Introduction to Khaptad

Khaptad, located at the confluence of four districts of SudurPaschim Province, Bajhang, Bajura, Doti, and Achham has 22 grasslands also mentioned as Patan by the public. It has forest of Pine, Khasur, and Nigalo. This place also has diverse species of wildlife like Red Deer, Musk Deer, Squirrel, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur as well as Lophophorus and crimson Horned Pheasant. 

Khaptad is also a very important area from a religious prospect. Khaptad baba has spent more than fifty years of his life in meditation and sadhana from 1940 AD in this place. There is a legend that Yudhisthira went to heaven through Khaptad in ancient times and is also mentioned in SkandaPuran( A holy book). Tribeni, Khaptad Daha, Shasralinga, Naagdhunga are considered to be holy places for Hindu pilgrimages. A grand fair is held here on the occasion of Ganga Dasahara, Janai Purnima as well.

Khaptad is declared as National Park in 2040 BS (1984 AD) which covers an area of 225 square kilometers of middle hills. Wide grasslands(Patans), lakes, animals, and scenery of the Himalayan range are attractions of the Khaptad area. Reaching the beautiful courtyard of Khaptad relieves stress and lightens the mind.

Khaptad can be visited all year round. Wildflower blooms especially in June-July. The scenery of the Himalayas in October-November is magnificent. We can observe not only Api and Saipal but also mountains in the Indian region. Khaptad, which turns white with snow during January and February is colorful with a variety of Rhododendrons in April and May.

Major highlights

Khaptad Baba Ashram

The Ashram of Khaptad Swami is at an altitude of 3160 meters which is also called Kuti. Khaptad Baba meditated here for more than 50 years. Located at the flat surface at the top of the hill, surrounded by a wide variety of herbs and plants is not only fascinating in itself but also a center for spirituality.

Tribeni Dham

Tribeni is the confluence of three rivers in Khaptad which also has a historical Shiva Temple. A grand fair is held in Triveni during Gangadashahara. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists reach Khaptad to attend this fair. Bathing in Tribenidham, one gets virtue and wish fulfilled as per the public belief.

Sahasralinga and Danphekot

Dhapekhot is located on a hill occupied with 5 large rocks. There are few pictures carved in the rocks which is considered very important from an archaeological point of view. Sahasralinga is a religious site that is located at the highest point (3300m) of the national park.

Khaptad lake (Khaparmandu)

Khaptad lake is the largest lake among other lakes in the Khaptad region. It is also called Khaptad Daha. It’s a half-hour walk from the national park. It is a natural lake with a temple at its mid called Khaparmandu. It is customary to bring in Doli(A kind of basket used for marriage or rituals) here from the fair that is held at Saindada in Bajhang. The reflection of the flowering trees into the lake according to the climate looks mesmerizing.

Naagdhunga

This stone is in the shape of snakes in different layers of large rocks. It is renowned as the abode of Nagdewata (snake god) is believed to have limestone. Devotees worship here.

Way to Khaptad and distance

Doti- Khaptad

Dhangadhi is reached after one hour flight from Kathmandu. Then after a 195 kilometers paved road journey, we reach Shilgadi, headquarters of Doti. The access of road transportation only continues 18 kilometers more to Jhigrana. 6 more hours of walks from Jhingrana brings to Khaptad.

Bajhang- Khaptad

25 minutes flight or 266 kilometers road trip from Dhangadi brings us to Bajhang. South of 22 kilometers to Chainpur ( Headquarter of Bajhang ) we reach Jhanana of Thalara Rural Municipality. A trip of 12 kilometers east in Jeep and 2 hours walk from there brings us to Khaptad.

There is also another way that is frequently used. At 11 kilometers south to Chainpur we reach the Tamel market. 13 kilometers jeep ride from there, we reach Metaldi of Khaptadchanna Rural Municipality. Then 4 more hours of walk brings us to Khaptad. There are well-equipped homestays in Lamatola, Majhigaun, Meltadi, Darugau, Lokhada, and other places along this route.

Accham-Khaptad

There is an air transport facility from Kathmandu-Dhangadi-Sanphebagar. Budhakot is on a 2-hour raw road trip. 6 more hours of walk from Budhakot brings us to Khaptad. Homestay is in operation in Budhakot. Similarly, vehicles are also operating on the unpaved road from Sanphebagar to Balyat Unisain . After 5 hour walk from Unisain you reach Khaptad. Besides that, after using road transportation from Dhangadi to Chaukhutte in Accham, Khaptad can be reached by walking for about 6 hours.

Bajura-Khaptad

There are major 3 easy routes from Bajura to Khaptad. After a flight from Dhangadi to Sanphebagar and a 20-kilometer paved road trip from there, we reach Dab Bazar. In winter, after 3 hours of a raw road trip from Dab Bazzar, we reach Lasakey in Jayabageshwori. three more hour walks from there brings us to Khaptad.

Similarly, after a 25 km paved road trip, we reach Betalmandu in Bajura. Vehicles are available temporarily during the winter season on an unpaved road from Betalmandu to Dhaulchada in Khaptadchhededha Rural Municipality. three more hours of walk from Dhaulchada, we reach Khaptad. This is the shortest way from Bajura to reach Khaptad. Dogadi-Khaptad is another easy way to reach Khaptad. Four hours of an unpaved road trip from Budhiganga Municipality to Dogadi via Atichaur to Lasakey of Jayabageshwori and a 4-hours walk takes you to Khaptad.

Suitable time for visiting Khaptad

The best time to visit Khaptad is during spring and autumn. A visit from February to May and September to November will give you a much better experience. As Khaptad receives heavy snowfall during winter, you can also visit Khaptad to enjoy the snow.

Food and Accommodation

Upon reaching Khaptad National Park, there are two lodges for food and accommodation. However, it only provides basic food and accommodation services. Also, keep in mind the convenience of tourists, Khaptad Area Tourism Development and Management Committee has also managed tents for necessary use.