
Magnificent Khaptad.
The Khaptad national park is a protected area in the far western region, Nepal that was established in 1984. Stretching over the four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti, it covers an area of 225 square kilometers.
Khaptad National park was established on the advice of the regionĀ“s holy man Khaptad baba. During the full moon in August every year, a big festival takes place here, called “Dashara Mela” when Hindu pilgrims come to worship lord Shiva. The former Ashram of Khaptad baba is also a holy site, and Nagdhunga, Kedar Dhunga and Khaptad Daha are other holy sites.



Khaptad has very beautiful landscapes that consists of moorland, steep slopes and streams, it feels as if it is piece of heaven on earth, and during May-August, you can see many horses grazing on the grassland which adds to the beauty of the park. There are 2 big grasslands in Khaptad with many smaller ones.
Ghod Dauda Patan, Khaptad Patan are very popular for Charicharan(grazing of animals)during summer,and a serene lake by the side of Khaptad Patan,Ā Khaptad Daha,Ā is a holy lake and is believed that your sins gets washed away if you take a dip here. Wild animals like foxes deer and occasionally bears can be seen on the forests surrounding Khaptad. During June-July, many kinds of flowers bloom in the park, which glorifies its beauty.


Khaptad is a beautiful trekking place, the natural beauty of this region and tranquility gives us profound way of thinking of innovative ideas. If you are really bored and want to explore the new world, Khaptad can be your next destination.


To reach Khaptad, the easiest route would be to travel from southern side via Silgadhi or to walk from western side via Chainpur. The elevation of Khaptad is around 2900m. to 3200m. If you take a flight to Chainpur, you’ll have to walk around 32 kilometers to reach this place. If you take the Silgadi route, you will have to walk around 50 kilometers to reach here.
Things to keep in mind while travelling here are that there are not many hotels on the route. So, its best to carry some food on your own, but when you reach Khaptad you can stay at National park office and they also cater food for a reasonable price. Best time to be in Khaptad is during Summer(May-August).


Journey to Khaptad is one-of-a-kind experience, it is very peaceful and serene. We very highly recommend the trek.

The following are the pictures from GhumanteĀ“s Khaptad trip; we travelled from Silgadhi Doti ,took us 2 days to reach to top and we stayed 4 days in Khaptad.





[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1966706_10154942803875391_6419707405217853368_n.jpg?oh=e0811a69c44b9ada5d0f71673bebd4fd&oe=5617A588[/author_image] [author_info]
Prakash Budha is a Travel Photographer and a very passionate Traveller (Ghumante). He mostly does landscapes and fine art shots.
Learn more about him:
- http://prakashbudha.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Pic4passion
[/author_info] [/author]
Comments

