Khaptad: The Heaven of Far-Western Nepal

Heaven of Far-Western Khaptad

The name “Khaptad” is believed to have originated from Khaptad Baba, later known as Swami Sachchidananda. In honor of his spiritual presence and contribution, Khaptad National Park was established in 1984. Khaptad National Park lies in the Far-Western region of Nepal, stretching across the districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Doti, and Achham.

(Source: Nepal Tourism Board, 1984)
The MidPoint of Khaptad with team 
For a long time, we had been planning to visit Khaptad, but time and circumstances never favored the trip together with the team. Finally, a draft plan was shared among the team members Narayan Sir, Aaditya Sir, and me. Later, we informed the PAHAL Doti team. Under the leadership of Hark Balayar Sir (PC of PAHAL), along with the Governance and NRM team, participation in the Khaptad trip was confirmed.

On 21 June 2019, Aaditya Sir and I traveled from Dadeldhura to Bajhang with the destination of Khaptad National Park. We had already communicated our movement plan and schedule with Narayan Sir, who was already in Bajhang, and with the Doti team. That day, we stayed at the Hotel Holiday Inn in Chainpur, Bajhang. 

On 22 June 2019, at 6:00 AM, we moved toward Tmail, Bajhang, from where the trail to Khaptad begins. After crossing the Seti River through a trail bridge, we hired a local jeep up to Darugau, which is around 9 KM from Tmail.

From Darugau, we started hiking for around 2–3 hours to reach Lokhada, Chaanna, Bajhang, where we stayed at Tribeni Guest House. The hotel owner was Prakash Rawal. Contact Number: 9848022856

Guest house on the way of Khaptad

There is the first checkpost of the Nepal Army, where the ticket counter of Khaptad National Park is located. The entrance fee is NPR 100 for Nepali visitors and NPR 1,500 for foreign tourists.

According to the ticket sales register of FY 2075 (2019), a total of 948 national and international tourists traveled through the Bajhang route.

Our first step into the Khaptad area was around 2:40 PM. After nearly six hours of hiking, we were quite tired, but the moment we reached the peaceful and naturally beautiful land of Khaptad, all the exhaustion disappeared.

We spent some time refreshing ourselves while observing horses and cattle grazing peacefully in the open grasslands. After a short rest, we moved toward our main destination, where we had planned to stay for the night.

At around 4:15 PM, we reached the guesthouse of Khaptad National Park and stayed there for the night.

Evening Scene of Khaptad Army Camp

After reaching there, we met Nepal Army Captain Rajendra Kandel. He explained to us about the important visiting locations, environment, and precautions to follow while staying in the Khaptad area. Mr. Kandel was very helpful and supportive. He even provided us with sleeping bags and kindly told us to contact the Nepal Army team if we faced any problems during our stay.

The next day, on 23 June 2019, there was light rainfall as we moved to visit the Khaptad Baba Ashram. With the support of the priest, we also visited a lead mine located at the corner side of the ashram area.

The ashram was protected by barbed wire fencing. Inside the ashram, we found many daily-use materials preserved there, including clothes, sandals, dishes, a sleeping bed, and ancient musical instruments. There was also a reading room where we found many books related to philosophy, spirituality, and the life and teachings of Khaptad Baba.

In front of Khaptad Baba Ashram 
Near the Khaptad Baba Ashram, there was a small wooden house where King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya used to stay during their visits to Khaptad. According to local people and the army priest, the King and Queen visited Khaptad almost every year. Even today, visitors can observe the bed set that was used by the King and Queen during their stay.

After returning for a lunch break, we moved toward Khaptad Daha, which is around 3 KM from Khaptad Byareka. We found Khaptad Daha to be a beautiful pond surrounded by dense and impenetrable forest, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere.

In the evening, we divided ourselves into two groups. One team moved toward Nagdhunga, while the other team stayed at the hotel to support in preparing dinner. During that time, we met an Baba Ji who had been living in the Khaptad Ashram for the past four months. He shared his experiences, learning, devotion, meditation practices, and insights about living life as an eremite in the peaceful environment of Khaptad.

Near the view tower and Natershowari temple

On 24 June 2019, at around 5:00 AM, we started our return journey through the Doti route.

