Khaptad National Park

• Type: National Park
• Established: 1984
• Location: Far-western region of Nepal
• Area:
  • Park: 225.00 sq. km
  • Buffer Zone: 216.00 sq. km

Description

• Significance:
  • Unique and important ecosystem
  • Home to late Khaptad Swami, a renowned spiritual saint
• Features:
  • Khaptad Baba Ashram
  • Tribeni confluence and Shiva temple
  • Religious sites like Sahashra Linga, Ganesh temple, Nagdhunga, and Kedardhunga
  • Ganga Dashahara celebration during Jestha Purnima
  • Patans (pasturelands), forests, and Khaptad Daha lake
• Climate:
  • Best visited during spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November)
  • Monsoon from June to September, winter from December to February

Flora & Fauna

• Flora:
  • Subtropical and temperate vegetation zones
  • Variety of trees including Montane Sal, Pines, Alder, Fir, Oak, Birch, and Rhododendron
  • Grassland flowers and medicinal herbs
• Fauna:
  • 266 bird species, including migratory and residential birds
  • 175 breeding bird species
  • Various mammals such as barking deer, wild boar, goral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Rhesus and Langur monkey, leopard, wild dogs, jackal, and musk deer
  • Butterflies, moths, and insects

Facilities & Access

• Facilities:
  • No lodges or hotels available
  • Trekkers must be self-sufficient in tents, food, fuel, and supplies
  • No medical facilities within the park
• Access:
  • Fly from Nepalgunj to Dipayal and take local buses to Silgadhi, Doti
  • From Silgadhi, hike 6 hours to the park entrance and another 7-8 hours to the Park Headquarters
  • Other options include flights to Dipayal, Achham, or Bajhang, followed by walks ranging from two to four days

Khaptad National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, religious significance, and biodiversity, making it an intriguing destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.