The Ultimate Guide for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in Nepal

Table of Contents

Introduction

The last wild frontier of Nepal that is Dhorpatan. Where bullet echo like prayers and clouds guard the timeless wonder of nature. Unscripted Dhorpatan awaits for you!

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is located in western Nepal. It is a magnificent location enriched with colourful wildflowers. It is the core habitat of blue sheep, which hunters see as Nirvana. Dhorpatan is the sole hunting place of Nepal. The diverse ecosystem comprises alpine meadows, dense forests, and marshlands, collectively known as Dhor. The Dhorpatan Valley is best known across the world. It lies between the Dhaulagiri range and the Gurja Himal. The rugged solitude Dhorpatan offers is breathtaking.

Dhorpatan is the place where the thrill of the hunt is still alive, the mystery of forgotten Kharkas, and the spiritual beauty of the terrain is circumscribed. The hunting that occurs here is regulated, respectful, and caring, thereby carrying the story of decades. The wilderness Dhorpatan provides is exceptional. The trekker feels the salience and abundance of natural glory. Tour Babari can be the trusted expedition partner which helps the traveller to discover the untamed corners of the world. If you are eager to enjoy nature at its peak, Dhorpatan would be your go-to location.

Tour Babari is the renowned travel agency which customises travel plans for Nepal judiciously and with ease. With expert knowledge of logistics and location, Tour Babari caters to the interests of various types of trekkers. Let us begin our unforgettable journey to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.

You can explore Dhorpatan Virtually with our YouTube video.

Why People Visit Dhorpatan

There are endless reasons for visiting Dhorpatan, from trophy hunting, wild trekking, to diverse wildlife. With the regulated quotas for wildlife species such as the Himalayan blue sheep, the Himalayan Tahr, the Musk Deer, and the Serow. Hunters seek both challenge and heritage under the DNPWC oversight. Apart from hunting, trekkers discover hidden paths, wildlife-rich fingers, and untouched paths lined with alpine flora.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve hosts about 852 blue sheep, musk deer, red pandas, wolves, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards. Over 140 bird species encompassing cheer pheasants, barking deer, and langurs. Travellers can engage with the local communities, participate in rituals, savour indigenous cuisine, and forge bonds with those who stewarded these highlands for centuries.

Things to Explore in Dhorpatan Beyond Hunting

Though Dhorpatan is known for its unique hunting experience, the true magic of Dhorpatan lies in the Himalayan Wilderness. It is beyond the scope of rifles. The picturesque landscape of Dhorpatan is a living canvas where the bounty of untamed meadows grows. If you are a nature enthusiast, preacher of solitude, and lover of Himalayan beauty. The natural treasures of Dhorpatan allow the traveller to enjoy the hidden treasures intrinsically. Here are the prominent things to explore in Dhorpatan:

Buki Patans: Where Meadows Breathe Sky

Buki Patans are high-altitude alpine meadows that burst into life with seasonal wildflowers and medicinal herbs. The grasslands perched above the treeline are not only visually striking but heartwarming. Early morning light spills across the ridges, golden slopes dotted with grazing blue sheep, barking deer, and elusive Himalayan black bear. If you are a seeker of solitude, then meadows are ideal for fly camping, meditation, and enjoying the dancing clouds against the Dhaulagiri skyline.

Da Kharka: Balcony of the Giants

Da Kharka is where the silence has the volume. The vast, open pasture, blanketed in soft moss, and ancient rhododendron forests bring dramatic views of a deck over two Himalayan titans, that is Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. At Da Kharka, the nature’s horizon unfolds in waves of white peaks and icy ridgelines. The pasture here is interspersed with waterfalls tumbling down mossy cliffs and grazing grounds. Nature’s grandeur at its peak is observed at Da Kharka, and the traveller makes everlasting memories.

Phagune Phedi and Dhorbaraha Temple

Phagune Phedi and Dhorbaraha Temple is located at the edge of the forest and near the Uttar Ganga River. It is the spiritual location to find yourself. Dhorbaraha Temple is a revered site during the full moon festival of Janai Purnima. The sound of conch shells, soft chanting of mantras, and prayer flags flutering over the river paint. This area radiates a quiet holiness, inviting travellers to pause, reflect and reconnect.

