Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal

About Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is extending over an area of 1325 square kilometers which is situated at Rukum, Myagdhi, and Baglung District. This Hunting reserve area is in the Dhaulagiri Himal range of Nepal. It is only one hunting reserve in Nepal which was established in 1987. Both Nepalese and foreigner hunters can hunt for blue sheep and other game animal. In this hunting reserve, there are some endangered animals like Musk deer, Red Panda, Cheer Pleasant and Danphe is preserved in this area. And you are not allowed to hunt these endangered animals, and you are allowed to hunt only four animals in this area.

Most of the reserve is recognized for its abundant and breathtaking scenery where visitor to Dhorpatan may anticipate seeing a great diversity of plants and animals. For hunting, the priority is often given controlling pollution of certain species to mitigate human-wildlife conflict or maintain ecological balance. It is certain to be memorable experience where you can hike the paths and participates in campaigns to protect animals. More than 50% of area is reserved at higher elevation and at this hunting reserve the common species of plant like pine, fir, brich, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper, and many more.

In this hunting reserve, there are almost 852 species of blue sheep, 137 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, and 58 species of plants are preserved here. This hunting reserve is famous among trekkers who wish to visit remote places experience of cultural and natural beauty of Nepal. On this route, we get to know about the culture and tradition of Magar, Thakali and Gurung. It will be a different experience for those who want to learn new things where you get magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Major things to do at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

The major things to do at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve are:

Blue sheep hunting: On this tour, you will get a permission to hunt Himalayan blue sheep. It will become an unforgettable experience of your lifetime. For hunting, you have to be physically and mentally ready where the trip tests your endurance and patience.

Combo hunting: In this combo hunting, you will have permission to hunt both Himalayan Thar and Himalayan Blue sheep. Even though, it is a little bit expensive, it gives lots of excitement experience.

Trekking: On this tour, you get an opportunity to explore through beautiful hills on this route. Horse riding is the best way to explore Dhorpatan where you get an opportunity to see many endangered animals. The endangered animals like Musk deer, Red Panda, Cheer Pleasant and many more.

Bird watching: On this route, you will get a chance to see about 137 species of birds. For the better views of birds, you have to take Binocular with you. We can see other birds like Koklass pheasant, Cheer pheasant, impeyan pheasant, Danphe and other birds.

Permits and Regulations

Before embarking, you have to learn about the rules and regulation of this trip what you can do or what you can’t do. If you are planning to visit this hunting reserve, you have to take a permit from the Department of National Park and wildlife conservation. Only limited licensed is issued by Nepal government every year. So only few people will get hunting licenses. The permit specifies about the hunting season, its duration and quantities of animal that can be hunted. It is better to go with experienced hunting guide. You are also requested to follow the guidance of your hunting guide to ensure your safety. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of hunting.

Things needed for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

It is very important to pack things before embarking on this route. While embarking on this trip, you have to stay at camp, so it is better to pack camping equipment. Binocular is also needed for bird watching and wildlife. It is better to pack long sleeves pant and t-shirt, comfortable shoes or hiking boots, hunting gear and ammunition and first-aid kits before embarking here. You are requested to keep photocopy of your passport, extra passport-sized photos, and travel insurance document with you.

Highlights

  • Extending over an area of 1325 square kilometers
  • Situated at Rukum, Myagdhi, and Baglung District
  • Established in 1987
  • Magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
  • Know about the culture and tradition of Magar, Thakali, and Gurung
  • Experience cultural and natural beauty of Nepal
  • Almost 852 blue sheep, 137 birds, 18 mammals, and 58 plants are preserved here
  • Famous among trekkers who wish to visit remote places

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrive at Kathmandu
  • Day 2Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Day 3Drive to Baglung
  • Day 4Drive to Dhorpatan National Park
  • Day 5Hunting and exploring
  • Day 6Bird Watching
  • Day 7Drive back to Pokhara
  • Day 8Pokhara Sightseeing
  • Day 9Drive back to Kathmandu
  • Day 10Departure day
Day to day details itinerary

Useful Information

Best time for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

This hunting reserve is perfect opportunity adventure seekers which enhance their entire experience. For this hunting reserve, autumn and spring is the perfect time to visit.

Autumn season: In autumn, the weather is very clear and crisp start on mid-October where visitor can go camping, hunting, and sightseeing through the season. On this season, we will get to see everywhere greenery and this time will be an ideal time to explore Dhorpatan hunting reserve.

Spring season: In spring, flower blooms everywhere and profusion of foliage provide an amazing scene throughout the season. This is the great time to witness the breeding season of various animals.

The autumn and spring season is the perfect season for hunting in Nepal and the remaining season are closed for hunting. On these seasons, you will feel easier experience during the warm sunny days. These two seasons guarantee that the guest to this hunting reserve will have an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation: This hunting reserve offers several lodging alternatives, including hotel, lodges, tea house, and camping. Hotel, lodges, and tea house offers cozy accommodation. It is very important to note that the facilities are very limited and visitor should come prepared with necessary item. If you are interested to stay outside, you can go camping on this national park tour. Some places of this hunting reserve may have guest houses and lodges with simple amenities. The homestay provide an immersive cultural experience with local families.

Food: Visitor may taste authentic Nepalese food on this hunting reserve which is renowned for its distinct species and tastes. You will get the variety of foods and drinks for your breakfast, lunch, and dinners and there are varieties of menu at hotel where you stay. If you are staying on camp then the company will take all needed food with you.

Flora and fauna

Dhorpatan hunting reserve is home to various vegetation and wildlife with a unique environment for many animals, reptile, amphibians and insects. This hunting reserve occupies more than 50% of the total area of the reserve at high elevation which represented by alpine, sub-alpine, and high- temperature vegetation. The Himalayan blue sheep is a prime habitant which is highly coveted trophy of this reserve. Not only Himalayan blue sheep, but we also get a chance to see many animals at the hunting reserve. The animals like leopard, goral, Himalayan Thar, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, Langur, and many other animals are found here.

This hunting reserve is home of many endangered animals like musk deer, wolf, red panda, Cheer pleasant, and Danphe. Not only rare animals but also get a chance to see many rare birds in this tour. It allows only the hunting of certain wild species in dedicated areas to control the population. Only few numbers of hunting licenses is issued from department of national park and conservation every year. There are almost 852 species of blue sheep, 137 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, 2 species of reptiles, and 58 species of plants are preserved in this hunting reserve.