| Khaptad, Nepal's newest
park area, is in the middle hills of the Far-West of
the country. The 225 sq kms. area of the park is situated
where the districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham
meet. Khaptad is plateau of grassland and forest cover
at an elevation of about 3,000 meters. The mixed conifer
and broad-leaf forests are an excellent example of the
vegetation that once covered much of west Nepal's middle
hills. The forest consists of a mixture of tall fir,
yew, rhododendron, oak, dense strands of bamboo and
smaller shrubs. This habitat provides good cover for
bear, leopard, barking and musk deer, as well as birds
like the Impeyan, koklas and kalij pheasants. This park
is special because it represents one of the few remaining
mid-mountain ecosystems in Nepal Himalaya. At the north-eastern
corner of the park, a small serene lake and swampy area
called Khapted Daha is religious site where Hindu pilgrims
come to worship Shiva on the full moon of July-August
each year. Here lived the ascetic, the Khaptad Baba,
who was known and revered throughout Nepal.
- Entry Fee Per Person Per Entry:
- For Nepalese Nationals, Free
- For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
- For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
- (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under
10 years).
Access:
The easiest access is to fly to Dipayal or Chainpur
or Sanfebagar or Kolti from where it is a few days hike
to the national park. It is also possible to drive to
Silgadi from Dhangadi. The best time to visit Khaptad
is in March and April and in October and November.
Travellers should hike with camping equipment,
food and guides, arranged through trekking agents in
Kathmandu.
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