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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.
Entry Fee Per Person
Per
Entry
For Nepalese Nationals,
Free
For SAARC Nationals, Rs.
100/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs.
1,000/-
(Note Entrance fee not required for
children under 10 years).
Filming Permit Fee
(Documentary Films)
For Nepalese
Nationals,
Rs. 5,000/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs.
25,000/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, equivalent
national currency of US $ 1,000/-
Helicopter Landing (Per Landing), Rs.
2,000/-
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Access
The easiest access is to fly to
Dipayal or Chainpur or Sanfebagar or Kolti from where it is a few days
hike to the national park. It is also possible to drive to Silgadi from
Dhangadi. The best time to visit Khaptad is in March and April and in
October and November.
Travellers should hike with
camping equipment, food and guides, arranged through trekking agents in
Kathmandu.
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