Challenging and Rewarding experience On Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park is located in the mid-mountainous region of far-western Nepal. The park is gazette in 1984 covering an area of 225 sq. km. The park is the only mid-mountain national park in western Nepal thus representing a unique and important ecosystem.

The park offers a challenging yet rewarding experience unlike any other protected area in Nepal. It’s remoteness has kept in pristine and untouched by the outside world. The many splendored sights and experiences it offers, it holds timeless appeal for the nature enthusiasts. Inside the park, there are three main religious areas. The Khaptad Ashram area is located near the park headquarter. The late Khaptad Swami had moved to the area in 1940 to meditate and worship. He spent some 50 years living here as a hermit and became a renowned spiritual saint.

On the way to park headquarter are Triveni, confluence of three rivers and Shiva temple. There are also other historical temples surrounding the Shiva temple. Ganga Dashahara is celebrated here during Jestha Purnima. Many pilgrims visit the park during occasion. Another religious site is Sahashra linga at 3200m above sea level. This is the highest point in the park. Other religious areas include Ganesh temple, Nagdhunga and Kedardhunga. These areas are considered as places for meditation and tranquility and should not be disturbed. Tobacco products, alcohol and sacrificing of animals are prohibited in these areas. At the headquarters there is a small museum. Close to the headquarters is a view of tower. To the north one can see the Api and Saipal Himalayan ranges. In the other direction the vast green mid hills of Nepal’s can be seen clearly.

Corresponding to the variety of terrain, the park has rich in flora and fauna. The park can be divided into three basic vegetation zones; subtropical, temperate, and sub-alpine. In the lower altitudes (1000-2000m), subtropical vegetation dominates the landscapes. Forests mainly consist of Mountane Sal, pine and Alder species. From 1800-3000m temperate type dominates the landscapes. The forests are comprised of lower temperate mixed broad-leaved species (Lindera nacusua, Cinnamomum tmca etc). Temperate mixed evergreen species (Spruce, Fir, Hemlock, Oak etc), and upper temperate broad-leaved species (Aesculus indica, maple etc). The Khaptad plateau, above 2900m, is dominated by sub-alpine vegetation. Fir, oak, birch and rhododendron are the major species found there. Intertwined into the landscape of the Khaptad plateau are the grasslands with beautiful flowers (about 135 species) that bloom in the summer and late spring. The grassland flowers consist of primulas, buttercups and wild berries. Also occurring inside the park is a wide variety of medicinal herbs (about 567 species).

The park is reported to have 226 birds’ species with migratory birds joining the residential ones. It supports about 175 breeding bird species. Some of the common ones are the Impeyan pheasant (Danphe), Nepal’s national bird and many types of partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles. A wide variety of butterflies, moths and insects are also a part of Khaptad ecosystem. The park provides habitats for some 20 different species of animals. Common ones include Barking deer, Wild bear, Ghoral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Rhesus and Langur monkey. Other includes leopard, wild dogs, jackal and deer.

The seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are the best times to visit the park. The temperature ranges from offering pleasant trekking weather. The monsoon begins in June and last until September. The paths become muddy and slippery. From December to February, winter brings snow and chilling winds. High Altitude Sickness (HAS) can affect if elevation is gained too rapidly without proper acclimatization. The symptoms are headache, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, nauseousness and general fatigue.