Khaptad – Ramaroshan Trek is the easy trek to the land of grasslands and forests with diverse geographical features from high mountains to deep gorges and plateaus. This trek is one of the best trek for beginners too.
The place inherits its name from Khaptad Swami, a Hindu sage who lived in the area for many years. The government has gazette 225 sq. km of the area as Khaptad National Park to conserve wildlife and biodiversity in the area. A 5 km area inside the park has been separated for meditation and tranquility where consumption of meat, alcohol, and tobacco is prohibited. The national park is described as a living garden of herbs and a museum of natural history for its 224 species of medicinal herbs. Khaptad Lake is a place of religious significance and draws hundreds of people on the full moon day of July- August every year. The park is home to different wildlife species, including bear, leopard, common langur, musk deer, and different species of birds. The area is a fertile land for different medicinal herbs and other rare vegetation.
Ramaroshan is famous for its beautiful landscapes and abundant greenery. Ramaroshan, which inherits its name from Ramaroshan Lake, is a place of great diversity as it is home to different species of birds, wildlife and vegetation. It offers a good view of Budhiganga basin, along with the peaks of Mount Api, and Mount Saipal. The place has different religious pillars which have been drawing researchers to the place from far and wide. Ramaroshan is home to 12 lakes and 18 pasturelands. Jigale Lake is the largest lake in this area which has the shape of English letter C whereas Taune Lake is the smallest one. Among the 18 patans, Kinemine Patan is the largest Patan, through which the Kailash River flows. Beautiful scenery, green pasturelands, lakes and swamps, and the Rocky Mountains among others are the attractions of Ramaroshan.
Highlights of Trek
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Grade | 3 |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,020m/9,906ft Bichpani Camp |
| Mountains | Mt Saipal (7,031m), Mt. Api (7,132m) |
| Rivers | Seti River, Budi Ganga, Kailash River |
| Forests | Rhododendron & Pine Forests |
| Flights | Kathmandu (KTM) – Dhangadhi (DHI) – Kathmandu (KTM) |
| Landscapes | Hills and Mountains, Grasslands Plateau, Basins, Valleys |
| Warning | Altitude Sickness (3000) |
| Accommodation | Star Category hotels in Kathmandu, Tourist standard lodges and Camping at trekking |
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to the hotel. After some refreshment, there will be a short briefing about the trek regarding the schedule, required trekking gears, services, and facilities we provided during the drive and trekking areas.
The rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites among below:
- Pashupatinath Temple - the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) - an ancient durbar (palace) with its numerous old palaces, temples, and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.
- Bouddhanath Stupa- an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world
- Swayambhunath Stupa - the oldest Buddhist stupa of Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. It is also known as the “Monkey Temple”!!
- Patan City - a city of 55 major temples, 136 Buddhist monasteries, and famous for the production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
- Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
- National Museum
The rest of the day is free for trekking preparation, such as trekking gear shopping, packing on a duffle bag, etc.
Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at Authentic Nepali restaurant with cultural program.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (109m/357ft) - 1 hour 15 minutes and drive to Dipayal Silgadhi (1,340m/4,396ft) – 190Km / 6 hours
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Dhangadi for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At Dhangadhi, we will meet the awaiting vehicle to drive from Dhangadi to Dipayal Silgadhi. This day we will drive to a hilly area leaving the Terai plains of the far western region of Nepal. Upon arrival in Silgadhi, check into the hotel and explore Silgadhi Bazar.
Overnight at a hotel in Dipayal Silgadhi. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Drive to Jhigrana (2,250m/7,381ft) – 1.5 hours and trek to Bichpani Camp (3,020m/9,906ft) – 3 hours
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and start drive to Jhigrana, the entrance point of Khaptad National Park. En route, we will explore Shree Saileshwori Temple of Doti.
Goddess Shaileshwari is another form among many others and people have great faith in her, like any other form of Bhagwati/Durga, it is supposed that the goddess would fulfill their destiny. The inhabitants of Silgadhi always pray to goddess Shaileshwari before beginning any task. The deities in the temple complex include a Shiva lingam, Chaturbhuj Narayan, Ganesh, Bhairab, and Masta.
