Suklaphata and Khaptad are the combinations of two distinct grasslands in the far western part of Nepal. Suklaphata is the largest grassland in Nepal where the largest herds of swamp deer enjoy nature. Khaptad is Nepal's only mid-mountain national park, a famous pastureland where different animals graze wild and free.

Suklaphata means large open grassland in the local language and is the newest national park in the far west Terai plains and is famous for spotted deer in large numbers, royal Bengal tigers, and diverse flora and fauna.

Shuklaphanta National Park lies in the south-western section of Nepal's Terai in Kanchanpur District. The altitude ranges from 175 – 1300 m above sea level. The Park was named after the largest grassland in Nepal, the Shuklaphanta, which is home to the largest herds of Swamp Deer in the world. The park is home to 56 Mammals, 450 Birds species, 56 Reptiles, 15 Amphibians, and 24 Fish varieties. Historically, the grasslands and forests of Shuklaphanta were a famous hunting area for royalties of Nepal and their distinguished guests.  

This area is inhabited by indigenous Rana Tharu communities, communities living close to nature. Their traditional costume and music beats will make you dance together under the moonlight along with varieties of cuisine. Rana Tharu has a distinct culture from Tharu from other parts of Nepal. Along with Rana Tharu place is also inhabited by migrants from nearby hill communities who speak different interesting dialects. After exploring Suklaphata and its culture we will move towards the hill district of Far West Nepal crossing hills, curving uphill and downhill, passing through small roadside villages, and with plenty of fresh air, we will reach the sleepy town of Siligudai in the afternoon.  A less-travelled road by many foreigners will bring you from one less-travelled national park to another less-explored national park in Nepal known as the mystical magical Khaptad, an unknown Territory famous for its medical and herbal plants and big open Patan (grassland).

Our journey to Khaptad starts after paying respect to Saileshwori Temple -the idol of “Half male and half female- ''Better half together at its very best”. Khaptad is known as a piece of heaven on earth, a romantic place where it’s believed that in ancient times Lord Shiva and Parvati enjoyed a honeymoon together.

Khaptad is an untarnished natural beauty, relaxing environment, and rich cultural experience

of the middle and a high mountain ecosystem in Nepal. Khaptad is a plateau of grassland and forest cover at an elevation of about 3,000 meters is a special place. The forest consists of a mixture of tall fir, yew, rhododendron, oak, dense stands of bamboo, and smaller shrubs. This habitat provides good cover for forbear, leopards, barking, and musk deer, as well as birds like Impeyan, Koklas, and Kalij pheasants. Khaptad is also a famous place for pilgrims. Around 53 years ago the now-famous Khaptad Baba came here for meditation and then settled here as the place is very fresh and beautiful with a variety of medicinal herbs. Later he became a doctor to far and wide people and it’s believed that animals also came to him for treatment.

Travelling to Khaptad is like walking back in time, towards a place that changes its weather time and again, an ideal place to sit and reflect, enjoy the sunshine, sing to birds, and have time together. A mystical, magical place to go and explore, we need to be at a place to feel the beauty, charm, and sense of relief and happiness to be a part of God's family, near and talking to you, in the school of nature. On top of that, being with your beautiful friends and family makes the trip even more memorable. After travelling by air, bus/jeep, and foot across, then reaching back to Kathmandu you will feel how far you have been and how beautiful the place is. The more you reflect on memories of different places you have been to than you realize how beautiful a place was and how lucky you are to be able to visit such nature and people in such a short duration of time. Culturally and naturally very significant Khaptad National Park is the only mid-mountain national park in western Nepal, representing a unique and important ecosystem. Khaptad plateau is a landscape of Patan (pastureland), surrounded by forest with beautiful flowers of about 135 species that bloom in the summer and late spring. Locals from the surrounding district graze livestock in Patan during the summer season. About 224 species of medicinal herbs are found inside the park. Along with Impeyan, pheasant (Danphe), Nepal's national bird, 266 species of bird are found inside the park. A wide variety of butterflies, moths, and insects are an important part of the Khaptad ecosystem. The park provides habitat for some 20 different species of mammals including barking deer, wild boar, Goral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated Marten, leopard, wild dogs, jackal, Rhesus, and Langur monkey. 

In lower altitudes, subtropical vegetation dominates the landscape; Forest mainly consists of Montane Sal, Pines, and Alder species and in higher altitudes, temperate vegetation dominates the landscape.

The park offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, unlike any other protected area in Nepal. Tribeni (confluence of three rivers) is considered one of the holiest places in Hindu mythology. In the north-eastern part of the park Khaptad Daha (lake) is religiously significant. From the northern side of the park majestic Saipal Himalayan Ranges are seen with the vast green mid-hills of Nepal in lights Khaptad experience

Khaptad has everything that a traveller wishes to see and learn. It is a mystical magical place one can go to explore nature and inner self to be a better human.

Travel plan

Day One:  Arrival

Day Two: Kathmandu

Day Three: Flight to Dhangadi then jeep to Suklaphata

Our early morning-hour flight will reach us at Dhangadi, the gateway to far western Nepal. From the Airport we will drive around an hour to reach our homestay near Shuklaphata. In the afternoon we will interact and explore local communities. 

Day Four: Jeep Safari at Shuklaphanta

Today we will spend time inside the national park exploring different corners. In the evening we will visit Dodara Chandani bridge. 

Day Five:  Suklaphata to Jigarna

After early Lunch at our homestay, we will drive towards our next destination Jigarna, the gateway to Khaptad national park.

Day Six:  Jigarna-  Bichpani

From Jigarna the trails go uphill through the forest. We will stop to enjoy nature and rest.  At Bich Pani, We will rest and acclimatize. 

Day Seven: Bichpani - Khpatad

An easy 3 hours walk will reach our hotel in Khaptad. On the way, we will pay homage to Khaptad baba Ashram. After lunch, we will walk around to enjoy paradise. We will have time to reflect and focus.

Day Eight: Khaptad

Khaptad is full of wonders,  we will visit Tribeni, Khaptad Daha. There are a total of 52 Patan (grassland) and some interesting viewpoints to explore and enjoy the wonder of nature.

Day Nine:Khaptad to Baitadi/ Silgadi

After spending two nights at Khaptad, we start our descent to Baitadi/Silgadi. Today the trail will be mostly downhill.  The easy walking trail will give time to reflect and explore the surrounding atmosphere.

 Day Ten : Baitadi/SIlgadi to Cisapani

We will drive through the hilly road, stopping several times to enjoy beautiful nature and culture. Far western Nepal, especially the hilly districts is not connected with tourism yet there are many interesting cultural and iconic natural places.

The picturesque and refreshing 6-7 hours drive will reach Cisapani, the riverside destination. On the way, we will stop at  Ugra Tara Temple and Ghoda Ghodi Lake, A Ramsar, and the first bird sanctuary of Nepal.

Day Eleven: Flight to Kathmandu 

Day twelve : Onward journey