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Khaptad is a land of
grasslands and forests. Its rich geography ranges from high
mountains to deep gorges and mid-elevation plateaus. The diverse
landscape of Khaptad is filled with subtropical, temperature and
sub alpine vegetation. Khaptad offers: treks that range from
short easy hikes to strenuous ones, religious sightseeing with
its several sacred sites, quiet rejuvenation in its pristine
surroundings and the rich cultural experience of Far West Nepal.
One of the main attractions of Khaptad is the Khaptad National
Park established here in 1984. Located in the mid-mountains, the
park is a rich natural habitat and has also gained religious
significance as the home if Khaptad Swami, the renowned hermit.
There are several places of religious and natural significance
inside and outside the National Park in Khaptad.
Khaptad National Park is in Seti zone and is surrounded by
districts Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Achham. The gateway to
Khaptad is Silgarhi Bajaar in Doti district, from where the park
headquarters id 50 kilometers and almost 2-day trek away.
Access
The best way to reach Silgarhi is via Attariya Chowk in Kailali
district. Silgarhi BAjaar is 9-hour drive from Attariya Chowk.
Buses to Attariya Chowk, Kailali, are available at Central Bus
Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu and transportation to Silgarhi is
available at Attariya Chowk. Another option is to take a flight
to Dhangadi from where one can drive to Silgarhi Bajaar.
Khaptad National Park can also be reached easily from India via
the west entry point of Nepal at Gadda Chowki, Mahendranagar,
Silgarhi Bajaar is approximately 10-hour drive from
Mahendranagar is 30-minute drive from the Indian border town of
Banbasa, from where buses depart to Delhi every hour of the day.
Accommodation
Trekkers and travelers to Khaptad National Park should be self
sufficient in terms of food and accommodation as there are not
many commercial lodges that cater to tourist needs. There is
only one tea shop as of record. Various camp sites are available
and home stay could be possible if arrangements are made
beforehand. In addition there is a government guest house
available near Khaptad Swami Ashram.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Khaptad is during autumn and spring.
October-November and March-May. During autumn several festivals
are held here. A fair is held at Tribeni near Khaptad, every
Dashain which falls in October and another fair is also held at
Khaptad Daha around the same time at the end of summer.
Summer here is cool and wet with temperature ranging from 0 to
18-degree Celsius, while winters are cold and dry with
temperature sometimes below -18 degrees. The monsoon rains occur
between May-September. Snowfall occurs during the extreme winter
months.
Predominant Culture
Khaptad is a place of high religious value. The religious
and cultural values of this place were highly enhanced after
Khaptad Swami settled here 53 years ago. The area is believed to
have been center of the civilizations that covered South West
Tibet, Far West Nepal, Kumaon and Garhwal.
Places to Visit
Khaptad National Park at 3,000 meters, is rich in its flora and
fauna variety. The National Park is covered by subtropical
forest of Chir pine at lower altitude, and sub alpine forests of
fir, hemlock, oak and rhododendron in the higher areas, The area
boasts of 224 species of medicinal herbs and is described as the
living garden of herbs and a museum of natural history. It is
estimated that about 567 species, 11 percent of flowering plants
of Nepal, are found in Khaptad.
The park also offers excellent bird-watching opportunities, with
270 species of birds, the common ones being different varieties
of Impheyan pheasant, partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos
and eagles. The park is also fairly rich in its variety of wild
animals, common ones being barking deer, wild dog, wild boar,
ghoral, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, rhesus
monkey and langur monkey.
Other areas in the National Park of interest to tourists are
Khaptad Daha, Nag Dhunga and Upper Tribeni. Khaptad Naitonal
Park also offers religious sightseeing.
Ashram of Khaptad Baba as the name proclaims is the area
where the famous Khaptad Baba (Late Swami Sachchidananda)
resided. The Ashram located at Tribeni is an important
destination for pilgrims and tourists to Khaptad. The meditation
area includes temples of Lower Tribeni. There is no entrance
restriction for visitors. In the core zone, however, grazing
animals, cutting firewood and activities like alcohol drinking,
smoking, animal slaughtering are prohibited.
Saileswori is one of the most famous religious
stops on the way to Khaptad from Attariya Chowk, Kailali. The
temple of Goddess Saileswori in Sigarhi, Doti, comprises temples
of Ganesh and Masto. Silgarhi Bajaar, which is a historical
town, is the main business center of Far West Nepal.
Ramaroshan lies in Achham district. It is also called
Pancha Pura in Hindu scriptures and is attached to the stories
Pauranic Age. the site is famous for the five historical cities
connected to stories of Goddess Parvati. In addition are 12
lakes that are good bird watching sites. There are also remains
of old historical buildings that make this region important from
archeological point of view.
Badimallika houses the temple of Mallika Devi and is
situated at an altitude of 4,153 meters in Bajura district. It
is believed that Goddess Sati, Shiva's consort, was reborn as
Parvati in this holy area. From this place, one can observe the
enchanting views of the Himalayas. The month of April-October
are ideal months to visit Badimallika. One can reach this place
from Khaptad National Park within 8 to 10 day trek.
Surma Sarovar at 4,307 meters, is a holy and beautiful
lake site in the district of Bjhang. A temple dedicated to Surma
Devi is situated near the lake. Hindus believe that Surma Devi
is the incarnation of Goddess Kali. Mt. Kailash in Tibet
believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva can be seen from Surma
Sarovar. Surma Sarovar is 3-day trek from Khaptad National Park.
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