Khaptad National Park Trek
The Khaptad National Park Trek, often simply referred to as the Khaptad Trek, is one of Nepal’s most serene and off-the-beaten-path trekking destinations. Situated in the far-western region of Nepal, spanning the districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti, Khaptad offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual ambiance that is rarely found on more frequented trekking routes. Unlike the heavily trafficked Annapurna or Everest regions, the Khaptad Trek is quiet, unspoiled, and ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and an intimate connection with nature.
The region is renowned for the Khaptad National Park, which stretches over alpine meadows, rhododendron and pine forests, and high-altitude grasslands. The park is home to a remarkable diversity of flora, including medicinal herbs, wildflowers, and endemic species, as well as wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, barking deer, leopards, and various bird species. Trekkers are often mesmerized by the vibrant seasonal landscapes, especially during spring when rhododendrons paint the hillsides in brilliant reds and pinks, or in autumn when the skies are clear and the distant Himalayan peaks stand in sharp contrast against the golden pastures.
One of the defining features of this trek is its cultural and spiritual richness. The park is associated with Khaptad Baba, a revered ascetic and spiritual figure who spent many years meditating in the remote hills, leaving behind a legacy that continues to attract pilgrims and seekers of tranquility. Along the trekking route, visitors encounter traditional villages inhabited by ethnic communities such as the Gurungs, Khas, and Magars. These villages have maintained their traditional lifestyle, customs, and architecture, offering trekkers an authentic glimpse into the rural life of far-western Nepal. Simple stone houses, small prayer shrines, and terraced fields characterize the villages, while local people often welcome travelers with warmth and hospitality, adding a human touch to the wilderness experience.
Overall, the Khaptad National Park Trek is ideal for those who wish to step away from the crowded trails, experience the untouched Himalayan wilderness, and gain a deeper appreciation of Nepal’s natural and cultural diversity. The combination of pristine landscapes, rich flora and fauna, peaceful villages, and spiritual ambiance makes it a unique and unforgettable trekking experience, offering not just physical adventure but also mental rejuvenation and connection with nature.
Highlights
- Explore Khaptad National Park with alpine meadows, forests, and waterfalls
- Trek through remote villages and terraced farmland
- Panoramic views of the far-western Himalayas
- Wildlife spotting: birds, medicinal herbs, and occasional mammals
- Cultural interactions with local communities
- Peaceful trekking experience with fewer tourists
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Khaptad National Park
- 11 Days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Teahouses/Lodges during trek,Hotels in KTM & Dhangadi
- Moderate
- 3300m
- -
- -
Best Season
Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Inclusions
- Domestic flights & road transport
- 3 meals/day during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Guesthouse accommodation on trek
- Hotels in Kathmandu & Dhangadi
- Licensed English-speaking guide & porter service
- Trekking permits & park entry fees
- First-aid kit & oximeter
Tour Plan
- Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to hotel
- Dinner at hotel (depending on arrival time)
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Wake-up and breakfast at hotel
- Morning flight Kathmandu → Dhangadi (approx. 1 hr)
- Lunch in Dhangadi
- Optional sightseeing or relax after flight
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Dhangadi (basic to mid-range)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Drive along scenic hills and river valleys to Silgadhi
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Rural landscapes, terraced fields, local villages
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Silgadhi (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek through forests, streams, and farmland
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Mountain views, interaction with local communities
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Jhingrana (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Entering Khaptad National Park, panoramic Himalayan views
- Dinner at guest house
- Overnight: in Khaptad (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Full day hike/exploration within the park
- Lunch at guest house or packed lunch during trek
- Highlights: Grasslands, forests, waterfalls, medicinal herbs, wildlife sightings
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Khaptad (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Optional trails to temples, viewpoints, and hidden valleys
- Lunch at guest house or packed lunch
- Highlights: Sunset views, birdwatching, local culture
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Khaptad (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek descending through forests and small villages
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Rural settlements, farmland, rivers
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Chainpur (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Long scenic drive through hills and valleys to Dhangadi
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Rural landscapes, cultural villages
- Dinner
- Overnight: in Dhangadi (basic to mid-range)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Flight from Dhangadi → Kathmandu (approx. 1 hr)
- Lunch at hotel in Kathmandu
- Afternoon free for leisure or last-minute shopping in Thamel
- Dinner at hotel
- Overnight: in Kathmandu
- Wake-up and breakfast (depending on flight schedule)
- Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport
- Departure for onward journey
- End of tour