KHAPTAD NATIONAL PARK TREKKING - 12 DAYS

As your plane touches down in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal welcomes you with its blend of ancient tradition and modern energy. Our team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in and resting, you’ll be briefed about your upcoming journey into Nepal’s far-western wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the colorful streets of Thamel or enjoy a traditional welcome dinner that sets the tone for the serene adventure ahead.

After breakfast, we take a scenic flight across the width of Nepal to Dhangadhi, a lively city near the Indian border. The one-hour flight offers glimpses of central and western Himalayan ranges. Upon landing in the warm lowlands of the Terai, the difference is immediate — the culture, temperature, and atmosphere all shift. Dhangadhi is a gateway to western Nepal’s highlands, and you’ll have the rest of the day to explore its markets or relax before the drive up to the hills tomorrow.

Leaving the tropical plains behind, we begin our drive northward into the hills. The road is scenic, winding past river gorges, terraced fields, and forested ridges. As the vehicle climbs higher, the air gets cooler and the landscape more dramatic. After several hours, we arrive at Silgadhi, a quiet and historic town in the Doti district. Silgadhi marks the beginning of the Khaptad trek and offers a beautiful transition between modernity and tradition, with temples, old bazaar streets, and welcoming hill communities.

Our trek officially begins today. We start walking from Silgadhi, steadily ascending through thick forests and local farmlands. The route is quiet, refreshing, and undisturbed — perfect for absorbing the sounds of nature and the stories of villagers we meet along the way. Traditional houses with stone roofs and prayer flags fluttering in the wind become a part of the scenery. After several hours of peaceful trekking, we arrive at Jhingrana, a settlement nestled at the edge of Khaptad National Park. You’ll spend the night here, surrounded by pristine nature.

Today we enter the mystical realm of Khaptad National Park. The trail leads uphill into high-altitude pastures, or Patans, covered in wildflowers and herbal plants. As you walk deeper into the park, pine and fir forests envelop the trail, and you start to feel the stillness and silence that defines this sacred space. By afternoon, we reach the park headquarters and nearby settlement — the heart of Khaptad. The sky feels closer, the breeze cleaner, and the mood more reflective. It’s here that Khaptad Baba spent much of his life, and you can feel why — the energy is meditative and calming.

You’ll spend today exploring the spiritual and ecological highlights of the park. Start the morning with a gentle walk to the Khaptad Baba Ashram, where the great yogi once meditated. From there, head to Triveni, the confluence of three rivers that holds deep religious significance. Later, visit the scenic Khaptad Daha, a highland lake that reflects the sky and surrounding hills in near-perfect symmetry. The day continues with walks across flower-filled meadows, quiet pine groves, and perhaps even meditative silence under open skies. If luck is on your side, you might spot musk deer or Himalayan monals fluttering in the trees.

There’s so much to see in Khaptad that a second day feels not only worthwhile, but necessary. Today, explore lesser-visited parts of the park, such as Siddha Baba Temple, or hike deeper into the forest trails for wildlife and birdwatching. You can choose a quiet spot in the Patan for yoga or journaling. This is a day to slow down completely — to connect with the timeless energy of Khaptad’s sacred lands. Whether you're seeking peace, spiritual insight, or just nature at its purest, Khaptad offers space for it all.

After two days of immersion in nature and spirituality, we begin descending toward civilization. The trek to Chainpur is longer but mostly downhill, passing through quiet forests, grazing fields, and terraced hillsides. Along the way, you’ll meet villagers herding goats or carrying baskets of herbs — part of the daily rhythm of this remote region. By evening, we reach Chainpur, a small town known for its blacksmithing tradition and cultural richness. It’s a peaceful and culturally vibrant stop where we rest for the night.

Today’s journey begins on foot with a short trek to meet our vehicle. From there, we drive back to Dhangadhi, descending from the cool highlands to the warm plains of the Terai. The drive is filled with scenic contrasts, from green hills and gorges to flat rice fields and banana plantations. Arriving in Dhangadhi feels like returning from a world apart — a transition from silence to city life. You’ll have time in the evening to relax or explore the local market for souvenirs and snacks.

In the morning, we take a flight from Dhangadhi back to Kathmandu. Watching the terrain change from southern plains to central hills from the air is a visual reminder of the incredible diversity Nepal holds. Once in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is yours. You may want to unwind at your hotel, enjoy a rooftop café, or do some last-minute shopping in the city’s lively markets. After the spiritual calm of Khaptad, Kathmandu offers a joyful buzz of contrast.

Your final full day in Nepal is spent exploring the cultural wonders of the Kathmandu Valley. Visit iconic heritage sites like Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple, where spiritual rituals unfold daily. Wander the medieval alleys of Patan or Bhaktapur, where time seems to have stood still. The art, architecture, and festivals of Kathmandu offer a vibrant end to your peaceful trek. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Nepali music — a fitting tribute to the deep beauty you’ve experienced.

With memories of tranquil meadows, misty forests, and sacred lakes in your heart, it’s time to say goodbye. Our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. As you leave Nepal, the quiet energy of Khaptad National Park will remain with you — a rare gift from a place that few travelers ever reach.