Khaptad National Park, West Nepal

Khaptad National Park, West Nepal

Nepal Travel Book:: Khaptad National Park:: Jan 30 2015::

Khaptad National Park is also sometimes called Khaptad Swami or Khaptad Baba in reverence to the legendary Hindu guru who made his ashram in the forest there. Khaptad Swami was a sage who is reported to one day have come down from the Khaptad plateau in order to save a sick child with magical herbs from the forest. He is also said to have spent the entirety of his life practising yoga and discovering the natural and historical wonders of the forest. Because Khaptad Swami spent most of his life meditating there, it is considered a holy forest and a place for retreat, contemplation, and meditation – perhaps an ideal destination for a nature lover and yoga practioner.

Khaptad National Park is nowadays in Nepal’s far western region and covers 225 km2 of rich forest. In the lower ranges of the park, 1,000 to 2,000m, the forest is mainly a tropical dense jungle; however as it ascends into the foothills, the forest becomes mainly dominated by tall alpine trees. Conservationists have catalogued over 150 species of wild grassland flowers and berries and over 200 species of medicinal herbs unique to the Himalayas – perhaps the very same Khaptad Baba used to cure the sick child many years ago. There are also over 300 species of birds that visit the park year round on top of a variety of other wild animals: musk deer, black bears, barking deer, Himalayan large cats, langur monkey and many others.

The best time to visit is from March-May and October-November when the flowers are in bloom and the climate is mild. There are no guesthouses or lodges in the park; however, camping is allowed and is an ideal way to experience the beauty of the park up close. Remember to bring everything you need with you and clean up after you’re gone!

Source:: thegreathimalayatrail.org

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