Then we will continue the drive to Jhigrana. Upon arrival at Jhigrana, start trek to Bichpani Camp for about 3 hours. Crossing Jhigrana, the trail will gently ascend towards the forest trail. Walking for four hours, we will reach Bichpani.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camp at Bichpani Camp. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Trek to Khaptad (3,010m/9,873ft) - 5 hours
After breakfast, we will start trek towards Khaptad. Today trek leads through subtropical pine timberland, and the subalpine fir, hemlock, oak, and rhododendron backwoods in the higher region. April is the best time to see red rhododendron (Laliguras) or pink rhododendron (Setoguras) in bloom. The trail is paved with stone for easy walking. We can see a direction board on the way to show different places to visit. Walking for about 3 hours, we will reach Tribeni Dham where a temple is situated at the confluence of three rivers, Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati. Following the right-side trail from Tribeni Sangam, we will reach to National Park headquarter where we will find teahouse lodges.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camp at Khaptad. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Explore Khaptad Region
The National park “Khaptad National Park” established in 1984 has an extraordinary ecosystem with a huge variety of vegetation ranging from the sub-tropical forest in the lower altitudes to temperate forests on the Khaptad plateau. The park offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. We will explore Khaptad Baba Hermitage, Sahashra Linga, Ganesh temple, Nagdhunga (Serpent Stone), and Kedardhunga, the museum at headquarter, and a view tower. To the north we can see the Saipal Himalayan Ranges- In the other direction, the vast green mid-hills of Nepal can be seen clearly. Intertwined into the landscape of the Khaptad plateau are the Patans (pastureland) with beautiful flowers (about 135 species) that bloom in the summer and late spring. The local people graze their livestock in the Patans during the summer season. In the northeastern part of the park, there is a lake called Khaptad Daha. The National park is rich in flora and fauna such as oak and rhododendron in the higher area. There are more than 224 species of medical herbs, about 11 percent of flowering plants of Nepal, 270 species of birds, 20 species of animals.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camp at Khaptad. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Trek down to Jhigrana – 7 hours
This day, we will trek down to Jhigrana retracing the same route. This day we will descend to Jhigrana for about 7 hours. The trail will be gently upward till Bichpani camp and then downhill upto Jhigrana through the dense forest or rhododendron and pine. Walking for 7 hours, we will reach Jhigrana.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camp at Jhigrana. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Drive to Ramaroshan Lake (2417m/7929ft) – 7 hours
After breakfast, start drive to the excursion of Rama Roshan Wetland Area. After connecting to the Silgadi - Sanfebagar Highway, we will drive towards Safebagar for about 2 hours. At Safebagar, we will explore Baijanath Dham, a religious site. After crossing Budiganga River, we ascend to the top of the hill above Sanfebagar along the Sanfebagar-Mangalsen Highway for about 1 hour. From Jayagad, we will drive off-road towards Ramaroshan Lake via Mujabagar for about 4 hours.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camps at Ramaroshan. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Explore Ramaroshan Wetland Area
This day, we will hike and do some nature walks to explore the wetland area. Ramaroshan is derived from the name of two adjacent wetland areas, Rama and Roshan. Ramaroshan area is comprised of 12 Lakes and 18 meadows (locally known as Patans). We will do boating on the Lake too. The area is full of orchids and different types of Rhododendrons having different colors. You will have a spectacular view of the Budiganga Basin along with the majestic peaks of Mt. Api, Mt. Saipal, and Badimalika Temple. We will find the origin of the Kailash River in the wetland area.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camps at Ramaroshan. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Drive back to Dadeldhura Bazar - 7 hours
After breakfast, start the drive back to Dadeldhura Bazar for about 7 hours. The road from Ramaroshan to Jayagad Fort via Muja Bagar is off-road which takes about 4 hours and from Jayagadh to Dadeldhura Bazar via Sanfebagar and Silgadhi is blacktopped one that takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival at Dadeldhura Bazar, check into the hotel.
