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:

• For Nepalese Nationals, Free
• For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/- per person
• For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/- per person

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. Is the best season to visit this area the travelers also organize the camping trek also.

 

Other Parks & Reserves:

• Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
• Dhorpatan Hunting Area
• Shuklaphant Wildlife Reserve
• Kanchanjunga Conservation Area
• Rara National Park
• Khaptad National Park
• Shivapuri National Park
• Langtang National Park
• Sagarmath National Park
• Makalu-Barun National Park & Conservation Area
• Shey Phoksundo National Park
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
• Chitwan National Park
• Parsa Wildlife Reserve Camp