Sudurpaschim, the lesser known and lesser traversed destination during the travel season is one that is criminally underrated by international and domestic tourists. Given its remoteness, this region is easily shunned by adventure seekers and naturalists who miss out on the majestic mountains, the open grassland and pristine lakes; a microcosm of the Nepalese landscape in one action packed region.
Located in the Himalayas of the north-west Bajhang district standing tall at an elevation of 7,031 meters (23067.58 ft). Mount Saipal is one of the most popular among the group of climbers and trekkers. It takes almost 24 days and is one of the most challenging trails to climb. The joy of waking on empty trails with a small group of people passing dense forests, beautiful valleys, waterfalls, landscapes, fauna and flora, and few local settlements here and there is beyond measure. The main highlights of this place are the spectacular view of mountains like Saipal, Api Himal, Mt. Thado Dhunga Tuppa, Mt. Nandadevi and other peaks.
Budhananda Tal is the hidden gem of the newly found municipality of Bajura district in Sudurpaschim province. Located at an altitude of 4600 meters (15,091.86 ft) is one of the most daring treks which takes about 13 days. Waking in the off-the-beaten trail in the west while climbing the steep cliffs will surely test the endurance of both body and mind of even the experienced trekkers. The lake, which has a pilgrimage site, many devotees in the Janai Purnima come here for religious purposes.
The pride of the Far Western region, Khaptad National Park was established in 1984 AD. It stretches over the four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti and sits at an elevation from 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) to 3,300 meters (10,800 ft). The landscape consists of moorland, steep slopes, and streams and is home to different fauna and flora. You might also see animals and birds like leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, peregrine falcon white-rumped vulture and many more. The place also has religious places like Khaptad Baba Ashram and Triveni Dham.
Established in 2010, Api Nampa Conservation Area is the youngest conservation area in the Darchula district of the country. It is named after the two peaks Api and Nampa and was established to conserve the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area. The valley is full of meadows, oak trees, and coniferous forests. Different animals and birds like snow leopard, red panda, serow, snowcock, Himalayan monal and many more can be seen. A place is also a place where the nomadic lifestyle is still practiced by the Byash community.
The largest lake of Sudurpaschim province, Ghodaghodi lake located in the Kailali district at an altitude of 205 meters (673 ft). The lake consists of a system of about 13 large and shallow oxbow lakes and ponds with associated marshes and meadows. It is surrounded by tropical deciduous forests which work as a wildlife corridor to support critically endangered and vulnerable species like the Bengal tiger, swamp deer, red crowned roofed turtle, and many more.
Once a hunting ground for the royals of Nepal, it has now turned into one of the most beautiful national parks. Shuklaphanta National Park is probably the largest grassland in the far western region. Apart from the home to different animals and birds like elephants, tiger, deer, wood snipe, great barbet laggar falcon and many more. It is also home to Rana Tharus, one of the earliest inhabitants of Terai.
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