Phulchowki Hill Excursion, the birdwatching tour
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 dense area has 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 mid-February to March and full of birds, and the winter is the lovely destination for youngsters of Kathmandu Valley to play the fresh snow. Autumn is one of the best months to hike here to enjoy the magnificent sceneries of the Himalayas. Phulchowki has 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 will reach your hotel. Take a drive of 14 kilometres to the southwest of Kathmandu. Reach the Godavari in about 40 minutes. We leave the vehicle, take a tea break before the hike, and hike through a lush forest full of rhododendron, oak and many 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 and enjoy the magnificent sceneries. There is a small army canteen to buy tea, coffee, water, soups and cookies.
After lunch, we walk down to the Godavari and drive back to Kathmandu. Finally, arrive at your hotel and be free on your own.
