Phulchowki is the largest peak in the Kathmandu Valley which is situated 20km south-east of Kathmandu. It can be easily reached by taxi in an hour. Before reaching Phulchowki comes the Godavari Gardens. The Phulchowki & Godavari forests are famous for different flower and bird species.
Godavari is the base of the hill Phulchowki, which is at height of 2758m. Hiking up to Phulchowki hill inside the dense jungle, one can site beautiful birds and cross small natural streams. After the exhilarating hour trek, reaching the amazing vantage point is the best part, where a clear day will thrill you with close up view of the entire range of snowy mountains from Mt. Everest in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west.
Spiny Babbler, Nepal’s only endemic is found at the foot of Phulchoki. Along the trails early morning it is possible to see 2 species of Tesia, so long as you are first to walk the path. As the track leads up the mountain following the stream, take the small side path along a little valley instead of following the track to the left and look for the tesias here. 265 species of birds have been recorded here.
The places of interest in the area are the Godavari Kunda, Phulchowki Mai Temple and enjoyable walks to the giant Shanti Ban Buddha or shrine of Bishankhu Narayan
The 10km road from the Kathmandu Ring south of Patan passes through the village of Godavari to an open space at the foot of the hills. Here a partially sealed road continues south to Phulchowki Mai Temple and on to Phulchowki Mountain; the main road veers left (northeast) 1km past an ashram to the gardens and Godavari Kunda.
The road from Kathmandu passes several large plant nurseries, highlighting the region's botanical importance and commercial viability.
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