Khaptad National Park

In Nepal’s far western region, there is a nature preserve called Khaptad National Park. It covers the region’s four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti. Birds like the imperial pheasant (danphe), white-rumped vulture, peregrine falcon, bulbuls, cuckoos, etc. are known to reside in Khaptad National Park. Due to the existence of numerous bird species, the national park is transforming into a popular spot for bird viewing. Local people worship in the buffer zone .Khaptad Baba’s recommendations led to the inauguration of the park in 1984. In the 1940s, the late Khaptad Swami relocated there to practice meditation and prayer. He lived alone for approximately 50 years before rising to the status of a revered spiritual saint.

Trekking for 8 to 10 days will take you there from Khaptad National Park over breathtaking terrain of lush grasslands and woodlands. The fact that the national park is fully undeveloped makes it more attractive and at its best. Its isolation makes it the ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a true wilderness experience. Khaptad greets visitors with blossoming wildflowers during the rainy season when other hiking routes in Nepal are closed; in the winter, the snow converts the area into a picturesque winter wonderland. You pass through thick forests and expansive pastures on the route to Khaptad National Park, constantly accompanied by the breathtaking sights of the API, Saipal, Shankhamala, and Raksiyo mountains and the Khaptad Lake. There is no specific period of year to visit. The area turns glowing green during the monsoon and gets covered in wildflowers. During the winter, these meadows are covered in snow.

There are 567 distinct species of plants found in Khaptad National Park’s lush vegetation, notably pine, hemlock, oak, and rhododendron. Its abundant vegetation and 70 different bird species also include over 224 distinct kinds of plants used for medicinal purposes. Birds such the white-rumped vultures, bulbuls, cuckoos, eagles, Peregrine falcons, and Impheyan pheasants. The park’s accommodations and military buildings look for the guests and the surrounding area. Camping, Bird watching, and Trekking One of the things to do at Khaptad National Park is to visit religious places like Khaptad Baba Ashram and Triveni Temple. There is few lodging option to stay close to the national park. The lodges are reasonably priced.

ITINEARY

Day 1: Arrive at Dhangadi

Day 2: 9 hour trip from Dhangadi to Tamail (also known as Bajhang).

Day 3: Begin a seven-hour climb from Bajhang (1300 m) to Khaptad Campsite (3020 m).

Day 4: Travel about Khaptad and go to the Khaptad Baba Ashram (3020 m).

Day 5: Begin the five-hour descent from Khaptad Campsite (3020 m) to Bichpani Camp (2905 m).

Day 6: Five hours are needed for the trek from Bichpani Camp (2905 m) to Silgadhi (1340 m).

Day 7: It takes nine hours to go to Dhangadi after passing the final checkpoint.