INTRODUCTION
Khaptad, Nepal's newest park area, is in the middle
hills of the Far-West of the country. The 225 sq kms.
area of the park is situated where the districts of
Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham meet. Khaptad is
plateau of grassland and forest cover at an elevation
of about 3,000 meters. The mixed conifer and broad-leaf
forests are an excellent example of the vegetation
that once covered much of west Nepal's middle hills.
The forest consists of a mixture of tall fir, yew,
rhododendron, oak, dense strands of bamboo and smaller
shrubs. This habitat provides good cover for bear,
leopard, barking and musk deer, as well as birds like
the Impeyan, koklas and kalij pheasants. This park
is special because it represents one of the few remaining
mid-mountain ecosystems in Nepal Himalaya. At the
north-eastern corner of the park, a small serene lake
and swampy area called Khapted Daha is religious site
where Hindu pilgrims come to worship Shiva on the
full moon of July-August each year. Here lived the
ascetic, the Khaptad Baba, who was known and revered
throughout Nepal.
FEATURES
The Park offers a challenging yet rewarding experience
unlike any other protected area in Nepal. The Khaptad
Baba Ashram is located near the Park headquarters.
The Tribeni confluence made by three
rivers, and a Shiva temple are on the way to Park
Headquarters. Ganga Dashahara is celebrated here during
Jestha Purnima and many pilgrims visit the park during
the festival. Sahashra Linga is another religious
site situated at 3,200 m above sea level which is
the highest point in the Park. Other religious places
include Ganesh temple, Nagdhunga and Kedardhunga.
These areas are considered as places for meditation
and tranquillity and should not be disturbed. Tobacco
products, alcohol, and sacrificing of animals are
prohibited in these areas.
There is a small museum and a view tower
at the park headquarters. To the north one can see
the Api and Saipal Himalayan Ranges- In the other
direction the vast green mid-hills of Nepal can be
seen clearly. The Park contains 22 open patches of
grasslands or patans interspersed with the forests.
These patans consists of gentle rolling hills. The
local people graze their livestock in the Patans during
the summer season. In the north-eastern part of the
Park, there is a lake called Khaptad Daha. During
the full moon of August - September a festival is
held here.
CLIMATE
The seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November)
are the best times to visit the Park. The temperature
ranges from 10°c to 20°c offering pleasant
trekking weather. The monsoon begins in June and last
until September during this time paths become muddy
and slippery. From December to February winter brings
snow and chilling winds.
FLORA
The flora of the Park can be divided into three basic
vegetation zone's-subtropical, temperate and alpine.
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 of forest dominates.
The forest there are comprised of lower temperate
mixed broad-leaved species (Lindera nacusua, Cinnamomum
tamca. etc), temperate mixed evergreen species (Spruce,
fir, hemlock, oak. etc), and upper temperate broad-leaved
species (Aesculus indica, maple, etc.) Fir oak, birch,
and rhododendron arc the major species found there.
Intertwined into the landscape of the Khaptad plateau
are the Patans 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 224 species).
FAUNA
The Park is reported to have 266 bird species with
migratory birds joining the residential ones. It supports
about 175 breeding birds’ species. Some of the
common ones are the Impeyan pheasant (Dhanphe), Nepal's
national bird, and many types of partridges, flycatchers,
bulbuls, cuckoos, and eagles. A wide variety of butterflies,
moths, and insects also form a part of the Khaptad
ecosystem. The Park provides habitat for some 20 different
species of mammals. Common ones include barking deer,
wild boar, goral, Himalayan black bear, and Yellow-throated
Marten, and Rhesus and Langur monkey. Other includes
leopard, wild dogs, jackal and musk deer.
FACILITIES
Currently there are no Resorts or hotels in the park.
Trekkers must be self- sufficient in tents, food,
fuel and all other supplies. Make sure to bring a
first-aid kit because there are no medical facilities
available within the Park.
HOW TO GET THERE
The best way to reach the Park area is to fly to Nepalgunj
or Dhangadi. From Dhangadi direct buses are available
to Silgadhi, Doti. From Silgadhi Bazar one has to
hike 6 hours to the Park entrance and another 7-8
hours to the Park Headquarters. Other options are-
take a flight from Nepalgunj to Dipayal and proceed
to Silgadhi or fly to Achham or Bajhang followed by
a two-day walk, or flight to Bajura followed by a
four-day walk.
