[Photo from tourismkathmandu.com]

The Botanical Garden is located in the base of Mount Phulchoki (2715m.) at Godawari (1515m.) at the south east corner of Kathmandu valley. The area of the Garden is 82 hectare. It is surrounded by evergreen natural forests. The temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C during summer and -5°C to 20°C during winter.

Over 500 species of plants can be found in the various gardens. The peak flowering seasons in the garden fall in spring and in autumn. The coming of spring is indicated by the bloom of Rhododendron arboretum, the national flower of Nepal, and the dramatic appearance of a number of colorful flowers in the garden beds and the surrounding forests.

The gardens are also the dwelling place for butterflies, Godavari area being the reservoir for hundreds of species, Maps and plant listings are available at the gate.

A small admission fee is charged. The gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm during Spring, Summer and Autumn and 10 am to 4 pm during winter months.

Godavari Spring

The Godavari Spring, found 200 metres from the Botanical Gardens' main gate, is also well worth a look. The Godavari Spring, found 200 metres from the Botanical Gardens' main gate, is also well worth a look. This freshwater spring spouting ice-cold water from the Gadavari river is reputed to have been created when the Buddhist Mystic Padmasambhava struck a rock (in order to demonstrate that the ultimate truth is clear and will fulfill the people's thirst); unsurprisingly, the Spring is a popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. Those with more energy will enjoy a hike to the top of Phulchowki, the highest hill in the Kathmandu valley, to take in the views and a small Buddhist shrine at the summit.