Destination
Nepal
Region
Far West region
Trip Grade
Grade 2: Moderate
Accommodation
Tea House
Total Distance
70 km
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Durations
11 days
Max. Altitude
3300m/10,800ft
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Group Size
above 1 pax
Best Season
March to May/sept to Nove
Activity per day
6 hrs
Transportation
Hiking/Drive/flight
Trip Highlights
The Khaptad trek is renowned for its diverse natural beauty and cultural richness, offering a unique experience in Nepal's far-western region. Key highlights include the stunning Khaptad plateau with its rolling meadows, diverse flora and fauna, including over 270 bird species, and the chance to spot wildlife like leopards and Himalayan black bears. The trek also features the sacred Khaptad Baba Ashram, a place of spiritual significance, and the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of the Tharu and Baitadi communities.
Khaptad Plateau and Meadows: The trek takes you through the heart of Khaptad National Park, known for its vast, open grasslands, locally called "Patans," which offer breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.
Biodiversity: The park boasts a rich variety of plant and animal life, including numerous species of birds (over 270), mammals, and medicinal herbs.
Khaptad Baba Ashram: Visit the hermitage where Khaptad Baba, a revered spiritual figure, meditated for 50 years, attracting followers seeking peace and spiritual guidance.
The park is the only mid-mountain national park in western Nepal, representing a unique and important ecosystem. The late Khaptad Swami moved to the area in 1940's to meditate and worship. He spent about 50 years as a hermit and became a renowned spiritual saint.
Cultural Immersion: Interact with the local Tharu and Baitadi communities, experiencing their unique way of life, traditional farming practices, and vibrant festivals.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot various wildlife, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and numerous bird species.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Api and Saipal Himalayan ranges, adding to the trek's overall beauty.
Triveni Dham: Visit the sacred Triveni Dham, a confluence of three rivers, adding a spiritual dimension to the trek.
Khaptad Daha (Lake): Explore the Khaptad Daha, a significant lake within the park, adding to the scenic charm and attracting both tourists and pilgrims.
Remote and Peaceful: Khaptad offers a less crowded and more remote trekking experience compared to other popular routes in Nepal, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature.
Khaptad National Park is a national park 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 to 3,300 m (4,600 to 10,800 ft).
Trip Overview
The Khaptad National Park, named after a renowned and mysterious sage “Khaptad Baba” and located in the mid-mountain region of the Far-Western Nepal, is one of the very famous trekking destinations in Nepal. Established in the year 1984, this National Park, spreading across the area of 225sq km, cover a unique ecosystem of the mid mountain region, thus, allowing the visitors to enjoy the vegetation type that ranges from the subtropical forest to the temperate forest full of a variety of medicinal herbs. Apart from the vegetation, it also provides a home to animals, like musk deer, wild boar, porcupine, leopard, Himalayan Yellow-throated marten, Himalayan black bear, goral, jackal, Himalayan Thar, wolf, and common Langur; birds, like chyakhura, kalij, titra, dhukor, monal, red and yellow-billed blue magpie, nutcracker, flycatcher, thrushes, Himalayan griffin cuckoos, forktails, wagtails and Danphe and a wide variety of butterflies, moths and insects. An opportunity to explore these varieties attracts a number of tourists to plan a trek to Khaptad National Park in Nepal.
However, Khaptad Trek isn’t just limited to these varieties, but there is more to it. The Khaptad National Park is also a place of religious significance. The existence of the Ashram of Khaptad Swami, Tribeni, Sahasra Linga, Khaptad Lake, Kedardhunga and Mai Than make this place extremely important for religious travelers. Moreover, mixed vegetation of forest and herbs filled meadows, huge plateau of hilly grassland at the altitude of about 3000m create serene atmosphere, while adding beauty to already scenic landscape.
Apart from the attractions of the Khaptad National Park, this trekking allows trekkers to enjoy the attractions of Dhangadi, Silgadhi, Jhingrana and Chainpur and explore the remote area and settlement of people in living in these areas of Nepal. This trip starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi. From Dhangadhi we drive to Silgadhi, the starting point of the Khaptad Trek. After exploring the national park area for 3 days, the trekking ends as Chainpur, from where, we drive to Dhangadhi and fly back to Kathmandu.
