Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park:

Khaptad National Park is located in the middle hill of far-western region of Nepal and
newest national park, receiving its designation only in 1985. It consists of 225 sq. km of forest and grassland, and lies on a plateau where the districts of Bhajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham meet.
The park covers a unique ecosystem of the mid-mountain region of Western Nepal and is situated at around 3000 m elevation. The upland is a rolling plateau with grasslands intermixed with oak and coniferous forests.
The summer is cool and wet, whereas, the winter is cold and dry. The monsoon begins in June and ends in September with rainfall averaging less than 1000 mm. Occasional snowfall in winter with chilling wind is another characteristic.

Khaptad National Park also offers pilgrimage at Tribeni on the way to its headquarters. There are several historical temples surrounding this area and an annual celebration of ganga Dashhara is held here on jestha Purnima. Another religious site is Sahara Linga at 3200 meters, the highest point of the park. Toward the northeast of the park is khaptad Lake where a festival is held every August and September. The easiest way to reach Khaptad National Park is via nepalgunj in Mid-Western Nepal. From Nepalgunj one can drive to Silgadhi to Doti district, from where the park entrance is just a hike of six-hours.

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park:
Shey-phoksundo Narional Park is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of northwest Nepal.
 It is Nepal’s largest National Park covering an area of 3,555 km2. It was established in 1984 to preserve a unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem with a diversity of flora and fauna. The Shey Phoksundo National Park is one of the remotest national parks in nepal With diverse terrain and altitude variation, the park spreads over Dolpa and Mugu districts of Mid-western region and is home to wide range of wildlife and vegetation. The Phoksundo and the Shey Monastry from where the park git its name is the major landmark of this national park.

In 1998, an area of 1349 km2 surrounding the park was declared as buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands. The buffer zone is jointly managed by the park and local communities. Together they initiate community development activities and manage the natural and cultural resources.

Flora & Fauna Vegetation in the park includes pinsheyphoksundoe, walnut, willow, oak, poplar and cypress in the lower altitude and pine, spruce,salix, rhododendron, caragana shrubs, juniper and white Himalayan birch at higher regions. Animals found in the park are sheep, ghoral, musk deer, leopard, wild dog, marmot, weasel, mouse hare, rhesus and langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, and jackals. Endangered snow leopard can be traced in the upper area of the park. Over 200 species of birds including yellow-throated marten, tibetan partridge, wood snipe, white-throated tit, wood accentor and crimson-eared rose finch are found in the park. Other species of birds found here are impeyan, cheer pheasant, chough, ravens, Tibetan snow cock, tibetan twit, brown dipper, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer. Apart from these, the park is home to six species of reptiles and 29 species of butterfly.

Facilities
Local accommodations are available in Dunai, Sangta, Chhepka, and Ringmo.
 Campsites with rubbish pits, toilets, and shelters are available throughout the park.
Trekking lodges are located in Dunai, Chhepka, and Ringmo and provide food and limited supplies.
Park offices are located at Suligad, Chhepka, Palam Ringmo, and Toijem, At the headquarters in Palam there is a small visitor center.

The shey phoksundo national Park can be reached through Juphal which is connected to Nepalgunj via air. The park is a half- day trek away from juphal. Another option to fly Jumla from where the park is a 10 to 12 days trek.