Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park is a protected area in the Far-western region of Nepal. It stretches over four districts of the region namely Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti. It covers an area of 225 sq km and ranges in elevation from 1400 m to 3300 m. The park was established in 1984 on the advice of Khaptad Baba, a holy priest of the region. A buffer zone of 216 sq km was declared in 2006. It is said that Khaptad Baba moved to the area in the 1940s to meditate. He spent about 50 years in solitude and later became a renowned saint. The Khaptad Baba Ashram. located near the park’s headquarter is a famous religious site for Hindus.

 

Location

 

Khaptad National Park Map

 

Khaptad National Park is a hidden treasure located in the far-western region of Nepal. Its remote location makes it a perfect destination for adventurers and nature lovers looking for a real wilderness experience. Api and Saipal Himalayan ranges can also be seen from the park.

 

Climate

 

Khaptad National Park Climate

During summer (June – September) the temperature ranges from 0-20 degrees Celsius. While, in winters (December – February) the temperature is usually bellowed 20 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit the park is in autumn (October – November) and spring (March-May).

 

Getting There

 

Getting There Khaptad National Park

Buses from the new bus park, Kathmandu to Attariya Chowk, Kailali is available. Silgarhi Bazaar is 9 hours drive from Attariya Chowk. The park headquarter is 50km away from Silgarhi Bazaar. Another option is to catch a flight to Dhangadi from where one can drive to Silgarhi Bazar. The park can also be reached from the west entry point of Nepal at Gadda Chowk, Mahendranagar. Silgarhi Bazaar is 10 hours drive away from Mahendranagar.

 

Wildlife and Vegetation in Khaptad National Park

 

Wildlife and Vegetation in Khaptad National Park

The park offers a beautiful variety of landscapes, with green hills. The greenery of Khaptad National park is filled with 567 species of flora including pine, hemlock, oak, and rhododendron. Around 224 species of medicinal herbs are also available in its lush greenery. Similarly, the park also offers excellent bird watching opportunities, with 270 species of birds. Birds like Impheyan pheasant, partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos, eagles, Peregrin, falcon, the white-rumped vultures, etc can be spotted in the park. Likewise, Khaptad is also great for spotting animals such as leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, musk deer, barking deer, langur monkey, etc. 23 species of mammals have made the park their home.

 

Things to do in Khaptad National Park

  • Trekking
  • Visiting religious sites (Khaptad Baba Ashram, Triveni Temple)
  • Meditation
  • Bird watching
  • Camping

 

Itinerary

 

Day 01 FlightΒ  from Kathmandu to Dhangadi
Day 02 Drive to Silgarhi Bazaar
Day 03 Explore Khaptad National Park
Day 04 Explore Khaptad National Park
Day 05 Explore Khaptad National Park
Day 06 Drive back to Silgarhi Bazaar
Day 07 Flight back to Kathmandu

 

Protected Mammals

S.N English Name Scientific Name
1 Leopard Cat Prionailurus Bengalensis
2 Musk Deer Moschus Cyrysogaster
3 Gray Wolf Canis Lupus

 

Protected Birds

S.N English Name Scientific Name
1 Impeyan Pheasant Lophophorus Impejanus
2 Crimson Horned Pheasant Tragopan Satyra

 

 

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