After walking for about 35 minutes, we reached Tribeni Table, one of the famous places in Khaptad. We stayed there for some refreshment and brushing. There is a beautiful temple located at the center of the confluence area. Narayan Sir took a shower in the cold water and offered worship at the Tribeni Temple.

Around 500 meters ahead, we visited Sita Paila (the Footstep of Sita). Continuing nearly 2 KM further, we reached Chinte Dhunga, a unique stone with a naturally formed hole, as marked in offline Google Map records. There, we found temporary shelters of cattle and met local cowherds. One of them kindly provided us with fresh cow curd at the price of NPR 25 per glass.

On 24 June 2019 at morning 5:00 AM we returned back through the way of Doti. After walking 35 minutes we reached at  Tribeni Table (one of the famous place of Khaptad). We stayed there to be refresh and brushing. There is a beautiful temple in the middle part of the confluence. Narayan Sir showered in cold water and worshipped in the Tribeni Temple. 

Around 500 meters ahead there is a Sita Paila (Footstep of Sita). 2 KM ached we saw the Chinte Dhunga (A stone with the natural hole) (records of mobile apps offline google map ) where we found the temporary shelter of cattle with cowman. He provided fresh curd of a cow 25 rupees per glass. 

After that, we walked for around seven hours and finally reached Jhigranaa, Doti. On the way, we became very hungry and survived by eating bamboo shoots and drinking water. There was no phone network available in the Khaptad area, and we only regained phone access after reaching Phone Danda.

At Jhigranaa, we had rice and lentils for lunch and then continued our journey toward Silgadhi, Doti, by local jeep. We reached Pipalla, Dipayal, at around 5:00 PM and finally arrived back in Dadeldhura at 7:00 PM. 

Overall, our team truly enjoyed the journey to Khaptad. During discussions on our return trip, all team members expressed happiness and satisfaction with this short but memorable visit. The Khaptad trip will always remain in our memories as a beautiful experience and a joyful part of life.

Thank you!!

Some Photographs of Khaptad Visit.

Location and Map of Khap prepared by Nepal Army


 



Final Calik and Point during returned from Khaptad. 

Brief Travel Guide to Khaptad National Park

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Mid-March to Mid-May): Best season with greenery and clear views.
  • Summer (Mid-May to Mid-July): Pleasant weather for trekking.
  • Rainy Season: Light rainfall, peaceful environment, temperature around 8°C–17°C.
  • Winter: Cold with snowfall; difficult but beautiful for snow lovers.
Travel Routes

Via Bajhang (Shortest Route)

Dhangadhi/Kathmandu → Bajhang → Tamail → Darugau by jeep

Around 4 hours walking to Khaptad

Via Doti (Easier Route)

Dhangadhi/Kathmandu → Doti → Silgadhi → Jhigrana by jeep

Around 7 hours walking to Khaptad

Via Bajura

Route available from Dogadi area

About 3–4 hours walking after road access (local information)

Major Attractions

  • Khaptad Baba Ashram
  • Khaptad Daha
  • Tribeni Temple
  • Naagdhunga
  • Bhimghataa
  • Beautiful Patans (grasslands), ponds, forests, and mountain views
  • Khaptad National Park is rich in medicinal herbs, birds, and flowering plants.

Essential Preparation

  • Trekking clothes and warm jacket
  • Backpack and walking stick
  • Dry food and water bottle
  • First aid kit and torchlight
  • Emergency medicines and contact numbers
  • Alcohol is prohibited inside the national park.

Why Visit Khaptad?

Khaptad is a peaceful destination for trekking, meditation, nature exploration, and stress relief. The fresh air, natural beauty, and calm environment make it one of Nepal’s most refreshing travel destinations.

References

Nepal Tourism Board

Khaptad National Park Records

Field Observation and Travel Experience

Thank you for reading. Your feedback and suggestions are highly appreciated.

Location: Khaptad National Park, 10800, Nepal

Comments

  1. Harina SaudJuly 8, 2019 at 11:01 PM

    If time n condition favour me one day i will b certainly there,thanks i came to know more about khapta by ur blog,thanks fr this wondeful share.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 10, 2019 at 2:24 AM

    Nice Article, and very helpful to the visitors.. Thumps
    up!

    ReplyDelete

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