FAR WEST NEPAL | Travel for Adventure |
9th Mar, 2020
Far West Nepal is undoubtedly the newest tourist destination in Nepal. It is still untouched and unexplored. But holds some of the most beautiful attractions. Ranging from the largest herd of Swamp Deer in Asia at Suklaphanta National Park to the majestic beauty of the alpine meadows. Forest and lakes at Khaptad, to picturesque off the beaten trails of mountain range such as Mount Api and Mount Saipal. This western most region of Nepal covers an area of 19,539 sq km. This region includes the flatland , middle hills, and also high mountains, with the highest elevation at 7,132 meters.
Far West Nepal offers a variety of experiences and touristic attractions. Wildlife in the plains of Terai, to the misty hill stations and spectacular views in the Himalayan mountain range. Far-west Nepal is also home to very colorful and vivid cultures. The Raute tribe in the Far West still lives on hunting and gathering. They move from place to place. Visitors can see and experience the unique Tharu culture in the Terai.
Far Western Region offers Hindu culture in the mid-mountains and Tibetan culture in the northern. The sight of a white-turbaned Dhami, a shaman, with silver bangles on his arms and gold rings in his ears. It indicates just how far west you are of the modern world. Some of the famous religious and scenery sites to visit in Far West Nepal include places like: Badi Malika , Bardiya National park , Chisapani Karnali and many more. The Himalayan Trek Trials and the conservation areas are far western’s major attractions too.
Badi Malika
Among the many untouched scenic places in farwest is Badi Malika. The spirits of ancient times dwell in the Badi Malika Area. It is one of the major temples of Hindus. It attracts worshipers from across the country and from India. The Badi Malika Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati. She arrived in the area, leaving her previous dwellings behind her forever. On her journey, she had passed through Tribeni and finally settled in Badi Malika. The Doti kingdom also conducted their sacred journey to the Badi Malika Temple.
The Temple is at a remote location, on top of 22 grass plateaus. Around 200 species of flora and more than 100 species of herbs are home to this area. Once you reach the Temple (4,267m), you will be rewarded with a majestic view of the Himalayan range. The area is one of the main attractions of the Far-west Heritage trail. This trail connects three jewels of the region: Khaptad National Park, the spiritual Badi Malika area and the unique wetland area of Ramaroshan.
Ramroshan
Ramroshan is located in Achham district and its altitude varies from 2.050 m to 3,792 m. The area has a very diverse ecology and the weather here is always changing. The main attractions of the area include the 12 lakes and 18 meadows. A variety of flora and fauna exist in the area, and visitors may spot wild boars, bears, and occasionally, tigers. Ramaroshan is also an important religious site. It is believed that right after their marriage, lord Shiva and his consort Parvati spent sometime in the region.
Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park in the far west Nepal is also one of the the largest untouched wilderness in the Terai region of Nepal. The park protects 968 sq km of sal forest and whispering grassland, bordering the Geruwa and Karnali Rivers. The atmosphere is wonderfully tranquil. With the current slump in tourism, you may well have the whole place to yourself. There are estimated to be around 22 royal Bengal tigers and 100 one-horned rhinos at Bardia but these animals are elusive and sightings are rare. Beside the amazing wilderness, the civilization there is quite exciting too. The people, countryside, traditions , culture and food might compel you to spend couple of days more in the area .
Saipal
Mount Saipal is the second highest peak in the Far-West region of Nepal. It stands 7,031 m tall and lies in Bajhang District. It is the region’s second highest peak, after Mt. Api. Mount Saipal has been attempted by only a dozen teams so far. But the treks up to Saipal Base Camp from Simikot or Chainpur take place every year. The trek to the base camp of the stunning Mt. Saipal (7031m) runs as usual around 9 days from Simikot or 7 days from Chainpur. The best time for this off-the-beaten-trek is between mid-October and November.
Far West Nepal is what you’ve been missing…
Far West has some majestic Himalayan Treks to blow up your senses. The mind blowing scenic views feed into your senses subsequently making you feel like time has stood still. I bet one can never get enough of staring at the natural beauty in the laps of snow capped peaks. Api Nampa Conservation Area is one of the remotest areas of Nepal. With still intact rural village life and a low level of modern development. Due to the few numbers of tourists having reached that area of Nepal, the visitor can experience untouched nature and Nepali traditions. It is the youngest conservation area in Nepal, including 21 communities of Darchula district.
The conservation area is named after the Mount Api (7132m) and Nampa (6757m) which lie within the area. The conservation area covers an area of 1903 sq. km ranging from 518 to 7,134 meters above sea level. It includes different vegetation types. The central core area is plateau of grasslands intermixed with oak, coniferous forest , riverine deciduous temperate forest. It provides habitats for many rare endangered and threatened wildlife species. It includes the snow leopard and the musk deer. Due to the remoteness of the area communities and villages have kept their traditional way of life. Mainly living from agriculture, collection of medicinal and aromatic plants and artisan productions.
Blog by Sandip Adhikary
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