Overnight at hotel at Dadeldhura Bazar. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Explore Amargadhi Fort and drive back to Dhangadhi – 4 hours
Early morning, we will explore Amargadhi Fort. Amargadhi Fort is one of the most important historical places in Dadeldhura. This fort is a historic monument, directly connected to the unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. During the time of unification in the early 19th century, General Amar Singh Thapa fought the English from this fort. He built this fort to store arms and ammunition. Besides, it served as a military base. You can see the statue of Amarsingh Thapa near the fort.
Later drive down to Dhangadhi for about 4 hours and check into the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel at Dhangadhi. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Fly from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) – 1 hour 15 minutes
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and timely transferred to Dhangadhi Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Kathmandu to about 1 hour 15 minutes. During the flight, you can enjoy the Himalayan Ranges on the left side. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, assist to transfer and check into the hotel. The rest of the time is free for rest and refreshment.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 13: Contingency day on trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances.
Free day in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tours (on own), last-minute shopping, bag packing, etc.
Eve: Group Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)
Day 14: Departure to home country
After breakfast, timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier to the scheduled flight departing time. We wish you a happy journey during your flight from Nepal to your home country with the hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Team Member
- All arrival and departures transfer will be assisted by the Tour Escorts.
- All the sightseeing tours in Kathmandu will be accompanied by an experienced English Speaking Tour Guide or any other language specialist on demand.
- During the trekking, a government-certified Trekking Guide will be with the group for the trek arrangements.
- One local guide to interpret languages with the local community.
- On a trek, porters will carry a duffel bag of 2 porters and ranges up to a maximum of 30 Kg/ 60 lbs. Guests are expected to carry only a small rucksack while walking to carry all the essentials such as water bottles, extra jackets, cameras, pack lunch, etc.
Transportation
- All arrival and departure transfer, ground transport will be provided an A/c private vehicle.
- Round Trip of Kathmandu/Dhangadhi/Kathmandu on a domestic flight.
- Drive from Dhangadi-Silgadhi-Jhigrana-Ramarodhan and back to Dhangadhi will be on a private 4WD Jeep.
- (If you wish to use the local transport, there will be changes on the time and the stopover location than mentioned above. This will be the customized trek, so the final itinerary will be prepared according to the demand of trekkers.)
Accommodation & Food
- For four nights in Kathmandu, there will be star-categorized hotels depends upon the choice of guests.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- At Dadeldhura, Silgadhi, Dhangadi there will be tourist standard lodges which are based on availability)
- During trekking, we will set up camping tents for a night's stay. If possible, we will serve food from the local lodges or houses at different villages or stopover places if available. During the season, the local community operates small huts for catering services at all the stop-over points. This depends upon the season. Timing for breakfast, lunches, dinner can be more or fewer changes due to the availability of lodges or the guest preferences.
- On the special request from guests, we will hire a camping expert and cook for this trek.
- Guests having any specific meal dietary requirements should inform us in advance.
- Meals are listed as above in Itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Itinerary
We request you to view the Itinerary and information herein as a guideline. The information provided in the itinerary is to the best of our knowledge, marginal variances in the actual distances and altitudes are possible. Weather conditions, roadblocks, local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdowns, or other such unforeseeable circumstances can lead to a change in itinerary or means of transport.
Insurance
It is important to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy against illness, hospitalization, flight delays, and loss of luggage, cancellations, and amendments due to weather conditions, political disturbances, or natural calamities as well as emergency helicopter evacuation. Before purchasing Travel Insurance, please ensure that the policy covers adventure activities and or trekking activity at around 3,000m.
Fitness
The trek is easy to trek all groups of trekkers as well as for beginners. This trek involves walking 5-6 hours daily while ascending whereas, on returning, the trek will skip one camp). Previous walking experience at high altitudes is beneficial. The highest altitude that we attain on this trek is (3,020m/9,906ft) at Bichpani Camp. Physical fitness is essential & previous walking experience outdoor is essential.
Basic infrastructure
The trekking area will lack an electricity facility and telephone network. We recommend you carry additional batteries for Cameras, or a Solar power bank to charge smartphones. The trek leader will carry a Satellite phone to communicate at offices in Kathmandu in case of any emergencies.
