Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park is the protected area lies in the far-western region of Nepal. The park covers an area of 225km² (87 sq mi) stretching over four amazing districts Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti. While it ranges an elevation from 1,400m (4,600ft) to the highest 3,300m (10,800ft). Khaptad National Park was established in 1984 on the advice of Khaptad Baba who was the holy man of this region. The renowned Khaptad Baba Ashram is now a religious site for Hindu pilgrims especially July and August full moon day. The other important place of religious attractions are Sahasralingam Mandir, Nag Dhunga, Triveni, and the Khaptad Lake. Overall, Khaptad National Park is one of the holiest national parks in Nepal.

Khaptad National Park connects the heart of the nature lovers. The park has 355 species of vascular plants. Vegetation inside this park includes chir-pine, Rhododendron forest, oak forest and Himalayan fir-hemlock-oak forest and alder forest in reverie areas. Among 23 mammalian species of the park are leopards, Himalayan black bear, wild dog and musk deer. And also the park is home to 287 bird species with both migratory and residents. Some of the bird symbolic of the park are implying pheasant, Peregrine falcon, and vulture.

How To Access Khaptad National Park?

Firstly, you will access to Doti district which is the 823km west to the Kathmandu. The most popular entry point is from Silgadhi Bazaar which is the gateway to Khaptad. The Silgadhi is reached after a 6hrs uphill trek to Jhigrana for the park entrance. And finally, another seven hours to the park headquarters. The park can also reach easily from the west entry point of Nepal at Gadda Chowki, Mahendranagar. Silgarhi Bazaar is approximately 10-hour drive from Mahendranagar, while Mahendranagar is a 30 min drive from the Indian border town of Banbasa, from where buses depart to Delhi every hour of the day.