KHAPTAD NATIONAL PARK -1984 ( Area 255 sq. kms.)

Facts
Introduction
Located in the Far-western region of Nepal -Khaptad National Park was gazetted in 1984 covering an area of 225 sq. km. The proposed area of buffer zone is 216 sq.km. Representing a unique and important ecosystem, the park is the only mid-mountain national park in western Nepal. The late Khaptad Swami- A renowned spiritual Saint who moved to the area in 1940's to meditate and worship and spent about 50 years as a hermit .

Features
In Nepal this park offers a challenging yet rewarding experience unlike any other protected area . There is a small museum and a view tower at the park headquarters. Near the park headquarters is the Khaptad Baba Ashram . On the way to Park Headquarters one gets to see the Tribeni confluence made by three rivers, and a Shiva temple . During the festival of Ganga Dashahara which is celebrated here during Jestha Purnima ,many pilgrims visit the park. 3,200 m above sea level which is the highest point in the park is situated -The Sahashra Linga -a religious site . Ganesh temple, Nagdhunga and Kedardhunga are the other religious places situated nearby which are not to be disturbed areas as they are for meditation and tranquillity. There is prohibition on Tobacco products, alcohol, and sacrificing of animals in these areas.

One can see the Saipal Himalayan Ranges to the North. Whereas in the other direction seen clearly are the vast green mid-hills of Nepal . Inside the Park 22 open patches of Patans (pastureland) are mix together with the forest land where the local people graze their livestock during the summer season. At Khaptad Daha lake in the north-eastern part of the park ,a festival called Purnima is celebrated during the full moon of August - September .

Climate
The most favorable time for visit to the Park are the seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November). It’s a pleasant trekking weather whereby the temperature ranges from 10°c to 20°c. The monsoon begins in June and last until September during this time paths become muddy and slippery. Winter is severe bringing snow and chilly winds from December to February .

Flora & Fauna
The flora of the park can be described as subtropical, and temperate. In the lower altitudes (1000 - 2000 m), subtropical vegetation dominates the landscape; Forest mainly consists of Montane Sal, Pines and Alder species. From 1800 - 3000 m temperate type dominates the landscape.
The forest has a spectacular array of lower temperate broad leaved species like Lindera, Nacusua etc, upper temperate broad leaves species like Aesculus Indica, maple, Fir etc. Also found in abundance are Fir oak, birch and rhododendron plus 135 species of beautiful flowers which one gets to see during summer and late spring. A variety of medicinal herbs approx 220 species are also found inside the Park.

There are approx 266 birds species with migratory birds joining the residential ones in the park. It supports about 175 breeding birds’ species- common ones being the Impeyan, pheasant (Dhanphe), Nepal's national bird, and many types of partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos, and eagles. Forming part of Khaptad ecosystem is a wide range of butterflies, moths, and insects . One gets to see different species of mammals like barking deer, wild boar, goral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated Marten, and Rhesus and Langur monkey, leopard, wild dogs, jackal and musk deer in the park. .

Facilities
Trekkers in this part must be totally self sufficient – Tents, food, Fuel and all supplies required to undertake such a journey as currently there are no lodges / hotels in the Park. A first Aid kit is a must as no medical facilities are available within the Park.

How to get there
The best way to reach the park area is to fly from Nepalgunj to Dipayal and the local buses are available for Silgadhi, Doti. From Silgadhi Bazzar. one has to hike 6 hours to the park entrance and another 7-8 hours to the Park Headquarters. Other options are-flight to Dipayal followed by a three-day walk, or flight to Achham or Bajhang followed by a two-day walk, or flight to Bajura followed by a four-day walk. However, Dipayal and Accham airport are rarely open.