Western Mandala Apex

Far West Nepal is a land of remarkable contrasts. This journey takes us from the warm grasslands and wetlands of the Terai to the forested hills and open patans of the highlands, connecting two very different landscapes through one of Nepal's less-travelled regions.

Beginning in Dhangadhi, we explore Shuklaphanta National Park, known for its vast grasslands, wetlands, forests and rich wildlife, particularly its large herds of swamp deer. The park is also home to a  variety of birds and animals. Here,alongside  landscape we experience the Rana Tharu community, whose distinctive traditions, music, cuisine and close relationship with nature add an important cultural dimension to the journey.

From the Terai, the journey gradually climbs through the hills of Far West Nepal, passing small settlements, forests and changing landscapes. The winding road becomes part of the adventure as the warm plains give way to cooler mountain environments and eventually to Khaptad National Park, Nepal's distinctive mid-mountain highland landscape.

At around 3,000 metres, Khaptad opens into broad patans surrounded by forests of rhododendron, oak, fir, yew and bamboo. Wildflowers, medicinal plants, birds and wildlife make it a rich ecosystem, while local communities traditionally use the patans as seasonal pastureland. The landscape offers an opportunity to learn not only about nature and biodiversity, but also about the knowledge and ways of life connected to it.

Khaptad is also a place of pilgrimage, meditation and reflection. It is closely associated with Tribeni temple and Khaptad Baba, who spent many years meditating here, while places such as Tribeni and Khaptad Daha carry religious significance. Away from busy roads and crowded attractions, its forests, open meadows, changing weather and quiet trails invite us to walk, observe, listen and spend time with nature.

From the grasslands of Shuklaphanta to the highland patans of Khaptad, this is a journey of adventure, discovery and learning. An experience of wildlife, culture and changing landscapes, with time to slow down, connect with nature and reflect within. Walk, observe and connect with nature from the quiet open Patan and forests of Khaptad to the jungle trails and expansive grasslands of Shuklaphanta, experienced on foot and by jeep safari.

Landscape & Places

Khaptad National Park is a distinctive mid-mountain landscape of forests, open highlands and 22 grasslands known as Patan. The Patans are grazing grounds for domestic animals and wildlife.  With seasonal flowers, gazing wildlife, rich plants and birdlife the surrounding forests create a charming atmosphere. A paradise high above the clouds. From here the full range of Api and Saipal mountain ranges are seen. Khaptad is sacred meditation sites for peace, stillness and positive influences.

Shuklaphanta National Park in the lowlands presents a strikingly different landscape of vast grasslands surrounded by sal forests, wetlands and riverine areas. Its Shuklaphanta grassland, covering around 34 square kilometres, is Nepal's largest grassland. The expansive phantas provide important habitat for herds of swamp deer, Bengal tiger, Asian wild elephant, one-horned rhinoceros and birds and other wildlife.  The Jeep safari across these open grasslands offers a memorable way to experience the open horizon. 

Culture & Local Life

This journey offers an opportunity to experience the diverse cultures and ways of life of Far-Western Nepal. Around Khaptad, traditional livelihoods, seasonal grazing and local knowledge remain closely connected with the highland landscape, while the area's sacred places reflect a long tradition of spirituality and pilgrimage.

In the Terai, Tharu communities have developed a close relationship with the forests, grasslands and rivers of the region. Their traditions, knowledge of the landscape and ways of living add another dimension to the journey, showing how people and nature have shaped one another over generations.

Nature & Wildlife

Khaptad and Shuklaphanta reveal two contrasting worlds of nature. Khaptad's open patans, forests and highland habitats support a rich variety of medicinal and flowering plants, birds and mountain wildlife. Down in the Terai, the extensive grasslands, forests and wetlands of Shuklaphanta provide habitat for swamp deer, Bengal tiger, Asian wild elephant, one-horned rhinoceros and diverse birdlife.