Khaptad National Park: For Naturally Peaceful Mind

Introduction

Khaptad National Park is a protected area located in the far-western region of Nepal. The National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Nepal, and it was established in 1984.

Khaptad Park is spread over an area of 225 square kilometers in 4 districts of Nepal: Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti.

It is said that most of the trekking routes in Nepal are closed during the monsoon season, but even at this time, Khaptad welcomes everyone with flowers; in winter, this place is white with snow and gives heavenly pleasure to travelers.

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That is to say, this place can give pleasure to the traveler with various natural colors in Khaptad Park in any season.

Nevertheless, the months of September, October, and April are considered good seasons to witness the picturesque view of this place.

There are also huge green grasslands in Khaptad, where one feels like sitting there after seeing the geography of the vast, calm, open fields.

Khaptad National Park also has a variety of wildlife, such as barking deer, wild dogs, wild boar, long-horned deer, mountain black bears, yellow neck marten, languor monkeys, etc.

Accommodation

There are not many hotels where you can eat in Khaptad. Park Protection Army Camp and some guest houses provide facilities to travelers. Therefore, it would be better if you kept some light groceries with you when you went there.

What to see in Khaptad National Park?

The main attraction areas here are Khaptad Talau (Lake), Nag Dhunga, and Upper Triveni religious places.

Khaptad Talau (Lake), a twenty-minute walk from the guest house, is a mysterious lake whose source and outlet are still unknown. An attractive aspect of this lake is that it is divided into two clear parts – white water on one side and cloudy or brown water on the other.

On the northern side of the lake, there is a very old Jagannath temple made entirely of wood, built in the 13th century.

At a 30-minute walk from the temple, the ‘Sahasralinga’ Temple is situated at an altitude of about 12,000 feet above sea level, which has religious and historical importance.

Below Sahasralinga, there are hundreds of small rocks in the shape of ‘Shivalinga.’

Triveni Pilgrimage is the confluence of three rivers, which is a half-an-hour journey from Sahasralinga.

The Triveni fair is organized here every year on the day of ‘Jeshtha Purnima’ (almost Jun 1st week).

khaptad baba, Khaptad National Park — “Khaptad Baba” by Utsab Raj Giri is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Khaptad Baba: A Great Saint Of Nepal

Another major attraction of Khaptad is the Ashram of ‘Khaptad Baba‘ (A great saint of Nepal), situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level.

Sanyasi Khaptad Baba, known as a mystical saint of Nepal, spent more than half of his life in this forest area and ultimately attained enlightenment from this place.

It is said that Khaptad Baba was an allopathic doctor. Still, since he felt disinterest in this profession, he left it and got absorbed in the contemplation of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality.

While doing penance in Khaptad forest, he has written many books, including philosophical science and health science.

The materials used by Khaptad Baba, his contributions, and the books written are preserved here.

It usually takes a week to visit the entire Khaptad National Park, as it is spread over an area of about 225 square kilometers. There are 22 open grounds, 53 lakes, and 12 caves in the park.

This area is also considered a famous protected area of Nepal for medicinal herbs.

Despite being lush green with natural beauty, rich in biological diversity, and religious and cultural importance, Khaptad lacks publicity to attract tourists.

But it can be said that Khaptad is a great place to enjoy the beautiful hilly area by trekking short distances.