Khaptad National Park Trek – 11 Days

Tour itinerary: Kathmandu → Dipayal Silgadhi → Kathmandu

The Khaptad National Park Trek is a well-liked trekking path in the far-western part of Nepal. It gets its name in the Khaptad National Park, a protected area with pristine woods, meadows, and high-altitude grasslands. The walk is a rare chance to discover this isolated area’s natural splendor and cultural history.

With a total of over 225 square kilometers, people widely recognize the Khaptad National Park for its extensive biodiversity. THE Area of the buffer zone is 216 sq.Km. The park is home to various plant and animal species. It includes medicinal herbs, rhododendron woods, and threatened wildlife species. Some of the threatened wildlife species in the park are the musk deer, leopard, Himalayan black bear, and various bird species.

The park, located midway up a mountain in western Nepal, is the only one in the area, showcasing unique healthy surroundings. In the 1940s, Khaptad Swami moved to this location to meditate and practice his faith. He stayed there alone for about 50 years, becoming known as a spiritual guru.

The Khaptad National Park trek begins at Silgadhi, the district headquarters of Doti, which is readily reached from Kathmandu by road or air. Trekkers leave Silgadhi and travel through verdant forests, terraced farms, and traditional villages as they gradually climb to higher altitudes.

The length of the walk varies from 7 to 10 days, depending on the pace and route. Many routes are available for trekkers to select from. Still, the most popular one involves stopping at Khaptad Danda (the primary viewpoint) and Khaptad Baba Ashram (a spiritual place) and touring the neighboring villages.

Trekkers can contact the communities that live in the area while on the trail. Most people living in Khaptad are from the Tharu and Baitadi communities. Their distinctive cultural traditions, friendly hospitality, and traditional farming techniques have made them renowned.

Along the trekking trail, basic teahouses offer shelter and meals for trekkers. But it’s a good idea to bring the necessary trekking equipment, such as proper attire, supportive boots, and a sleeping bag.