The National Botanical Garden of Nepal, located in Godawari, Lalitpur, was founded in 1962 A.D. Covering a space of 82 hectares with variable topography, it is well-known as plant conservation, education, research, and recreation center. 40 hectares of this garden have been divided into various garden units. Bordered by a natural evergreen forest, the national botanical garden also consists of a natural stream (Godawari) that runs right through the middle of the garden. It is about 16 kilometers south of central Kathmandu, at the foothills of Mt. Phulchowki (2765 m) which is the highest peak in the Kathmandu valley.
This botanical garden was designed by two British designers, G.A.C Herklots and Tony Schilling. It includes a natural plant landscape as well as other themed gardens, such as a physic garden and a biodiversity education garden, VVIP plantation garden, rock garden, taxonomy family garden, fern garden, special garden, and Japanese style garden. About 1000 plant species, including ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, are conserved in this botanical oasis.
A member of the Botanic Garden Conservation International(BGCI), this garden is also open to all visitors. During the months of Mangshir, Poush, and Magh (mid-November to mid-February), the garden is open every day from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM, and from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM during the rest of the year. Visitors must pay an admission fee to enter this garden.