Khaptad – Rara Camping Trek

It’s a 6 hour scenic drive to Silgadi by jeep crossing the Seti River which is one of the branches of the longest river system of Nepal, Karnali. Overnight at camp.

The trek starts steep uphill from Silgadi through a small forest area. Lunch will be provided on the way and the trail is mostly flat after that with gradual uphill of about 3 hours.

We will enter the 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 until Khaptad. Overnight at camp.

Features of the park 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).

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.

The trail starts slightly uphill, then downhill later and then flat to Oligaun. You can explore the beautiful Dogadi village along the way with traditional Nepali thatched- roof mud houses and scenic rice terraces.

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 the Marthadi village and trek downhill to the village.

We mostly walk on motorable road this day. The trail starts uphill and then flat on the last part of the trek with a bit of uphill again.

The trail starts with gradual uphill climb 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.

It is an easy trek to the Karnali River, mostly flat with little bits of ups and downs. Koltee is a small, tribal village town which has a domestic airport. Once we reach the Karnali River, guests can enjoy magnificent views of the mighty river

It is another easy half day trekking. Again today, guests can enjoy the stunning views of the Karnali River as the trail runs adjacent to the river till the camp site. Our overnight camp will be located next to the running river.

Our trail follows along a small river called Khatyad, which starts from Rara Lake. This beautiful trail starts flat for about half an hour and then goes steep uphill for about 20 to 30 mins after which it is mostly flat with gentle uphills.

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. 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.

It is the last day of the trek and an easy trail, mostly flat through the lake and forest. There is a bit of uphill and finally downhill to reach Talcha. Talcha is a small village perched in the hills with an airport.

Next day after breakfast, we take a flight to Nepalgunj (1hr) and then Kathmandu (45mins).