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 km2 (87 sq mi) and ranges in elevation from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 3,300 m (10,800 ft).
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.
In Khaptad National Park, Current checklists include 23 mammals, 287 birds, and 23 amphibians and reptiles found. Mammal species symbolic of the park are a leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, and musk deer. Bird species symbolic of the park include the impeyan pheasant, peregrine falcon, and white-rumped vulture.
< In the national park of interest to tourists are Khaptad Daha, Nagdhunga and upper Tribeni. Khaptad National Park also offers religious sightseeing.
Khaptad Baba moved to the area in the 1940s to meditate and worship. He spent about 50 years as a hermit and became a renowned spiritual saint.
Khaptad Baba Ashram lies inside Khaptad National park. Khaptad Baba lived in Triveni located inside the national park and was known as a philosopher, physician, scientist, and astrologer.
There are no entrance restrictions for visitors. In the core zone, however, grazing animals, cutting firewood and activities like drinking alcohol, smoking, slaughtering animals are prohibited.
Getting There
Khaptad National Park can also be reached easily from the west entry point of Nepal at Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar. Silgarhi Bazaar is approximately 10-hour drive from Mahendranagar, while Mahendranagar is a 30-minute drive from the Indian border town of Banbasa.
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.
In Khaptad National Park, Current checklists include 23 mammals, 287 birds, and 23 amphibians and reptiles found. Mammal species symbolic of the park are a leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, and musk deer. Bird species symbolic of the park include the impeyan pheasant, peregrine falcon, and white-rumped vulture.
< In the national park of interest to tourists are Khaptad Daha, Nagdhunga and upper Tribeni. Khaptad National Park also offers religious sightseeing.
Khaptad Baba
The Ashram (hermitage) of Khaptad Baba as the name proclaims is the area where the famous Khaptad Baba (Late Swami Sachchidanand) resided. The Ashram located at Tribeni is an important destination for pilgrims and tourists to Khaptad. The meditation area includes temples of lower Tribeni.Khaptad Baba moved to the area in the 1940s to meditate and worship. He spent about 50 years as a hermit and became a renowned spiritual saint.
Khaptad Baba Ashram lies inside Khaptad National park. Khaptad Baba lived in Triveni located inside the national park and was known as a philosopher, physician, scientist, and astrologer.
There are no entrance restrictions for visitors. In the core zone, however, grazing animals, cutting firewood and activities like drinking alcohol, smoking, slaughtering animals are prohibited.
Badimallika
Badimallika houses the temple of Mallika Devi (4,153 m) in Bajura district. It is believed that Goddess Sati, Shiva's consort, was reborn as Parvati in this holy area. From this place, one can observe the enchanting views of the Himalayas. The month of April - October are ideal months to visit Badimallika. One can reach this place from Khaptad National Park within 8 to 10-day trek.
Triveni Temple
Saileswari
Saileswari is one of the most famous religious stops on the way to Khaptad from Attariya Chowk, Kailali. The temple of Goddess Saileswari in Sigarhi, Doti, comprises temples of Ganesh and Masto. Silgarhi Bazaar, which is a historical town is the main business center of far west Nepal.Ramaroshan
Ramaroshan lies in Achham district. It is also called Pancha Pura (five cities) in Hindu scriptures and is attached to the stories of Pauranic Age. The site is famous for the five historical cities connected to stories of Goddess Parvati. In addition are 12 lakes that are good birdwatching sites. There are also remains of old historical buildings that make this region important from an archeological point of view.Surma Sarovar
Surma Sarovar (4,307 m) is a holy and beautiful lake site in the district of Bajhang. A temple dedicated to Surma Devi is situated near the lake. Hindus believe that Surma Devi is the incarnation of Goddess Kali. Mt. Kailash in Tibet believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva can be seen from Surma Sarovar. Surma Sarovar is a 3-day trek from Khaptad National Park.Getting There
Bajhang and Achham
The gateway to Khaptad is Silgarhi Bazaar in Doti district, from where the park headquarters is 50 km and almost 2-day trek away. The best way to reach Silgarhi is via Attariya Chowk in Kalali district. Silgarhi Bazaar is 9-hour drive from Attariya Chowk. Buses to Attariya Chowki, Kailali, are available at Central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu and transportation to Silgarhi is available at Attariya Chowk. Another option is to take a flight to Dhangadi from where one can drive to Silgarhi Bazaar.Khaptad National Park can also be reached easily from the west entry point of Nepal at Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar. Silgarhi Bazaar is approximately 10-hour drive from Mahendranagar, while Mahendranagar is a 30-minute drive from the Indian border town of Banbasa.