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Khaptad is a land of grasslands and forests at the same time it is one of A Mystical and an unexplored Territories of Nepal. Its rich geography ranges from high mountains to deep gorges and mid-elevation plateaus. The diverse landscape of Khaptad is surrounded with subtropical, temperate and sub alpine vegetation. Khaptad offers: treks that range from short easy hikes to effortful ones, historical, cultural and religious sightseeing with its many divine sites, and rich cultural experience of Far western Nepal. One of the main attractions of Khaptad area is Khaptad National Park established in 1984 and National Park is Located in the mid-mountains, the park is rich natural habitat and has also gained religious significance as the home of Khaptad Swami, the renowned hermit. There are many places of religious, cultural and natural significance inside and outside the National Park in Khaptad.
Places to Visit - Khaptad National Park : Khaptad National Park established in 1984 is located in mid-mountains of the Far Western Development Region with an area of 225 Sq. Km. Being situated at the meeting point of Achham, Bhajhang, Bajura and Doti district of Seti Zone, the Park features vast sprawling plateaus with green grasslands intermixed with Oak and Coniferous forests.Other National Parks of Nepal
- Shaileswori: The most famous religious centers on the way to Khaptad are Dillipeswar in Dipayal and Goddess Saileswori in Silgarhi Doti. The temple of Goddess Saileswori is situated in the center of Silgadhi Bazaar comprises a small complex of temples of Ganesh and Masto. Silgarhi Bazaar is about 10 hours drive from Mahendranagar (5 Km south of Tanakpur). Similarly, Mahendranagar is only 6 – 7 hour drive from Delhi, the capital of India. Mahendranagar the far west border town of Nepal is only 10 minutes driving distance from the Indian border town of Banbasa, from where the Bus to Delhi departs every hour during the day time. Silgarhi Bazaar, which is situated at an elevation of 1385 meters (4500 ft.) is a historical town and is the main business center of Far Western hill of Nepal. The climate is pleasant and cool even in the summer.
- Ramaroshan: Ramaroshan was called Pancha Pura in Hindu Purans. The historical five cities of Goddess Parvati seem to be around or within Ramaroshan Lake in Accham district. All together there are twelve lakes and the temples of Goddess Parvati and Ganesh. Still, some remains of old temples and buildings can be seen. This place is not only beautiful but also is important from archeological point of view. As an ancient center with Pancha Pura (five cities) of Goddess Parvati, this area has many mysteries of the ‘Pauranic Age’. Moreover, the lakes are famous for bird watching.
- Badimalik : The temple of Malika Devi is situated at an altitude of 13500 feet in Bajura district. This is a holy place, and is believed that the heap of Kubera's (God of wealth) wealth built the temple. Because of its location at a higher altitude, the month of April to October is said to be the ideal months to visit this place. From this place, one can observe the enchanting views of the Himalayas. It was believed that when Goddess Sati Devi threw her body from the heaven, it felt at Malika, and after that Parvati was born over there and lived, until she married with Lord Shiva. One can visit this place from Khaptad within 8 – 10 days via Kamala-Barbis and Kailashmandu.
- Surma Devi & Surmasarovar: Surmasarovar is the most holy and beautiful lake in the district of Bajhang. The teple of Surma Devi and Surmasarovar are at about three days walking distance from Khaptad and is located at the north of Chainpur. This place is situated at an altitude of 14000 feet. According to the local people, Surmadevi is the youngest sister of God Darhe Masto. For Hindus, Masto is regarded as different form of Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that Surma Devi is the incarnation of Goddess Kali. From Surmasarovar, trekkers will be able to see the Mt. Kailash of Tibet. Besides these important products in surrounding areas such as in Accham, Bajura, Bajhang and Doti districts, the other locally renowned religious sites within Khaptad National Park are also important tourism products in the promotion of Khaptad and the surrounding areas .
Predominant Culture:
The main ethnic groups living here are Brahmin, Chettri, Thakuri, Damai, Kami and Sunuwar. The predominant culture is Hindu. Khaptad is a place of high I'eligious value. The religious and cultural values of this place were highly enhanced after Khaptad Swami settled here 53 years ago. The area is believed to have been the center of the civilizations that covered southwest Tibet, far west Nepal, and northwest India of Kumaon and Garhwal region. When To Visit:
The best time to visit Khaptad is during autumn and spring, October-November and March-May. During autumn several festival are held here. A fair is held at Tribeni near Khaptad, every Dashain which falls in October and another fair is also held at Khaptad Daha around the same time at the end of Summer. Summer here is cool and wet with temperature ranig from 0 to 18-degree Celsius, while winters are cold and dry with temperature some times below -18 degrees. The monsoon rains occur between May-September. Snowfall occurs during the extreme winter months. How to access:
Khaptad National Park is in Seti zone and surrounded by districts Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Achham. The gateway to Khaptad is Silgadi in Doti district, from where the park headquarters is 50 kilometers and almost 2 –days trek away.
Pictures of Khaptad Area on other Sites:
http://www.phalano.com/?p=711
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