Khaptad National Park was established in 1984 on the advice of the region’s holy man Khaptad Baba. The renowned Khaptad Baba Ashram, a religious site where Hindu pilgrims come to worship Shiva on the full moon of July–August each year, is located near the park headquarters. A few numbers of people visit this park. The landscape consists of moorland, steep slopes, and streams. 567 species of flora have been recorded in the protected area. Vegetation types include pine-rhododendron forests, oak forests Himalayan fir-hemlock-oak forests, and alder forests in riverine areas.
Our journey begins with a scenic flight to Nepalgunj and then a drive to Silgadi. From here, the trekking starts at Khaptad headquarters where you will explore the flora and fauna of Khaptad National Park and make your way back to Dhangadhi to take your flight to Kathmandu. In Khaptad National Park, we’ll visit Khaptad Lake, and Khaptad Baba Ashram with wonderful views of Mt. Api and Saipal. Since, the National Park is known for peace, meditation & tranquility, the park has forbidden butchering inside the park and the usage of alcohol and tobacco.
Breathtaking View of Saipal Himalayan Ranges
Visit a religious site, Sahashra Linga located at 3,200 m
Home to 287 species of birds, 23 species of mammals, and 23 species of reptiles and amphibians
Visit Khaptad Baba Ashram
Rare Flora and Fauna
Best Time to Visit Khaptad National Park
The most favorable month for this trek is from March to May and October to November. These months are known as pleasant months to visit Khaptad.
In the morning, depending on your flight time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to take a flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. From Nepalgunj, you’ll then head to Buditola along the Karnali River.
Accommodation: Overnight in available hotel/local lodge/camp.
We will start our drive to the hills of Silgadhi where we can visit the Saleswary temple and have a rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Silgadhi.
From Silgadhi it is a gentle ascend through a rough motorable road to firstly Baglekh. Afterward, we will hike up to Jingrana.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Jingrana.
The trek on this day leads on the trail through a subtropical forest of pine and continues with the subalpine forest of fir, hemlock, oak, and rhododendron in the higher area. This forest is also famous for bird watching so don’t forget your binoculars. The trek goes in the middle hills starting from 2250m and going up to 3103m. The trail is a combination of gentle paths with difficult stretches like a steep stone staircase. After reaching Bichpani, we walked for another two hours to reach Bukipani.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Bukipani.
Today is the shortest trekking day of our journey. We continue our hike in the Khaptad National Park through the sub-alpine forest. On the way, you will be able to see the rest of the snow melting into the small rivers and springs. After walking for some time, we will reach BukiDahi, the place where the open green meadows – the jewel of the national park starts. The further path goes on the stone path through grasslands and pasture (Patan’s – Nepali name). On the way from BukiDahi, we will make two stops at the small temple of Sitapaila and a temple of three rivers – Tribeni temple.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Khaptad.
Today is a free day and will begin our sightseeing in the Khaptad. At Khaptad National Park, you can do many activities which include hiking to KhaptadDaha Lake, a small lake, which can be reached in 1.5 hours. You can also visit the Khaptad Baba Ashram. The Khaptad National Park was named after him. Khaptad Baba moved to the area in 1940 to meditate and worship.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Khaptad.
From today, we retrace our way back. Following our footsteps to Jingrana, we pass along the trail from Khaptad to Bichpani and reach Jhigrana.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Jingrana.
Continuing our return, we move towards Silgadi. For a change, we pass through the Uditola trail to reach Silgadi.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Silgadi.
Today morning we will start our ride back to Dhangadhi, reaching by evening which will take about 7 hours drive. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and amazing views of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Overnight in available lodges in Dhangadhi.
In the morning, you will take a flight from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu. Once again, you can enjoy the mountain view. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be then transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar in Kathmandu.
