Rara to Khaptad Combo Trek
Rara to Khaptad Combo Trek is a unique trek is crafted for those who are willing to experience the best of both Rara National Park and Khaptad National Park. This trek lasts for 17 days.
Khaptad national park is a remotely located protected area in far eastern Nepal, that is still pristine as very few local and foreign travelers embark on journeys in that direction. This park is a protected area that was established in 1984, stretching over the four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti. It covers an area of 225 sq. km and ranges in elevation from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 3,300 m (10,800 ft).
This place is also famous for Khaptad Baba, a religious figure who moved there during the 1940s and spent the rest of his life doing spiritual penances and meditations. He also mastered the knowledge of many Ayurvedic herbs and even the King of Nepal used to visit him when the royal family was camping in that area. Furthermore, a lot of local people visit this region for its religious significance.
Our hike starts with a couple of days of sightseeing at Rara National Park and then we proceed to Sirkot and Solte, which will finally lead us to Khaptad Campsite. This scenic journey will give you many panoramic views, and diverse types of landscapes that inhabit many different types of flora and faunas that are indigenous to this area.
There are 22 open patches of grasslands, 287 species of birds, 23 different species of mammals and reptiles each. Also, 224 species of medicinal herbs and more than 11 percent of plant species are found in this region, making this area one of the most diverse and important for ecological balance.
The most common tree species are chirpine (Pinus roxburghii), spruce (Picea smithiana), fir (Abies spectabilis), maple (Acer pictum), birch (Betula utilis), alder (Alnus nepalensis) and rhododendron (Rhododendron spp).
It is advised to travel during January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December for the best experience of this trek.
Rara to Khaptad Combo Trek is also considered is one of the best off the beat trek in Nepal.