The tenth chapter of the Ride Nepal Series takes riders to Khaptad National Park, an offbeat and lesser-explored destination in far-western Nepal. Known for its wide alpine meadows, dense forests, and spiritual importance, Khaptad offers a rare mix of wilderness and religious heritage.
Established in 1984, the national park covers an area of 225 square kilometers and lies at an average altitude of over 3,000 meters.
Located across Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti districts, Khaptad remains one of Nepal’s most peaceful and untouched protected areas. The landscape is defined by rolling grasslands, oak and rhododendron forests, and open plateaus rather than steep Himalayan peaks.
The area is also closely associated with Khaptad Baba, a revered spiritual figure whose ashram remains a major pilgrimage site within the park.
The Khaptad motorbike ride is an adventure through the far-western hills, combining long highway stretches with increasingly remote and rugged terrain. The motorable road ends at Jhigrana, from where riders must continue on foot, trekking for approximately eight hours to reach the core area of Khaptad National Park. This final trek is an essential part of the experience, reinforcing Khaptad’s reputation as a destination that rewards patience and endurance.
Riders starting from Dhangadi typically follow the route:
Attariya → Budar → Gaira → Gobghat → Seti Bridge → Doti → Jhigrana
Those starting from Butwal enjoy relatively smoother riding conditions for most of the journey, covering around 597 kilometers along the East-West Highway via:
Butwal → Bhalubang → Lamahi → Kohalpur → Chisapani → Attariya → Jhigrana
From Kathmandu, riders first take the Prithvi Highway to Muglin and continue to Narayanghat via the Madan Ashrit Highway. From there, the route joins the East-West Highway to Butwal before continuing towards Jhigrana.
Depending on the starting point, the journey duration varies. Riders from Dhangadi generally plan around five days, while those starting from Butwal take about seven days. From Kathmandu, the full journey usually requires eight days. The ride reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 3,300 meters, with riding conditions ranging from moderate to extreme depending on road quality, weather, and season.
Road conditions are manageable on major highways but become increasingly rough beyond the urban centers. Narrow hill roads, gravel sections, and limited facilities demand careful riding and proper planning. Accommodation options include basic local lodges along the route, while camping is required within and around the Khaptad area itself.
Major attractions of the Khaptad ride include Khaptad Baba Ashram, Triveni Temple, Nagdhunga, Khaptad Lake, and sweeping sunset views across the open meadows. The region is also known for its unique flora and fauna, making it appealing not only to riders but also to nature enthusiasts.
Remote, spiritual, and naturally rich, Khaptad stands as a fitting destination for Ride Nepal Series – Part 10, offering riders a quieter yet deeply rewarding adventure in far-western Nepal.
Shrestha is a tourism expert.
