is situated at the base of Mount Phulchowki (2715m.) at an elevation of 1,515 meters, on the Godavari, in the south-eastern corner of Kathmandu Valley. Founded in 1962, the garden covers 82 hectares, attracts more than 190,000 visitors annually, and is surrounded by evergreen natural forests. Visitors include nature lovers, 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 supports scientific research, conservation, education, and demonstration. The garden labels each plant with descriptions and photos, making it informative and an educational tour for all visitors. Temperatures range from -2°C to 20°C in winter and from 20°C to 30°C in summer.
Phulchowki Hiking and Birding
Phulchowki Hill, above the southern skyline of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 2,695 meters above sea level, is one of the four major hills surrounding the valley. The other three significant hills around the valley are Shivapuri (2,732 meters), Nagarjuna (2,095 meters), and Chandragiri (2,551 meters). Phulchowki is rich in fauna and flora and is one of the most preferred destinations for birders from Kathmandu and many bird lovers in Nepal. The area is dense with middle-hill forest at 1,000 to 1,800 meters above sea level. It consists of 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 summit, though visitors can still go to the tower and visit the temple of goddess Phulchowki. Phulchowki is an evergreen destination for hikers: summer is cool, with lush nature and birds. Spring, from February to May, is full of rhododendrons and orchids and is also full of birds. Winter is a lovely destination for youngsters from the Kathmandu Valley to play in the fresh snow. Autumn is one of the best months to hike here to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas. From Phulchowki, you get beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley and panoramic mountain scenery of Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh, Dorje Lhakpa, and Phurbi Gyachu, plus impressive views of countless rolling hills in every direction.
