Forest, National Park, Wild Animals, Village, Mountain, Hills
Region of Nepal
Region of Nepal
Western Region, Doti
Max. Altitude
Max. Altitude
3414m/11,200 ft
Overview
Khaptad National Park Trekking is a popular destination in Nepal’s far-western region. At Buditola, which is located in the Doti area, the Khaptad National Park Trekking route begins. Similarly, it is a secluded region of Nepal where you may see indigenous life. You will pass through little villages, lush meadows, and dense forests. You can learn about the regional culture and way of life. Rhododendrons, orchids, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and musk deer are just a few of the various plants and animals found in the Khaptad National Park.
The trip to Khaptad Lake, a stunning lake that the people revere, is one of the highlights of this excursion. The lake has a tranquil atmosphere bordered by lovely meadows and trees. Anyone with a basic fitness level can complete the journey because it is moderately difficult. The walk lasts about 7-8 days to complete. The optimum months to hike this trail are March through May and September through December.
Background of Khaptad National Park
For those seeking an adventure in western Nepal, it provides a distinctive, off-the-beaten-path trekking experience. At the recommendation of the local holy priest Khaptad Baba, the park was built in 1984. In 2006, a 216 sq km-large buffer area was established. The Khaptad Baba Ashram near the park’s office is a prominent sacred place for Hindus.
You can experience a less crowded and remote trekking trail in the far western region of Nepal.
Visit one of the best national parks in Nepal.
The Khaptad National Park Trekking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Nepal.
Walk through dense forests, beautiful meadows, and small villages.
You can see the stunning view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks from Khaptad Danda.
Interact with the local people and experience their unique traditions.
You explore the charming villages of Tharu and Baitadi communities and experience their warm hospitality.
Khaptad National Park Trekking difficulty
Khaptad National Park trekking is moderate, meaning it can be challenging but not too hard. The trails can be steep and uneven, with rocks and mud in some places, so it’s essential to be careful where you step. You must walk for several hours daily, so you have to be in good physical shape. Regular exercise before the trek will make it easier.
The hike takes several days to complete. You must spend a few hours trekking, which can be tiring, especially with a backpack on your shoulder. So, you need to carry essentials like snakes, water, and extra clothes, which can add to the challenge.
While the altitude of Khaptad National Park isn’t extremely high, it is higher than most people are used to. You might sometimes feel short of breath, but it’s usually not severe. It’s important to walk at your pace and take breaks when needed.
January
-3°C to 10°C
February
-1°C to 12°C
March
2°C to 15°C
April
5°C to 17°C
May
8°C to 20°C
June
11°C to 22°C
July
12°C to 23°C
August
12°C to 23°C
September
11°C to 22°C
October
7°C to 19°C
November
2°C to 14°C
December
-2°C to 10°C
Best Times for Khaptad National Park Trekking
The best time to trek to Khaptad National Park is spring and autumn. The weather is mild in spring (March to May), and the park is full of blooming flowers, especially rhododendrons. The days are warm, and the nights are cool, making it perfect for trekking. You can see the clear skies and stunning views of the mountains and landscapes.
Autumn (September to November) is another ideal time for Khaptad National Park trekking. The weather is stable, and the sky is clear after the monsoon rains. The temperature is comfortable, and the visibility is fantastic, offering breathtaking views. Plus, the festival season adds cultural excitement to your trek.
9 Days Khaptad National Park Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu to Dhangadhi
Day 1 Facts
Trekking Time Average
30 minutes flight to Dhangadi
Accommodation
Hotel in Dhangadhi
Altitude
(109m./359ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, a city in the Far-Western Region of Nepal. Spend the day exploring the city and preparing for the trek.
Day 2
Drive to Silgadhi
Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average
190km./09 hours drive
Accommodation
Hotel in Silagdhi
Altitude
( 762m.2,500 ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a bus or jeep from Dhangadhi to Silgadhi, the starting point of the trek. The journey takes around 8-9 hours
Day 3
Trek to Khaptad National Park
Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average
14km./05 hours walk
Accommodation
Campping at Bichpani
Altitude
( 2743m./9,000 ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek from Silgadhi to the Khaptad National Park entrance gate, where you’ll need to register and pay the entrance fee. Continue trekking to Bichpani, a beautiful meadow, and camp there for the night.
Day 4
Trek to Upper-Doti
Day 4 Facts
Trekking Time Average
14km./05 hours walk
Accommodation
Campping at Upper Doti
Altitude
(2743m/9,000 ft)
Trek through the beautiful forest of rhododendron and oak to the Upper-Doti region, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Day 5
Trek to Khaptad Lake
Day 5 Facts
Trekking Time Average
15km./05 hours walk
Accommodation
Homestay at Khaptad lake
Altitude
(3414m/11,200 ft)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Khaptad Lake, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The lake is surrounded by beautiful meadows and forests.
Day 6
Trek to Saunthala
Day 6 Facts
Trekking Time Average
16km./06 hours walk
Accommodation
Campping at Saunthala
Altitude
(2,987m/9,800 ft)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Saunthala, a village located on the southern side of Khaptad National Park. The village is known for its ancient temple of Lord Shiva and the panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Day 7
Trek to Jhigrana
Day 7 Facts
Trekking Time Average
14km./05 hours walk
Accommodation
Homestay at Jhigrana
Altitude
(2,530m/8,300 ft )
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek from Saunthala to Jhigrana, a beautiful village located on the western side of Khaptad National Park. The village is known for its traditional culture and hospitality.