Good Karma Trekking 11 days Khaptad Trek package ensures bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and full board meal and accommodation during the trek, an English speaking guide, domestic flight tickets and all ground transportation. The package is a fully customizable package, therefore, can be customized to the requirements, needs and budget of each individual customer.
More about Khaptad
Khaptad National Park Trek is a popular destination in Nepal’s far-western region, known for its diverse flora and fauna, stunning landscapes, and cultural significance. The trek typically takes 7-8 days, traversing through lush meadows, dense forests, and remote villages, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Key highlights include Khaptad Lake, a revered natural wonder, and the Khaptad plateau, a high-altitude area with unique vegetation and views of the Himalayas.
Remote and Undeveloped:
The area is known for its remoteness and relatively untouched nature, offering a peaceful and secluded trekking experience.
Biodiversity:
The park boasts a rich biodiversity, including various species of birds, animals, and medicinal herbs.
Cultural Immersion:
Trekkers can experience the unique culture and traditions of the local people, including their attire, language, and way of life.
Spiritual Significance:
Khaptad is associated with Khaptad Baba, a well-known hermit who meditated in the area for many years.
Scenic Beauty:
The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Api and Mt. Saipal, as well as beautiful meadows and forests.
Best Season:
The autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons are considered the best times to trek in Khaptad.
Moderate Difficulty:
The trek is generally considered moderately challenging, making it accessible to individuals with a basic level of fitness.
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), in Kathmandu, one of the company representatives will greet you and transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. You will be given some time to freshen up and rest at the hotel. In the afternoon, a meeting will be conducted at our office, where you will be introduced to your guide and other team members and briefed regarding the trek. After the meeting, you will be taken to one of the finest typical Nepali restaurants for welcome dinner. At the restaurant you will also be entertained by Nepali music and ethnic dance. The night will be spent in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
(Highlights of the day: Typical Nepali cuisine, ethnic dance and cultural music and a comfortable tourist standard accommodation.)
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we fly to Dhangadhi, the capital of Kailali District in the Seti Zone of Nepal. About one hour and fifteen minutes of scenic flight will take us to Dhangadhi. From the airport in Dhangadhi, we will transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Dhangadhi. You will be given some time to freshen up at the hotel. We will then go on a cycling trip to Jokhar Lake and the Botanical garden. Along the way we will also visit the Aircraft Museum constructed by Bed Upreti. After spending some time exploring these areas we will cycle back to the hotel. The night will be spent in a 3 star to tourist standard hotel in Dhangadhi.
(Highlights of the day: Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi; cycling trip to Jokhar Lake and Botanical Garden; detailed information related to aircraft; the exhibition of photo gallery of the top destinations around the world, destinations in the far west Nepal and hundreds of aircraft models ranging from those built during the time of the Wright brothers to the ultra modern and fighter aircrafts today in the Aircraft Museum.)
After breakfast, we will be get on the Jeep to Silghadi. Silghadi is at the distance of 618 kms from Dhangadhi and it takes about 8-9 hour to reach Silghadhi from Dhangadhi. The road from Dhangadhi to Sildhadi is very scenic, and at some points thrilling, as it passes through some of the steepest hills. The Jeep will stop once for lunch and continue to Silghaidi past Dipayal. After a long jeep ride, we reach Silghadi around the evening. The view from the Silgadhi Bazaar is just amazing. Tired from the journey, we will spend the remaining time resting. The night will be spent in a guest house in Silghadi.
(Highlights of the day: Scenic landscape – green hills, river, different vegetation, and river; Sparse settlement of people, hamlets, and traditional houses.)
After breakfast at Silgadhi, the Khaptad trekking starts. The trail to Jhingrana branches off from the main road at Silghadi. We hike to the top of Silgadhi from the Silgadhi bazaar, enjoying the magnificent views. A gentle hike for about four hours from Silghadi bazaar will take us to a village of Baghlekh. Here you can see a few tea houses and traditional houses made of mud. You can also spot wild red berries while walking as they are very popular in this region. From Baglekh, about 3 hours of easy walk will take us to Jhingrana, the entrance point of the Khaptad National Park. The night will be spent in a very basic teahouse.
(Highlights of the day: Beautiful view of the landscape from the top of Silgadhi; villages with a few traditional mud houses; wild red berries and the hospitality of the local people in the guest houses.)
