Khaptad's Spiritual Value

Nepal is endowed with numerous natural beauties and cultural and spiritual heritages. Vedic civiliastion and Buddhism flourished here, influencing the conduct, practices and life-views of Nepalis for millennia. Coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhist philosophy highlights tolerance and harmonious nature of Nepali society that has diverse ethnicities, languages and traditions. Religious communities have been living here in harmony for centuries. These virtues are embedded in the society because sages and seers chose the laps of Himalayas and banks of serene rivers to mediate and generate knowledge and ideas, which passed down to generation after generation through the oral tradition before they were coded into holy texts. This great enlightenment tradition does not only guide the native people but is also a great source of inspiration for outsiders to learn and embrace high ethical norms and right conduct for wellbeing and happiness in their life.

Nepal boasts of various natural and cultural wonders, spreading from Pathibhara in the east to Badimalika in the west. Its famous snow-capped mountains, rivers, valleys and flora and fauna attract and excite the nature lovers from around the world. The world’s tallest peak, Sagaramatha (Mt. Everest), has been a perennial source of inspiration for those interested in adventure activities. Sagaramatha and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, has made Nepal an ideal place for both adventurists and spiritual followers. Against this backdrop, Nepal government seeks to develop Khaptad area located in Bajura district as a spiritual centre. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and other dignitaries from inside and outside the country mooted this idea at the first Khaptad International Spiritual Conference the other day. 

Spread over an area of 225 square kilometres at an altitude of 3,200 metres above sea level, Khaptad was brought into limelight after Khaptad Baba from Kashi came here to live and meditated for 50 years in search of spiritual salvation and enlightenment. He wrote a number of books on Veda, yoga, health and religion. It is rich in bio-diversity with hundreds of bird species, 372 plants species and 130 types of herbs. Besides, various festivals such as Ganga Dussehra and Janaipurnima are held in Khaptad. Its tourism potentials are yet to be fully tapped.  Recognising Khaptad's spiritual, cultural and natural values, the government has prepared a detailed study report (DPR) to develop a new, environment friendly structure in Khaptad. 

At the conference, the speakers were unanimous for the promotion of the spiritual site. "As the Prime Minister, I have advocated to make Khaptad and other cultural sites as spiritual centres and tourist destinations," said PM Prachanda. Yoga Guru Ramdev expressed his commitment to contributing for the promotion of tourism in Khaptad. The three-day event is expected to spotlight on the significance of Khaptad at home and abroad. It is a right move on the part of government to devise a DPR on Khaptad's overall development. But what is more important is the timely execution of the report so that this famous place has sufficient infrastructures and facilities for the visitors. There has been a tendency of not implementing even well-drafted report. The domestic and foreign investors should be urged to invest in Khaptad. Once Khaptad evolves as a spiritual and tourism destination, it will also enhance Nepal's indigenous values and soft power, boosting its image and prestige in the international arena.