Major Highlights of the Khaptad National Park Trek

1. Khaptad Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 3,050 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is considered sacred by the local people.

2. Khaptad Baba Ashram is a spiritual site located within the national park. It is the site where the revered saint Khaptad Baba also known as Swami Sachchidananda  meditated for more than five decades. The ashram is a popular destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

3. Khaptad National Park is home to several rare and endangered species of wildlife, including the musk deer, red panda, barking deer, wild boar, and Himalayan black bear.

4. The national park is home to several rare and endangered species of flora, including the rhododendron, oak, fir, and spruce trees. The park is also home to several medicinal plants and herbs.

5. The national park offers several trekking trails and camping sites, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. The trekking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

6.  The national park is home to several ethnic groups, each with its unique culture and traditions. Visitors can experience the local culture by participating in local festivals, tasting local cuisine, etc.

7. Another main activity you can do is bird gazing because you can find over two hundred species of  birds including some exotic birds like Danphe (Imperial Pheasant), White-rumped vulture, bulbul, cuckoos, etc.

Khaptad National Park is one of the most beautiful National Parks of Nepal established to protect rare and endangered species of wild life which is located in the far-western region of Nepal. It covers an area of 225 square kilometers and is situated at an altitude ranging from 1,400 meters to 3,300 meters above sea level. The park was established in 1984 with the aim of protecting the unique natural and cultural heritage of the area.

The park is named after the famous Khaptad Baba, a revered Hindu saint who lived in the area and is believed to have meditated for many years. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 224 species of medicinal herbs and plants, 23 species of mammals, and over 287 species of birds.

The park is also known for its unique landscape, which includes rolling hills, forests, and alpine pastures. There are several streams and rivers that flow through the park, including the Khaptad river, which is considered sacred by locals.

One of the main attractions of the park is the Khaptad Lake, which is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters. The lake is considered a sacred site by both Hindus and Buddhists. Visitors to the park can also enjoy trekking, camping, and bird watching, as well as exploring the local culture and traditions of the area. Bird watching is the most fun activity to do inside Khaptad National Park which includes birds like Danphe (imperial pheasant ),bulbul, cuckoos, white-rumped vulture, etc. Apart from that the park is home to various undomesticated animals including wild boar, goral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Langur, etc and other various commonly found wild animals.

Our trek will generally start from Silagdhi as we walk from Silgadhi towards Jhingrana inside dense forest. After Jhingrana we will continue towards Bukipani where you will spend the night and then after spending a night in Nukipani you will proceed towards Khaptad, the most beautiful part of your journey. You will have various activities to do in Khaptad. You can visit Khaptad lake known as Khaptad Daha and Ashram of Khaptad Baba who used to meditate in this area for about five decades. This place has been named after him. Then, after that you can also do bird watching if you prefer, as it is home to various species of bird.

Best time to travel

The best time to go camping and trekking in Khaptad National Park is during the months of March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn).

During these months, the weather is generally mild, with clear skies and low chances of rain, making it ideal for camping and trekking. The temperatures are also moderate during these seasons, which makes it comfortable to hike.

In the spring months of March to May, you can enjoy the blooming of the rhododendrons and other wildflowers, while in the autumn months of September to November, you can witness the changing colors of the leaves.

However, it's important to note that Khaptad National Park can be visited all year round. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may consider visiting during the summer months (June to August) or winter months (December to February). However, be aware that the summer months may be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

People and their culture

Khaptad National Park is home to several ethnic groups, including the Thakuri, Chhetri, Brahmin, Kami, Damai, Sarki, and Magar communities, each of them having their own cultures and traditions. These communities have lived in the area for generations and have a rich cultural heritage.

The local people of Khaptad National Park are primarily engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism-related activities. They cultivate crops such as rice, wheat, maize, millet, and buckwheat, and raise livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep. The local people also collect wild herbs, fruits, and mushrooms from the forest.

The communities in the area have their unique culture, customs, and traditions. They celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Dashain, Tihar, and Maghe Sankranti. These festivals are an opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy food, dance, and music, and honor their deities.

Tourism has also become an important source of income for the local people of Khaptad National Park. They offer homestays, trekking guides, and other services to visitors, providing them with an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.

Permits

To enter Khaptad National Park, visitors need to obtain permits from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. The permits can be obtained at the entrance of the park, or in advance through a registered trekking agency.

The following permits are required to enter Khaptad National Park:

1. Entry Permit: The entry permit is a mandatory permit that all visitors to the park must obtain. The permit fee varies depending on the nationality of the visitor. If you are from SAARC nationality you will have to pay Nrs 500 per person and if you are from other countries you have to pay Nrs 1500 per person.

2. Special Permits: Visitors to Khaptad National Park who plan to engage in activities such as filming, photography, and research need to obtain special permits. These permits are issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and require additional fees.

It is important to note that visitors must carry their permits with them at all times while inside the park. Failure to produce the permits upon request can result in fines and other penalties. Additionally, visitors must follow all rules and regulations of the park to ensure the safety of the natural environment and wildlife.

Difficulty

The difficulty level of trekking in Khaptad National Park varies depending on the trail and route chosen by the visitors. Some trails are relatively easy and suitable for beginners, while others require more experience and physical fitness.

The trek from Silgadhi to Bukipani is relatively easy, passing through several villages and forests. However, the trek from Bukipani to Khaptad National Park involves steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and narrow paths, which can be challenging for some trekkers.

The trek takes around 3-4 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 30-40 kilometers. The altitude of the trek ranges from 1,400 meters to 3,000 meters above sea level.

The weather conditions in Khaptad National Park can also add to the difficulty level of the trek. The best time to trek in Khaptad National Park is during the dry season, from October to May, when the weather is relatively stable and the trails are less slippery.The terrain in Khaptad National Park is hilly and can be challenging in some areas. Some trails involve steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and narrow paths, requiring visitors to have a certain level of physical fitness and stamina.

It is recommended that visitors have prior trekking experience and good physical fitness before attempting to trek in Khaptad National Park. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for changes in weather conditions and carry appropriate gear and equipment.

Overall, the trek from Silgadhi to Khaptad National Park via Bukipani is a moderately difficult trek that requires prior trekking experience and good physical fitness. However, the beautiful scenery, unique cultural experiences, and peaceful environment make it a rewarding adventure for those who are up for the challenge.