After breakfast at Jhingrana, the trekking continues towards the Khaptad National Park. Leaving the village of Jhingrana, an uphill climb will take us to Bichpani. You can enjoy beautiful wild flowers blooming and beautifying your trail. As we reach the top of Bichpani, beautiful views of Himalayas greet us. At Bichpani, you can also spot Muels carrying groceries and fuel. The lunch will also be served at Bichpani. The view of Khaptad from Bichpani is just amazing. The trail, now continuing through various sites, the pasture lands (Patan) and pine trees, Tribeni (a place where the festival of Ganga Dashara is organized) and a few small lakes heads towards the National Park headquarter on a stone paved trail. After about 8-9 hours walk, we stop for the night at the headquarter of the Khaptad National Park located near the Khaptad Army Barrack. The night will be spent in a very basic guest house.
(Highlights of the day: Mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, blooming wild flowers, a few wild animals and the view of Khaptad; pasture lands, pine forest, Tribeni, a few small lakes and a very beautiful landscape.)
Today, early in the morning, we will hike to the sunrise view point to enjoy the first rays of the sun striking the Khaptad National Park. After enjoying the sunrise view, we will get back to the guest house for breakfast. After breakfast, a short hike will take us to the Ashram of Khaptad Baba, the meditation zone located in the middle of the woods, where Khaptad Swami (also known for being a doctor and researcher) lived for 50+ years and meditated regularly. The Kuti premise is very serene and beautiful. In the evening, we will hike up to Ghodedawan – the largest pasture in the Khaptad National Park and Nagdhunga. After the evening trip, we will get back to the guest house for overnight stay. Camping option is available on request.
(Highlights of the day: Beautiful view of the rising sun from the sunrise view point; the Kuti of Khaptad Baba that presents the insight on the life of Khaptad Baba; the largest pasture in the Khaptad National Park –Ghodedawan and Nagdhunga.)
Today after breakfast, we hike all the way up to Sahasralinga (3200m), which is the highest place of the Khaptad National Park. Here along with the view of the beautiful surrounding area, we can enjoy the temple of Sahasra Linga, special gateway to Sahasra Linga, a natural formation of linga and other deities. After exploring these attractions of the area, we enjoy our packed lunch and then get down to the accommodation. The remaining day will either be spent exploring the area, or simply resting at the accommodation. The night will be spent in a guest house.
(Highlights of the days: Enthralling surrounding views from the top of the Sahasra Linga, the temple and the special gateway of ShasraLinga; an encounter with different wildlife and birds, during the hike to Sahasra Linga.)
Leaving the beautiful Khaptad Nationa Park behind, after breakfast, we set on our journey to Chainpur. Heading north, we descend to Bajhang. Enjoying a number of beautiful villages and friendly people on the route, a 7-8 hour hike will bring us down to Tamil. From Tamil, we will drive by jeep to Chainpur. The night will be spent in a tourist standard hotel in Chainpur.
(Highlights of the day: Beautiful scenery, landscape, friendly villages with friendly people; a comfortable night in a tourist standard hotel in Chainpur.)
In the morning,after breakfast leaving Chainpur we set off to Dhangadhi in a Jeep. It takes about 10 hours to reach Dhangadhi from Chainpur. On the way we stop for Lunch. The entire ride is so scenic, that you will want to capture it in your camera. We will reach Dhangadi only in the evening. Tired from the journey, we will spend the rest of the time resting at the accommodation. The night will be spent in a 3 star to tourist standard hotel in Dhangadi.
(Highlights of the day: Scenic ride from Chaipur to Dhangadhi.)
Today, bidding farewell to the beautiful far western regions of Nepal, we fly back to the valley in central Nepal, that is, Kathmandu. About one hour and 15 mins of scenic flight will bring us from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu. From the airport in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu in a private vehicle. The remaining day can be spent either resting at the hotel or simply strolling around the markets in Kathmandu. The night will be spent in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
(Highlights of the day: Scenic flight from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu)
Today you will be transferred to the airport (in a private vehicle), as per your flight schedule you’re your flight is scheduled in the evening, you can go shopping and collect some souvenir for your friends and family. Moreover, if you are looking to extend your holiday in Nepal, Good Karma Trekking can help you make the arrangement of some of the best adventure activities in Nepal.
Cost Includes
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Government-licensed trek leader for a group.
- One porter for Two guests.
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits and all government and local taxes.
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
Cost Excludes
- Nepalese visa fee.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
