Khaptad National Park, a protected area, established in 1984 in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal, covers four significant districts Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti, with an area of 225 km2. Located at an altitude ranging 1,400 m to 3,300 m, the park has equally famous for its scenic beauty and spiritual history.

The park receives its name from the legendary spiritual saint, Khaptad Baba, renowned as Swami Sachchidananda, who is believed to have meditated in the region for 50 years around the 1940s. Recognized as Lord Shiva in the form of Khaptad Baba, the Ashram, located near the headquarter, receives thousands of Hindu pilgrims who come to worship, especially in July and August.

The park, with moorland, streams, and steep slopes, has 567 species of flora, with significant vegetation like chir phine- rhododendron forest, oak forest, Himalayan fir-hemlock oak forest, and alder forest. The park, paradise of birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, is home to 23 types of mammals, 23 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 287 species of birds. Major attractions of the park are leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, impeyan pheasants, falcons, and white-rumped vultures.

The perfect destination for philosophers, physicians, scientists, researchers, wanderers, wildlife enthusiasts, and pilgrims, the park has meditation areas including temples of lower Triveni, with conditions like no slaughtering, smoking, drinking alcohol, cutting firewood, and grazing animals allowed.

Khaptad National Park is a remote area that adds a lot of challenges to the visitors, like trekking, to reach the place. Trekking has made it an exciting trip for trek lovers. Yoga and meditation are some of the popular activities of the park. Birdwatching, sightseeing, safari, and hiking are other popular activities one can do.

If you are interested in learning about the locals' cultures, this can be a perfect destination during mid of April when the environment is festive. There are celebrations of the Dasara festival, with people playing Deuda, Chutkila, and Mangal – special cultural performances.

Khaptad is famous for food items produced by local farmers like yogurt, buttermilk, and ghee, which are unique because the cattle graze on hallucinogenic herbs. Local meals in the area include mana, Batuk, chukani, gharya bread, and green vegetables.

The popular destinations of Sudurpaschim like Saileshwori Temple, Ramaroshan – Pan Cha Pura, Badimalika, Surma Sarovar, etc. lie on the way to the park, or in the park itself which are must-visit places of the west. To reach the park, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, and drive to Khaptad National Park for 8 hours. There are vehicles available from Kathmandu and other places that will take you to Khaptad via roadways.

The best time to travel to the park is during spring from March to May and autumn in October and November. Winter is full of snow, blocking the trail. Monsoon brings a lot of challenges, too, making the trails muddy and risky.

The entrance ticket costs NPR 100/person for Nepali citizens, NPR 500/person for SAARC countries, and NPR 1,500/person for others with free entrance service for children below ten years of age. The price for camping is NPR 100/person/night for Nepali citizens, NPR 500/person/night for SAARC countries, and NPR 1,000/person/night for others.