Khaptad National Park is a protected area located in the Far-Western Region of Nepal. It was created in 1984 and covers parts of four districts: Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti. The park spans an area of 225 square kilometers (87 square miles). Its elevation rises from 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) to 3,300 meters (10,800 feet).

History

Khaptad National Park was created in 1984 with the advice of Khaptad Baba. In 2006, a buffer zone covering 216 square kilometers (83 square miles) was established around the park.

Vegetation

Khaptad National Park has moorland, steep slopes, and streams, and is home to 567 types of plants. The park includes forests with chir pine and rhododendron trees, oak forests, forests with Himalayan fir, hemlock, and oak trees, and alder forests near rivers. There are 224 types of medicinal plants in the park.

Fauna

Khaptad National Park is home to 23 mammals, such as the Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, dhole, and Alpine musk deer. The park also has 287 bird species, including the Impeyan pheasant, peregrine falcon, and white-rumped vulture. In addition, 23 amphibians and reptiles have been recorded in the area.