Phulchoki (literally flower-covered hill) is the highest hill (2762m) in Kathmandu valley. This triple-peaked hill is 20 kms southeast from Kathmandu centre. The hill is very popular for both bird watching and acclimatization. This site is rich in bird watching and till date approximately 300 species of birds (of 400 species in Kathmandu valley) have been spotted in the area. This area is best visited during the month of October and March and April when the migrating birds are arriving or departing . The trip also provides sweeping panorama of the valley. There are also temples such as Phulchoki Mai on top of the hill and Phulchoki shrine at the bottom of the hill. If you like walking we would recommend you a walk of approx. 4-5 hours to the top from the bottom of the hill as that will provide more time to look around (which most of the people do). If you do not like to walk all the way to the top of the hill there is also a road that winds to the top of the hill. At the foot of the hill beautiful garden, The Royal Botanical garden is situated which is a popular picnic spot for locals but for foreigners there are also some interesting things to see such as the green house which houses the notable collection of the orchids and ferns. AccessDrive from Kathmandu to Godavari and walk to the hill top or drive all the way to hill top. The drive from Patan to Godavari provides pleasant country side views and a visit to Harisiddhi and Thainbo can also be combined (time permitting) with the trip.
