Khaptad – Rara Camping Trek

Our camping adventure begin after breakfast, where we fly to Dhangadi, a major town in Far-West Nepal. It is a scenic and at times bumpy drive to Silgadi by jeep, crossing the Seti River which is one of the branches of the longest river system of Nepal namely Karnali.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Our trek starts steep uphill through a small forest area with views of terraced farms and scattered villages along the way. Lunch will be provided on the way and the trail filled with Rhododendron and Cherry forest (in full bloom during Spring) is mostly flat  after that with gradual uphill for 3 hrs. Jhigarana is the entry point of Khaptad National Park.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Entering Khaptad National Park,  the trail goes steep uphill for about 4-5 hours until lunch. After lunch, the trail goes flat mostly with little ups and downs with good chance of seeing Mt. Saipal. We reach Khapad - the place of nine lakes and explore the area.

Khaptad National Park features include 22 patches of open grasslands, Khaptad daha (lake), 567 species of varying flora (Montane Sal, Pine and Alder species, Firs, Oak, Birch and Rhododendron being the major species), 135 species of flowers in the Khaptad Grasslands, 224 species of medicinal herbs, 287 bird species Impeyan pheasant, partridge, flycatcher, bulbuls, cuckoos, and eagles are some of the common species), and about 23 species of mammal (common species being barking deer, wild boar, goral, leopard, wild dog, and jackal).

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail is mostly flat and then downhill to the camp site. On a clear day, you can observe stunning views of The Api and Saipal mountain ranges. The Khaptad area is famous for Khaptad baba (a Spiritual saint) who meditated in the area for 50 years. There are many temples and holy rivers in his name which can be seen during the trek.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we can explore the beautiful Dogadi village with traditional Nepali thatched- roof mud houses and scenic rice terraces.The trail starts slightly uphill, then downhill later and then flat to Naina. We can observe locals tilling their farmlands in Aati Valley along the way with community forests around.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail takes you flat mostly with bits of ups and downs and lovely view overlooking the valley. After lunch, we cross a small river and go steep uphill to the viewpoint of Marthadi village and trek downhill to the village bustling with activities in its market.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We mostly walk on motorable road this day. The trail starts uphill until we reach the pass. After that, the trek goes steep downhill and flat to the camp. In autumn season, tourists get to taste delicious local, organic apple in Pandusen Village on the way. Kolti is a small tribal village.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek to the Karnali River is easy. Once we reach the Karnali River, guests can enjoy magnificent views of the mighty river. The trail runs adjacent to the river till the camp site in Jhugala. Our overnight camp will be located next to the running river.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our trail follows along a small river called Khatyad, which starts from Rara Lake. This beautiful trail starts flat for a bit and then goes steep uphill for 30 mins after which it is mostly flat with gentle uphills. One can experience the authentic and distinct culture of Western Nepal during this route.

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our walk along the Khatyad River and pass small ethnic villages along the way. After lunch, we enter the Rara National Park which is a conservation area housing Rara Lake. The trail is mostly flat with a bit of uphill climb. Guests can finally experience the awe inspiring sight and grandeur of the lake, take pictures, relax and play along the banks. Guests can also boat around the lake and appreciate the landscapes and mountains it is surrounded by from different viewpoints. Rara is one of the rare few gems in Western Nepal without much tourist activity

Overnight in a camp; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner;

(Today, if we have time, we can do boating in Rara lake in the morning. There is also an option to visit Murma Top, the highest elevation of this trek at 3726m/12224ft. From here, you can view mountain ranges all around of Mt. Saipal, Beulabeuli, Badimalika, Chuchemara, Rinmokchha and Kanjirowa. You can also see the whole view of Rara. It takes nearly three ours to reach the top and come back. So, depending on your interest and if we have time, we can visit the Viewpoint in the morning.)

It is the last day of the trek and an easy trail, mostly flat through the lake and forest. Talcha is a small village perched in the hills with an airport. We take a flight to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu where our journey comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

♦♦♦♦♦♦

* Please send us an enquiry with your details for price and further information.