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DESTINATION |
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DESTINATION |
Beckoning Visitors The unspoiled Khaptad region in western Nepal is
yet to exploit its tourism potential Spread over an area of 225 sq km, at an average altitude of 3000 meters, the
Khaptad region is situated at the cross point of Achham, Bajhang, Bajura and Doti
districts of Seti zone in far western Nepal.
A national park with the sprawling plateaus with green grass and a carpet of
seasonal flowers, the region is a unique center of biodiversity. In the middle mountain
zone, the region is an isolated massif with steep slopes and densely vegetated area. The
region is interspersed with forests, shrubs and marshy land with as many as 22 Patans
(bog-land and open grass fields). Located at an air distance of 446 km from
Kathmandu, the Khaptad National Park (KNP) is about 50 km and 32 km away from Silgadhi and
Chainpur, the headquarters of Doti and Bajhang district respectively. Such is the uniqueness of the KNP that out of the
total 850 species of birds found in Nepal, 260 have been found here, out of 100 mammal
species in Nepal, 40 are found here and out of estimated 700 in Nepal, about 400
plants/herbs are found in the limited area of KNP. The main characteristics of KNP is that it supports
the high altitude "Bog System" on the plateau, with a very rare habitat in
Nepal, and probably in the world. In the flowering season, KNP plateaus look like
Persian carpets. "Different colored flowers and different species of butterflies are
in plenty in the KNP," said Bhakta Bahadur Balayar, an MP and the Chairman of Khaptad
Region Tourism Committee (KRTC). "Despite such natural grandeur, KNP has not been
able to attract much attention." KRTC was formed in 1996 with the objective of
promoting tourism and conserve the unique ecosystem of the region. Although the number of foreign visitors trickling
in the KNP is on the rise, they are not yet adequate. In fact, according to the available
statistics around 60 foreigners have visited the area in the last few months. Apart from its scenic beauty, KNP is also known for
its religious importance. Late saint Khaptad Baba had made the region his home and is
known for publicizing the existence of the region to the large section of Nepalese
population. "This region is also close to Mt. Kailash. The
Manasa Khanda is the lower part of the Khaptad region and upper part being Mt. Kailash and
the Manasarovara -- the places of extreme religious importance to Hindus -- a part of
Tibet autonomous region of China," said Balayar. Khaptad area in general and KNP in particular, has
a cool sunny weather during spring, summer and autumn seasons. During the winter time, the
plateaus in the KNP are covered by blankets of snow making it a perfect place for skiing. According to local people, Lord Rama had visited
the area to worship Lord Shiva and Parvati. "It is also believed to be an ancient
home and center of Yakhyas and Nepali civilization also started from this region,"
Balayar adds. Although Khaptad region offers very strong tourist
attractions especially for students, researchers, pilgrims and special interest trekkers,
the lack of infrastructures have become the impediment. In the past, the transport facilities, lodging and
other tourist facilities and amenities were virtually non-existent in the area. As of now,
the new high-way bridge over Karnali river has opened up the far western Nepal. Mahendra
Nagar-Dhangadi-Doti-Achham motorable road is almost completed and there are night buses
available from Silgadi to Kathmandu from 1998. "KRTC with the help of Taragaon Development
committee has initiated several programs to improve the infrastructure here. Tent camps
are now in place and we have trained local people in hotel management, house-keeping and
guiding," said Balayar. But, Balayar adds that as the region does not enjoy
separate budget from the government, its plans are hindered. "There is no separate
budget available to us as it comes as an integrated package linked with other several
tourist destinations and heritage sites." Balayar suggests the formation of a separate
Khaptad Region Tourism Development Committee for smoothly undertaking development programs
for the region. "We are already in the process of forming such committee," he
says. Blessed by nature, the KNP is still waiting to
welcome visitors as the efforts to popularize it has not met with much success as yet. |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
