Khaptad National Park is a protected area which is located in Far-Western Region of Nepal. Established in 1984 AD Khaptad is spread in the four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti with an area of 225 km2 (87 sq. mi).
National park ranges in elevation from 1,400 m (4,600 ft.) to 3,300 m (10,800 ft.) with challenging yet rewarding experience for travelers.
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How to reach Khaptad national park?
There are different way to reach Khaptad National Park but the easiest way is to take a flight from Nepalgunj to Dipayal, then catch a local bus for Silgadhi, Doti.
After reaching Silgadhi Bazaar, hike for about 6 hours to reach the entrance gate of Khaptad . After walking for another 7-8 hrs., we reach the Park’s headquarters.
Khaptad national park is famous for its landscape and Khaptad baba.
Major attractions of Khaptad National Park:
- –>Visit Khaptad Baba Ashram near the Khaptad National Park’s headquarters.
- –Visit Nagdhunga, Kedardhunga, and Ganesh temple of khapdad region.
- –> Enjoy the view of Mt. Saipal Himalayan Ranges from the Khaptad region.
- –>567 species of flowers which is 11% of the flower species found in entire Nepal.
- –>The Khaptad National Park has 287 species of birds, 23 species of mammals, and 23 species of reptiles and amphibians
Features
- ->Ranges in elevation from 1400m to 3300m.
- ->The landscape is moorland, steep slopes, and streams.
- ->The khaptad area is famous for medicinal herbs, 567 species of flora have been recorded in the protected area.
- ->Khaptad National Park include 23 mammals, 287 birds, and 23 amphibians and reptiles.
Khaptad Region has unique Trekking option
Khaptad region trekking offers lots of experience for the trekker. The highest elevation in the Khaptad region is 3200M.
As Khaptad National Park has different kinds of flora & fauna in it’s Sub tropical , alpine climatic zone, trekking in this region will be different from rest of Nepal. 11% of all the flowering plants from Nepal can be found here in Khaptad alone.
Also there are 270 different species of birds.
Deer, wild boar, Langur monkey are commonly found animals inside the Khaptad . The park offers excellent views of Mt Api & Saipal in western Nepal. Khaptad Dahaa (pond), Nag Dhunga, upper Tribeni and beautiful landscape has amazing scenery.
Khaptad National Park can be reached by trekking or by chartered helicopter but trekking would be the best option for real exploration and beautiful scenery. Also, 50 min flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj will take us to the far western Nepal and from Nepalgunj take a bus to Budhikhola.
Next day of getting to Budhikhola; we will again take four-wheel jeep to reach Silgadi from where the trek starts. The trail goes through inclined meadow & grassland whereas in lower elevation the trail goes bit steep way.
When is the best season for traveling to Khaptad National Park?
The best season for traveling to Khaptad is March to May or October to November. The temperate is between 10-20 degree Celsius and the weather is clear in both of these seasons.
However, you can visit Khaptad anytime of the year to catch different beauty of the national park.
Remember June-September is rainy season and December-February is snowy in Khaptad. But interestingly – rainy season is est for sighting flowers and winter is awesome if you love snow.
How much do I have to pay to get inside the Khaptad National Park?
All visitors have to pay the given amount in the designated ticket counter of Khaptad National Park office: For Nepali, Rs 100 per person per entry; For SAARC nationals khaptad national park entrance fee is Rs 500 per person per entry and For Foreigners Rs 1,500.