Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve: A Unique Wildlife and Trekking Destination in Nepal

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is Nepal’s only designated area where regulated hunting of certain wildlife species is allowed. Established in 1987, the reserve spans 1,325 square kilometers in the Dhaulagiri Himal of western Nepal, with elevations ranging from 2,850 meters to 5,500 meters. The reserve demonstrates Nepal’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable biodiversity management, alongside other protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. This region boasts impressive mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and a rich variety of animals and birds.

Flora and Fauna

The reserve’s landscape includes alpine, subalpine, and temperate zones, with vegetation such as rhododendron, oak, fir, pine, birch, juniper, and spruce. High-altitude pastures provide grazing areas for animals like blue sheep and Himalayan Thar, while other wildlife includes leopards, ghorals, black bears, barking deer, langurs, wild boars, and rhesus macaques. Controlled hunting is permitted for select species such as musk deer, red panda, wolves, cheer pheasants, and Daphe, strictly managed to support conservation goals.

Hunting Blocks and Permitted Species

The reserve is divided into seven hunting blocks, three in the north and four in the south:

Northern Blocks:

✓ Seng: Blue sheep, Himalayan Thar

✓ Dogadi: Blue sheep, Himalayan Thar

✓ Sundaha: Blue sheep, Himalayan Thar

Southern Blocks:

✓ Falguna: Himalayan Thar, Blue sheep

✓ Barse: Blue sheep

✓ Gutsang: Blue sheep, Himalayan Thar

✓ Surtibang: Himalayan Thar

Trekking and Cultural Exploration

In addition to hunting, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is an excellent destination for trekking and hiking. Visitors can explore local villages, experience the culture of hill tribes and Tibetan refugee communities, and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Trekking routes often start and end at Beni, Myagdi, passing through villages like Darbang, Dharapani, Phagune Dada, and Guraghat. Hikers can also admire peaks such as Guru Himal, Putha Himal, and Churey Himal, making the journey a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural immersion.

Best Season to Visit

The ideal time to explore the reserve is summer and autumn, when weather conditions are favorable and trails are accessible. Winter trekking can be challenging due to snow and cold, while the monsoon season, lasting until October, may make trails slippery and difficult.