Khaptad National Park

Khap tad National Park in West Nepal has gained religious significance as the home of Khaptad Swami, the renowned hermit. The park with rolling hills of grasslands and forests of subtropical, temperate and sub alpine vegetation is also a rich natural habitat. The park boasts of 224 species of medicinal herbs. The park also offers excellent bird watching opportunities, with 270 species of birds, the common ones being different varieties of Impheyan Pheasant, partridges, Flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles. Animals in the park are barking deer, wild boar, ghoral, Himafayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, rhesus monkey and langur monkey. Khaptad National Park also offers religious sightseeing at Tribeni on the way to its headquarters. There are several historical temples surrounding this area and an annual celebration ofGanga Dashhara is held here every Jestha Purnima. Another religious site is Sahara Linga at 3,200 meters, the highest point of the park. Other religious areas in the park include Ganesh Temple, Nagdhunga, and Kedardhunga.These areas are ideal places for meditation. Toward the northeast of the park is Khaptad Lake where a festival is held every August and September. The easiest way to reach Khaptad National Park is via Nepalgunj in West Nepal, Daily buses and airplanes to Nepalgunj are available from Kathmandu and other cities. From Nepalgunj one can drive to Sitgadhi in Doti district, from where the park entrance is a six-hour hike from this area.