Khaptad National Parkखप्तड राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Khaptad National Park is a national park in Sudurpashchim, Nepal, covering 225 km² from 1,400 to 3,300 m. Established in 1984, it is known for Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, Dhole.
A mid-hill plateau of rolling meadows in the far west, with deep religious significance
Area
225 km²
+ 216 km² buffer zone
Established
1984
Elevation
1,400–3,300 m
Sudurpashchim
Managed by
DNPWC
Districts
Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, Doti
Establishment
Established 1984 on the advice of the ascetic Khaptad Baba.
Key species
- Indian leopard
- Himalayan black bear
- Dhole
- Musk deer
- Impeyan pheasant
About the area
Khaptad is unusual among Nepal's parks: rather than a Himalayan giant or a Terai jungle, it protects a rolling mid-hill plateau of grassy meadows and oak-rhododendron forest spanning four far-western districts — Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti. It was established in 1984 on the advice of the revered ascetic Khaptad Baba, who meditated here for decades, and covers 225 km² with a 216 km² buffer zone declared in 2006.
Between 1,400 and 3,300 m, the park records 23 mammal species — Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, dhole and musk deer among them — and 287 birds including the Impeyan pheasant, peregrine falcon and white-rumped vulture. Its flora of 567 plant species includes 224 of medicinal value, reflecting the area's long tradition of herbal healing.
The plateau carries a strong spiritual identity. Khaptad Baba's ashram, the sacred confluence of Tribeni and the Sahasralinga shrine draw pilgrims, and the open patans (meadows) make it one of the most distinctive walking landscapes in the country — a quiet, religiously charged alternative to the better-known mountain parks.
Where it sits
The highlighted pin is this protected area; the others show Nepal's full network of 20.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Khaptad National Park?+
Khaptad National Park covers 225 km², plus a 216 km² buffer zone. It lies in Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, Doti (Sudurpashchim province).
When was Khaptad National Park established?+
Khaptad National Park was established in 1984 as a national park. Established 1984 on the advice of the ascetic Khaptad Baba.
What type of protected area is Khaptad National Park?+
Khaptad National Park is a national park, managed by DNPWC.
What animals live in Khaptad National Park?+
Khaptad National Park is known for Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, Dhole, Musk deer, Impeyan pheasant. A mid-hill plateau of rolling meadows in the far west, with deep religious significance.
What is the elevation of Khaptad National Park?+
Khaptad National Park ranges from 1,400 m to 3,300 m above sea level.
Sources & data note
Figures for Khaptad National Park as documented by the listed sources. Where reputable sources disagree the discrepancy is stated in the establishment note. Map coordinates are an approximate centre point, not a surveyed centroid.