Why Should You Visit Khaptad National Park?

Introduction

Khaptad National Park is a protected area in the Far Western Region of Nepal which was established in 1984. This national park stretches over the four districts of Nepal which are Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti. Khaptad covers an area of 225 km2 (87 sq m.) and ranges from elevation of 1,400m to 3,300m.

History of Khaptad National Park

A holy saint known as Khaptad Baba moved to this area to meditate and worship in 1940s which gave this place a name of Khaptad. The saint spent 50 years as a hermit and became a famous spiritual person.

Wildlife in Khaptad National Park

There are 23 species of mammals in the national park including leopard, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, ghoral, musk deer, wild dog, yellow-throated marten, rhesus monkey and langur.

Birds in Khaptad National Park

There are 287 bird species including the different varieties of Impeyan pheasant, peregrine falcon, partridges, flycatchers, white-rumped vulture, bulbuls, eagles and cuckoos and several species of migratory birds.

Vegetation and Flora in Khaptad National Park

The landscape in the protected area consists of moorland, steep slopes and streams. One can find the grasslands and forests of subtropical, subalpine and temperate vegetation. 567 species of floras have been recorded and 224 species of medicinal herbs have been found. Various vegetation types found inside the national park include the forests of pine, rhododendron, oak, Himalayan fir, hemlock and alder, etc.

How can I get to Khaptad National Park?

There are 2 ways to get to Khaptad National Park. First is to fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (1 hr 10 mins flight time), then drive to Silgadi (10 hours of driving time), and finally trek for one day to the national park. Second is to drive all the way from Kathmandu to Silgadi (660 km, approximately 12 hours from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi first, then to Silgadi) and trek 1 day.

What activities can be done in Khaptad National Park?

Meditation in the lap of the nature, one can also do trek in and around the protected park including bird watching. There are few hotels inside the national park so you have to start the trek early to get there or you can take your own camping gears and equipment.

When is the best season for traveling to Khaptad National Park?

March to May and October to November are the best seasons and times to be at Khaptad National Park when the temperate is between 10-20 degree celcius and the weather is clear. However, you can visit the park anytime of the year to catch different beauty of the area. Remember June-September is rainy and December-February is snowy in Khaptad.

What are the other attractions of Khaptad National Park?

Other major attractions of the well-preserved park are Khaptad Baba Ashram, Khaptad Lakes (12 lakes in total, best sites for Bird Watching), Tribeni Temple, Sahashra Linga (3200m, the highest point of the park), Ganesh Temple, Kedardhunga and Nagdhunga.

How much do I have to pay to get inside the Khaptad National Park?

All visitors have to pay the following given amount in the designated ticket counter of Khaptad National Park office: For Nepali, Rs 100 per person per entry; For SAARC nationals, Rs 500 per person per entry and For Foreigners, Rs 1,500 per person per entry.

Worth to Mention:

Another most important thing not to miss to mention is Badimalika or Badimallika, a very popular trending destination in Nepal. It will take from 4-8 days from Khaptad National park to get to the scenic beauty Badimalika. Journey through the remarkable landscapes of green forests and the pastures, Badimalika trekking is yet another wonderful adventure offering a peace of mind in the pure nature and the enchanting views of the Himalayan ranges. Badimalika temple at 4200m, is a major holy site lying in Bajura district. It is highly believed that Goddess Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife) was reborn as Goddess Parvati in the holy site. April, through to the October are the best times to be here in Badimalika. Please check Badimalika Trek with Khaptad National Park for more.