Day 8
Trek to Silgadhi
Day 8 Facts
Trekking Time Average
15km./05 hours walk
Accommodation
Lodge in Silgadhi
Altitude
(1310m./4323ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek from Jhigrana to Silgadhi, where you’ll spend the night before returning to Dhangadhi the next day.
Day 9
Drive to Dhangadhi - Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 9 Facts
Trekking Time Average
06 hours drive to Dhangadi - 30 minutes flight to Kathmandu
Altitude
(1295m./4273ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch
You will drive to Dhangadhi bus/jeep and fly to Kathmandu.
What's Included
Tribhuwan international airport transfer ( Airport + Hotel + Airport )in Kathmandu .
All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with tea/coffee) during the trip.
All camping gear and kitchen utensils during the trek
One experienced, first aid trained, fluent English speaking, local language speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide, a cook, kitchen helpers and porters to carry all the food and trekking gear.
Kathmandu – Dhangadhi and return flights with airport taxes.
All necessary Khaptad national park permits.
Guide and staff’s food, accommodation, salary and insurance etc .
Government tax, vat and office service charges.
Public liability insurance etc.
What's Not included
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, desert, hot shower, hot water, battery charge, laundry, phone bill, bar bill etc.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Khaptad National Park is located in the far-western region of Nepal and is known for its unique flora and fauna. Here are some of the species you can find at Khaptad National Park:
Flora:
Rhododendron: Khaptad is home to over 23 rhododendron species, including the national flower of Nepal, Rhododendron arboreum.
Oak: Several species of oak trees are found in Khaptad, including the Quercus lanata and Quercus semecarpifolia.
Pine: The park also has several species of pine trees, including Pinus roxburghii and Pinus wallichiana.
Fir: Khaptad has a good population of fir trees, including Abies spectabilis and Abies pindrow.
Fauna:
Himalayan black bear: Khaptad is home to the Himalayan black bear, a critically endangered species.
Barking deer: The park has a good population of barking deer, also known as muntjacs.
Wild boar: Wild boars are found in Khaptad and can be seen grazing in the meadows.
Leopard cat: The leopard cat is a small wild cat in the park.
Musk deer: The park is also home to the Himalayan musk deer, an endangered species.
Red panda: Although rare, the red panda is occasionally spotted in Khaptad National Park.
The park also has a rich birdlife, including species like the imperial pheasant, white-throated laughing thrush, and Himalayan monal.
Khaptad National Park Route Option
The small and attractive Khaptad National Park is located at the crossroads of four districts: Bajhang, Doti, Achham, and Bajura. The Park covers a huge plateau inside the pahar, close to the south of the Great Himalayas. Trails connect the area to the isolated districts of Darchula, the Saipal and Api Himals, Rara Lake, and dozens of sites throughout the mid-hills.
From Kathmandu, you may drive or fly to Nepalgunj. Then, it’s a 6-hour trip to the roadhead village of Silgadhi, where the main route leads to the Park headquarters. Alternatively, you might take a flight to Chainpur (Bajura District), Dipayal (Doti District), Kolti (Bajura District), or Sanphebagar (Accham District) and take one of the several minor trails to the park. This route begins in Silagadhi and ends in Sanphebagar, but the most popular route is to return to Silagadhi via the same trail.
What is the highest altitude reached during the Khaptad National Park Trekking?
The highest altitude reached during the Khaptad National Park Trekking is around 3,200 meters at Khaptad Daha.
What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
There are basic lodges and tea houses available in the villages along the trekking route. However, it’s advisable to bring your own camping gear if you prefer camping.
Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Khaptad National Park Trekking?
Hiring a guide is not mandatory for the Khaptad National Park Trekking, but it’s highly recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the area or do not speak the local language. A guide can also help with navigation, accommodation, and provide information about the local culture and customs.
How do I get to Khaptad National Park?
How to go to Khaptad National Park in the most effective manner. Via Air: Visitors can fly directly to the Dhangadhi Airport in Nepal and then take a local taxi from there to Bajhang. Starting at Bajhang, the route to the national park begins.
In which district does Khaptad National Park lie?
In Nepal’s Far-Western Region, a protected area called Khaptad National Park was established in 1984. It is 225 km2 (87 sq mi) in size and has a height range of 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 3,300 m. Four districts make up this area: Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti (10,800 ft).
Why is Khaptad famous?
Khaptad is one of the best places to visit during one’s visit to Nepal. The main attraction of the Khaptad is the Khaptad National Park. Annually, a lot of visitors come to visit the Khaptad National Park. Because it is home to some of the most endangered species in Nepal, some of the most endangered species at the Khaptad National Park are The imperial pheasant (danphe), cuckoos, white-rumped vulture, peregrine falcon, bulbuls, and other birds that live in Khaptad National Park are well-known. Because of the abundance of these species, the national park has become a popular destination for birdwatchers.
What are the vegetation found in the Khaptad National Park?
224 kinds of medicinal herbs; grasslands and woods with subtropical, temperate, and subalpine vegetation
What are some of the added attraction of Khaptad National Park?
Khaptad Lake, Sahashra Linga (at 3,200 m, the highest point of the park), Tribeni, Ganesh Temple, Nagdhunga, and Kedardhunga are among the attractions.
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
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