Khaptad National Park Trek

Overview

Khaptad National Park Trek offers a challenging yet rewarding experience unlike any other protected area in Nepal, because of its remoteness the area has been kept untouched by the tourist. You can see memorable view of Api and Saipal Himalayan ranges.

The Khaptad National Park is one of the non-touristic national parks in Nepal that is visited by very few numbers of tourists. Besides its natural diversities, the Khaptad National Park is very famous religious place as it is the domicile of Hindu guru “Khaptad Swami” or “Khaptad Baba”, a renounced hermit. Khaptad Baba lived here for many years and found out many medicinal herbal plants. He meditated in Khaptad area for long time and reserved five km area for the meditation and tranquility.

Khaptad is a beautiful trekking and research place for the humankind. The Natural Beauty of this region and tranquility gives us profound way of thinking of innovation ideas. If you are really bored from mundane life and want to live new world, then this can be your destination. Khaptad offers treks that ranges 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.

Khaptad Lake and wonderful view of Api and Saipal Himal range are of special interest for the tourists. Butchering, alcohol and tobacco are forbidden in his area. Khaptad is the beauty of Nepal. Even though this is a national park but it is more than that. It is one of the pacified place, situated at the far western region of Nepal and 446 km air distance from the Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) and more near from Nainital India (around 150 Km air distance). The main area of Khaptad is situated at the corona of four districts (Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Accham). However anyone can visit this place by chartering private helicopters or by trekking. For wonderful snaps trekking is the best.

Our journey to Khaptad National Park begins with a scenic morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, you will be driven to Buditola. On the following day, you will drive towards Silgadhi. After, two more hiking days you will reach Khaptad and on the following day you will explore the flora and fauna of Khaptad National Park. Following the same trail back up to Silgadhi, we drive to Dhangabi and then take a flight the next day to reach Kathmandu.

The most favorable month for this trek is from March to May and from October to November. These months are known as a pleasant month to visit Khaptad.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (198m) – 1 hr flight and drive to Buditola

The first day of our journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which takes about 1 hour to reach Nepalgunj. Arrive Nepalgunj and drive towards Buditola along the Karnali River which is the longest river in Nepal. After four hours drive from Nepalgunj, we reach Buditola where we will stay overnight.

Day 2 : Drive Buditola to Silgadhi (1330m) – 6 hrs drv

After breakfast, we move forward towards Silgadhi, the famous city in the region. The drive for about six hours takes you to Silgadhi where we will spend our overnight.

Day 3 : Trek to Jhigrana (2300m) – 7 hrs walk

On the third day, we start our trek from Silgadhi to Jhigrana via Baglek (2160m). After having breakfast, we trek to Baglek for about 3 ½ hours and stop for the lunch. After lunch, the trek to Jhigrana takes about 3 ½ hours. Overnight at Jhigrana.

Day 4 : Trek to Bukipani (3080m) – 6 / 7 hrs walk

Commencing trek from Jhigrana, we walk further four hours to reach Bichpani Dharmasala (3020m). Taking lunch at Bichpani, we walk two and half hours and reach Bukipani where we will stay for overnight.

Day 5 : Trek to Khaptad (3010m) – 2 hrs walk

Today is the shortest day of our trek. After breakfast, we will walk for two hours and reach Khaptad. Upon arrival we will have lunch and visit Khaptad including Khaptad Baba’s Ashram and Triveni. This area is also well known as the place of “Khaptad Baba” who was great master of society having religious & social philosophy. Overnight at Khaptad.

Day 6 : Explore Khaptad National Park and stay overnight

We will explore Khaptad National Park today. Our visit will include: Museum, Khaptad Danda, Patan and tower. The National park “Khaptad National Park” established on 1984 has extra ordinary eco system with huge variety of vegetation ranging from sub-tropical forest in the lower altitudes to temperate forests on the Khaptad plateau. The National park is rich on flora and fauna such as oak and rhododendron in the higher area. There are more than 224 species of medical herbs, about 11 percent of flowering plants of Nepal, 270 species of birds, various species of animals. Overnight at Khaptad.

Day 7 : Trek back to Jhigrana – 7 hrs walk

Following our foot steps back to Jhigrana, we will pass through the same trail. Four hours trek from Khaptad to Bichpani and then to Jhigrana. Overnight at Jhigrana.

Day 8 : Trek from Jhigrana to Silgadi via Uditola(1790m) – 5 hrs walk

Commencing our trek from Jhigrana, we move forward towards Silgadi. Passing along the trail from Uditola, we reach Silgadi after five hours walk. Overnight at Silgadi.

Day 9 : Drive to Dhangadhi and stay overnight

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we drive towards Dhangadhi. Dhangadi is a village development committee in Siraha District in the Sagarmatha Zone of south-eastern Nepal. Overnight stay at Dhangadhi.

Day 10 : Drive or fly back to Kathmandu – 1 hr 20 minutes flight, 6 hrs drv

In the last day of our journey, we return to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. There are two options to arrive in Kathmandu. You can catch a flight from Dhangadi – Kathmandu which will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Kathmandu whereas it takes 6 hours by drive. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Inclusions

What is included?

Domestic airports pick up and drop in Kathmandu as per program by private car
whole round Transportation domestic flight & private vehicals.
Accommodation during the trek with all meals (Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast) with Cup of Tea/Coffee and room sharing basis.
Camping+lodge (whereas possible) trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our cook) .
Services of an experienced English speaking trekking guide, cook, kitchen helpers and porters.
Food, salary (allowance), insurance, equipment and transportation for cook, assistance, porters etc.
First aid kit bag
All equipment for camping (tent, mattress, kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, toilet tent etc)
Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.
All applicable government taxes and service charges.

What isn't included?

Any meals, accommodation and sightseeing in Kathmandu (if required please let us know and as per your budget requirement we would be very happy to arrange the same)
Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
Personal travel insurance against sickness, injury, accidents, damage or loss of goods.
Liability for extra expenses caused by illness, accidents or situation beyond our control.
Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, bar bill, tips for driver, guide and porter, etc.
Medical and emergency evacuation charges.
Respective expenses if one returns earlier from the trip due to sickness or emergency purpose.
Personal equipment for Sunglasses, Sun hat, normal trekking booth, plastic trekking booth etc.
Tips for guide & porter and others staff.
Any other services or optional activities not mentioned above in the included list.

Trip code
Package name	Khaptad National Park Trek
Duration	10
Max. elevation	3080 m
Level	EASY
Transportation	Domestic flight & Praivate Vehicals
Accomodation	Lodge + Camping twin sharing bed basis during the Trek
Starts at	Kathmandu/Nepalgunj
Ends at	Nepalgunj/Kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu - Budikhola - silghadi - Jhigrana - Bukipani - Khaptadh - Jhigrana - Silgadi - Dhangadi - Kathmandu .
Cost	USD 1,825 per person