- Address: 10800, Nepal
- Phone: +977 974-9061617
- Category: IUCN II (National Park)
- Area: 225 square meters. km
- Year of foundation: 1984
In the western part of Nepal, an amazing national park called Khaptad is broken. The territory of the park is huge and is 225 square meters. km, which occupy several districts at once: Achkham, Badzhura Bajhang, Doti. In this case, the difference in altitude varies from 1,400 to 3,300 m above sea level. Khaptad is not only a natural reserve, but also one of the largest religious centers of Nepal.
Natural values of the park
The Khaptad National Park is full of interesting things. For example, while in its northern part, you can see the majestic Himalayas. The south of the park is an island of untouched, pristine Nepalese nature, and in the north-east of Khaptad the lake Khaptad lake originates, which in August-September receives noisy full moon festivals.
Flora of Khaptad
The vegetative world of the park is rich and diverse, it is conditionally divided into 3 species depending on the natural zones. Representatives of the subtropics are at an altitude of 1000 to 1700 m, mainly pine and alder. The next level is located at around 1800 to 2800 m, there are plants of temperate climate, broad-leaved forests. Above 2900 m the subalpine zone reigns, represented by firs, mighty oaks, white-birch birches, rhododendron. A special place is occupied by flowers, their species diversity is amazing. In the park there are about 135 varieties. The most common are primulas, buttercups, gentian. In addition to flowers, medicinal plants are found in Khaptad, totaling about 224 species.
Animal World of the National Park
Speaking of the fauna, it is worth mentioning that the most common in the Khaptad Park are birds (about 270 species). Tourists here watch pheasants, partridges, jerkily flycatchers, mysterious cuckoos, fast eagles. Also in the National Park live mammals, only about 23 varieties. These are wild boars, Himalayan black bears, leopards, jackals and others. Reptiles and amphibians are much less common.
Religious sites
In addition to eco-tourism enthusiasts, pilgrims travel to Khaptad for the sacred places of the park:
- The ashram of the spiritual leader Khaptad Baba is very popular with Buddhists. The elder and his followers went to these lands to devote themselves to meditations and prayers. Half a century later, many of them became hermits and settled in the forests of the park.
- Tnebenis is a temple that sings the deity of Shiva.
- Sahashra Linga - another religious site, located at an altitude of 3200 m.
Park rules
The organizers of the Khaptad Park have developed a special set of rules that visitors must strictly observe:
- It is necessary to protect plants and animals of the park, which are under state protection.
- You can not leave garbage after you.
- It is forbidden to drink alcohol and smoke.
- Eating meat is unacceptable.
How to get there?
It is worth noting that it is not easy to get to the Khaptad National Park. There are 2 ways:
- The flight from the capital to the town of Napalgunj will take about an hour. After - another short flight to Chainpur. After landing, you will have a three-day trek to the central entrance to the park.
- Flight direction Kathmandu-Dhangadi (1 hour 20 min.). Then a ten-hour drive by car to the town of Silgadi and one-day trekking to Khaptad. After arrival, you can stay in the camping at the park.
It is best to plan a visit to the Nepalese park for the period from March to May or from October to November. This is due to lack of precipitation and a comfortable average daily temperature.