Phulchoki birdwatching tour from Godawari: 265 bird species

A hill of 265 bird species, not a scenic overlook

A birdwatching hike from Godawari to Phulchoki (2,791 m) in the Kathmandu valley with a professional birding guide, packed lunch and private transport from Kathmandu. The guide helps you identify species like long-tailed drongos, woodpeckers, eagles and warblers as you climb through forest and wildflower meadows to the hilltop temple, then return to Kathmandu the same day. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching hike to Phulchoki hill

• Drive from Kathmandu to Godawari
• Start birdwatching hike via Naudhara entry
• Spot various bird species with guide
• Reach Phulchoki hill and enjoy views
• Visit Phulchoki Mai temple
• Have lunch break
• Hike back to Godawari
• Drive back to Kathmandu

The experience

A private vehicle picks you up in Kathmandu and drives you 16 kilometers to Godawari, where the hike begins at the Naudhara entry point. Your professional birding guide walks with you through the forest, pointing out species and explaining their behavior: long-tailed drongos, greater yellow napes, grey-headed woodpeckers, Nepal cutias, ultramarine flycatchers, black-winged cuckoo shrikes and others. The guide carries binoculars and field knowledge. You carry a camera and patience. Around 265 bird species shelter on Phulchoki, including resident birds and migrants that pass through seasonally.

The trail climbs to the hilltop at 2,791 meters, where you reach the Phulchoki Mai temple and stop for a 360-degree view of the Kathmandu valley, surrounding mountains and landscape. In spring, the forest blooms with wild rhododendrons and other flowers. The hill's name means "hill of flowers" in Nepali. You eat a packed lunch at the summit, then hike back down to Godawari and return by vehicle to Kathmandu. The whole day takes 7 to 8 hours.

What’s included

• A professional birding guide who speaks English.
• a packed lunch.
• private vehicle transport with pickup and drop-off at your Kathmandu hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:15

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Himalayan Smile Treks and Adventure Pvt. Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're a serious birder or a casual one with binoculars and time. The guide does the identification work, so you focus on watching. Skip it if spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns make a 7- to 8-hour hike with elevation gain risky for you.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds will I actually see on the Phulchoki hike?

Around 265 bird species live on Phulchoki, including long-tailed drongos, greater yellow napes, grey-headed woodpeckers, Nepal cutias, ultramarine flycatchers, black-winged cuckoo shrikes, eagles, tits, warblers, thrushes, minivets and migrant species that pass through seasonally. Your professional guide identifies them as you walk.

How long is the hike and how steep is it?

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total, including the drive from Kathmandu, the hike up to 2,791 meters, lunch at the summit and the hike back down. The climb is steady. The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a professional birding guide who speaks English, a packed lunch, and private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your Kathmandu hotel. Entrance fees to Phulchoki are optional and paid separately.

Is there a temple at the top of Phulchoki?

Yes, the Phulchoki Mai temple sits on the hilltop at 2,791 meters. You visit it after the hike and can rest there before eating lunch and beginning the descent.

When is the best time to see wildflowers on Phulchoki?

Spring is when the forest blooms with wild rhododendrons and other flower species, including Nepal's national flower. The hill's name means "hill of flowers" in Nepali, and spring is when that name makes the most sense.