Khaptad: A piece of heaven (photo feature)

Khaptad, in Sudur Paschim Province in the far west Nepal, is one of the best destinations to freshen yourself during the vacation. 

The tourism site lies in a meeting point of Bajura, Doti, Bajhang and Achham districts at the altitude ranging from 1,262 to 3,276 from the sea level. 

One can pay a visit to religious sites including Tribeni Dham, Sahastr Linga, Kedar Dhunga and Khaptad Baba Ashram when in Khaptad Area. 

Thulthula Patan, Daha, flora and fauna and enchanting view of mountains add beauty to this site. 

Khaptad area is adorned by wild flowers during May-June, view of mountains during September-October, snow during December-January and rhododendron flowers during March-April. 

One can have a sight of not only Api and Saipal mountains but also some of the snow-clad mountains located in India. 

Accessibility

One has to travel 650 kilometers from Kathmandu on a bus to reach Dhangadhi. Another 200-km bus journey from Dahngadi to Silgadhi (Doti) followed by the first round of Silgadhi-Jhigrana trekking  and eight-hour trekking from Jhigrana take you to the Khaptad area. 

Another route is via Bajhang. One can cross a river at Taimul of Bajhang, take a local jeep to reach Daru village and trek for about seven hours to reach Khaptad. 

A local hotel there can host a maximum of 15 people. Therefore, pre-booking is preferable. 

One can spend nights at local homestay services which offer the visitors with local Marsi rice and spinach along with radish, and cucumber pickle.