Godawari Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden at Godawari is the gentlest of the valley's green escapes — a planted garden of lawns, ponds, glasshouses and native woodland at the foot of Phulchowki on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, in Lalitpur district. About an hour from the city, it is the country's main botanical garden and an easy, low-effort half-day, ideal with children or anyone wanting nature without a hill climb. It rounds out our weekend getaways from Kathmandu collection as the most relaxed family day of them all.

The garden

Spread over wooded grounds below the hill, the garden combines landscaped lawns, ponds and a stream with a rock garden, a fernery, and cactus, orchid and other plant houses, alongside collections of native and exotic species. Paths wind between the beds and into patches of natural forest at the edges, where the planted areas give way to the wild slopes of Phulchowki. It is a place to stroll, picnic and photograph rather than a manicured formal garden, and it is at its liveliest with Kathmandu families at weekends and on holidays.

A living collection

Run by the Department of Plant Resources, Godawari is a working scientific garden as well as a public park, with research and conservation collections that document the remarkable plant diversity of the central hills. The setting below Phulchowki — one of the richest botanical and birding sites near the capital — means the garden grades naturally into genuine Himalayan forest, and the spring rhododendron and orchid displays are a particular draw.

Best time to visit

The garden is rewarding year-round, but spring (March to May) is the highlight, when orchids, rhododendrons and many other plants flower. Autumn brings clear skies and comfortable weather, while the monsoon turns everything lush and green at the cost of frequent rain. Come on a weekday for a quieter visit, and arrive in the morning to make the most of the light.

Pairing it with the region

Godawari pairs perfectly with a climb of the hill above it: combine a morning in the garden with a Phulchowki day trip to the highest point on the valley rim. On the northern side of the valley, the Sundarijal gorge and Shivapuri forest make a similar nature outing, while the lakeside boating at Markhu and Kulekhani is the nearest water escape. For more walking options see the best day hikes near Kathmandu. To plan the drive, read our guide to getting around Nepal.

Good to know

• There is a modest entrance fee, paid at the gate; carry cash.
• Facilities are limited — bring water and snacks, especially for a picnic.
• It is busiest at weekends and holidays; weekdays are far quieter.
• Spring is best for flowers; pair it with Phulchowki for a full day.