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. This park is visited by a few numbers of people. 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 forest, oak forest and Himalayan fir-hemlock-oak forest and alder forest in riverine areas.
Our journey begins with a scenic flight to Nepalgunj and then drive to Silgadi. From here, the trekking starts to Khaptad headquarters where you will explore the flora and fauna of Khaptad National park and make our way back to Dhangadhi to take our flight to Kathmandu. In Khaptad National Park, we’ll visit the Khaptad lake, 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 the butchering inside the park along with usage of alcohol and tobacco.
Highlights of Khaptad National Park are:
Breathtaking View of Saipal Himalayan Ranges
Visit to 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 to 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 from October to November. These months are known as a pleasant month to visit Khaptad.
Also Read: GHALE GAUN TREK
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 best available hotel/local lodge/camp.
We will start our drive to the hills Silgadhi where we can visit the Saleswary temple and have the rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Silgadhi.
From Silgadhi it is a gentle ascend through rough motor able road to firstly Baglekh. Afterward, we will hike up to Jingrana.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Jingrana.
The trek on this day leads on the trail through a subtropical forest of pine, 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 the gentle paths with the difficult stretches like a steep stone staircase. After reaching Bichpani, we walk for another two hours to reach Bukipani.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Bukipani.
Today is the shortest trekking day in 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 rests of snow melting into the small rivers and springs. 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 best available lodge 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 could 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 in the area in 1940 to meditate and worship.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge 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 best available lodge in Jingrana.
Continuing our return, we move towards Silgadi. For a change, we pass through the Uditola trail to reach Silgadi.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge 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 sceneries and amazing view of Himalayans.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Dhangadhi.
In the morning, you will take a flight from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu. Once again, you can enjoy the mountain view. On arriving at Kathmandu, you will be then transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar in Kathmandu.
