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| Khaptad Ashram |
It is believed that the first Aryan entered Nepal through the route of Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash to settle in Khaptad. The history of Khaptad was enhanced half a century ago when the great scholar Swami Sachidananda Saraswati also known as Khaptad Baba, chose the place for his ashram (dwelling). Far West Nepal is as exciting for naturalists as it is for pilgrims and tourists. The Mahakali and Seti region famous for Khaptad National Park is plentiful in rare variety of living species. The green plateau of Khaptad is home to musk deer, jungle cats and the extensive grassland of Khaptad abounds in uncommon breeds of aromatic and medicinal plants. Among the 35 different types of forests recognized in Nepal 16 are found in the Khaptad Park.
Access: Khaptad Ashram, is situated at 2,923 meters and the national park region falls in the districts of Achham, Bajhang, Doti and Bajura in far west Nepal. The region is accessed from Attariya on the Mahendra Highway toward from where one has to travel north to Dipayal. From Dipayal it is an 8 to 9-hour trek. Another option is flying from Nepalgunj to Sanphe Bagar from where the Khaptad National Park area is only a day's trek away. The best time to visit Khaptad is during fall and spring when the weather is good. Buki Daha and Sajhghat are other religious sites in the area.
