Khaptad, Nepal's newest park area, is in the middle hills of the Far-west of the country. The 225 sq. kms. area of the park is situated where the district of Bajhang, Bajura, Doti, and Achham meet. Khaptad is a plateau of grassland and forest cover at an elevation of about 3,000 meters. The mixed conifer and broad-leaf forest are an excellent example of the vegetation that once convered much of west Nepal's middle hills. The forest consists of mixture of tall fir, yew rhododendron, oak, dense strands of bamboo and smaller shrubs. This habitat provides good cover for bear, leopard, barking and musk deer, as well as birds like the Impeyan, koklas, and kalij pheasants. This park is special because it represents one of the few remaining mid-mountain ecosystem in Nepal Himalaya. At the north-eastern corner of the park, a small serene lake and swampy area called Khaptad Daha is a religious site where Hindu pilgrims come to worship Shiva on the full moon of July-August each year. Here lived the ascetic, the Khapatad Baba, who was known and revered throughout Nepal.

Access :
The easiest access is to fly to Dipayal or Chainpur or Sanfebagar or Kolti from where it is a few days hike to the national park. It is also possible to drive to Silgadi from Dhangadi. The best time to visit Khapatad is in March and April and in October and November. Travellers should hike with camping equipment, food and guides

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