Mesmerising Khaptad

Overlooking the Api and the Saipal Himalayan ranges, camouflaged under the wispy balls of ivory clouds. It's a haven on Earth for those reclusive, wanderlust-seeking conversations with the divine. This pristine and tranquil valley invokes the hankering for the spiritual tete-a-tete and can be thoroughly entertained as a "religious or spiritual circuit." Besides its spiritual and religious aspects, Khaptad National Park is the most sought-after destination for trekking and bird watching and is known as the spiritual domain of Shri 1008 Brahmavit Paramhansa Yogi Schitananda Saraswati, popularly venerated and revered as the "Khaptad Baba." The recluse Yogi was born on February 10, 1880, in Kashmir and also had a medical degree. He renounced his ties with the rest of the world to quench his insatiable thirst for the ultimate truth. He embraced the ochre robe and became a sanyasi under the guidance of revered Gurudeva Shiva 1008 Swami Gyansramaji, who had his hermitage on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in India. After roaming with wanderlust throughout the years at various places in India, Sri Khaptad Baba left for Nepal with the other six seekers of the spiritual path, Shyam Chetan Baba and Evans Wentz. Sri Khaptad Baba travelled along the high mountain sides of Nepal and temporarily settled in Illam, Kalinchowk, Swarga Dwari, Mushiket, Chandannath, and ultimately in Khaptad. Sri Khaptad Baba was a highly renowned spiritual teacher and thinker who spent more than 50 years in Khaptad, and he was the one who safeguarded and helped preserve the area. Perhaps Khaptad was tailored—made for him to live wearing the veil of anonymity and solitude. He penned numerous books throughout his life, but the "Science of Yoga" was his best-selling book. He wrote in Urdu, Hindi, and English. Although he maintained or chose to remain aloof from the outside world, his doors were always open to the needy. He was known as the local doctor for the people of the neighbouring areas. His hermitage was the only source of treatment and medicine. Those who reached out to him always received medicines, which Sri Khaptad Baba collected from the forest of Khaptad and stored in pouches. He resorted to Mother Nature's medical potency to cure the locals. 

Khatad National Park was officially established in 1984 and stretches over the four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Accham, and Doti, covering 225 m2 (87 sq mi) and ranging in elevation from 1400 m to 3,300m above sea level. 

The landscape is a fusion of moorland, steep slopes, and streams. More than 567 varieties of species of flora are found over there: pine-rhododendron forest, oak and Himalayan fir-hemlock-oak forest, and alder forest. Mammal species such as leopards, Himalayan black bears, wild dogs, musk deer, peregrine falcons, white-rumped vultures, etc. live in the sprawling Khaptad. 

The distant history of Khaptad is carved with myriad stories. The rainbow floral carpet of blooming wild flowers sweeps down from the steep slopes to the moorland. Standing under the infinite azure sky, surrounded by nature's intricate motif, one easily feels taken away by the natural beauty. This national park is home to mammals like leopards, Himalayan black bears, wild dogs, musk deer, daphne, bulbuls, cuckoos, and eagles. The wanderlust enthusiast can opt to either fly or reach Dhangadi airport by bus; it usually takes 9 hours to reach Bajhang. Although it's always suitable to travel to Khaptad National Park, the best months to venture are October–November, when the temperature is usually between 10 and 20 degrees, June–September (rainy seasons), and December–February (snowfall). There aren’t that many options available for lodging in the vicinity of the national park. Generally, trekkers carry their gear and other necessary items required for their travel. However, there are a handful of guest houses and barracks of the Nepali army, which is the caretaker of the Khaptad National Park and also sees to the requirements of the travelers. The central attractions of the Khaptad National Park are the ashram of Sri Khaptad Swami, the Khaptad Lake, Tribeni, the temple of Lord Ganesha, Nagdhunga, Kedardhunga, and Sahashra Linga at 3,200 m, which is the highest point of the park. Permits and entrance fees are charged for nationals of SAARC regions and foreigners from other countries. It is free for Nepalese nationals. 

There are 12 lakes in Khaptad National Park, which is the most sought-after among the locations for bird watching. And since there are ruins of old historical buildings, this upscales the curiosity bug from an archaeological perspective as well. The vast green meadows extend endlessly to the horizon, where wild horses graze freely and contentedly. Here, one can feel an intimate connection with the divine, sensing its presence close at hand. In a nutshell, Khaptad is a picturesque paradise crafted by nature and bestowed on Nepal.

(An author by profession, Chalise holds a PhD in travel and tourism