Gurja Himal Views and Camps

The awe-striking views of Gurja Himal and Churen Himal ranges are pristine and dramatic in their snow-capped splendour. These slopes are ideal for fly campsites where you can pitch the tent under the glittering skies. The constellation and sun ignition in the peak highlight the hues of rose gold. The silence at this place is not empty. It is enriched with brimming birdsong, crackle of a campfire, and distant hums of praters. The sunrise at this location is vibrant and mesmerising.

Seng Khola and Gurjaghat

Seng Khola is clear and cold, rich with Himalayan Trout. It is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. River bank lined with the whispering forests, moss-covered boulders, and fluttering birds like the colourful Himalayan Monal. By following the bank of the river, the traveller will reach Gurjaghat. It is a peaceful hamlet that feels like a page left out of a forgotten tale. The traditional tea houses at this place welcome trekkers with yak butter tea, woodsmoke, and rhythmic nature.

Pricing for Hunting and Entry

A visit to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve comes with multiple fee structure that varies based on nationality and purpose of visit. For general entry, foreign nationals are required to pay approximately NPR 8000 to NPR 10,000 per day. While SAARC citizens can enjoy discounted prices of NPR 50,000. However, the Nepali nationals have to pay a nominal NPR 100. But if you are planning to hunt, then the price will shoot significantly.

For Trophy hunting species like Himalayan Blue Sheep, Elusive Musk Deer, or Black Bear, they demand premium fees that often exceed a thousand dollars. In addition, the TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System), local Guide, and porter services, campsite accommodation and permission for filming using a drone demand higher prices. Hunting licenses are issued on a per-species basis from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). The rarity and conservation status of the animal influence the prices. For hunting Blue Sheep, approximately NPR 30,71,000 and Himalayan Tahr, NPR 25,39,000.

Hunting Season in Dhorpatan

The official hunting season in Dhorpatan spans the spring and autumn seasons. In March and April, or October and November. In these months, the clear skies, stable weather, and optimal wildlife movement across Alpine and SubAlpine zones. Hunters are often advised to plan well in advance. As they have to carry the Government-issued Hunting permits or IDs, Licensed Hunting Weapon, Ammunition and Cleaning Kit, Binoculars, Sturdy Hunting Boots, First Aid Kit, Navigation tools, etc. Travel always with light material, pack smartly and prioritise safety in Dhorpatan.

Why Monsoon is Best for Exploring Dhorpatan

Monsoon is somewhat risky, but this period is the time for a rebirth and a rare reward to those who choose to undertake the exploration. The view is mesmerising: green pastel, blooming wild flowers, and dripping rhododendrons into the forests on the other side. Wildlife tends to be easily spotted, as many species come down to lower and safer altitudes, thus creating great opportunities for encounters and clicking.

With a scant number of tourists going in during this period, weary travellers can enjoy the rare feelings of solitude, a shroud of silence, and inner spiritual calmness. This experience is somewhat uplifted by rich culture, especially during Janai Purnima, the barefoot pilgrim festival in August, when chants and rituals permeate the wilderness on their way to Dhorbaraha Temple. For the daring, the monsoon is not only a journey; it is Transcendental Immersion!

Budget and Itinerary

The road to Dhorpatan is not the usual roadway; it is really a pathway through some of Nepal’s most secret and untamed landscapes. The journey sets sail from Kathmandu, where the buzz of temples and trekking shops sets the tone. Thus, obtaining permits is first on your checklist. On the way west, the route passes through Baglung or Beni by road. Pine trees mingle with cooler breaths of mist as the wilder sights accompany the travellers, or so it feels. A mixture of jeep-lifting and light trekking finally takes you to Dhorpatan, an immaculate alpine valley situated at roughly 2,800 meters.

At the far end of this vast, wind-blown plain is the beautiful Saraswati Lodge, a modest family-run Magar homestay. Where one is offered a bowl of steaming lentil soup before warming by the hearth and listening to stories of the highlands. The rooms are cozy and traditional with just the right rudimentary comforts so as not to take away from the nature experience. It is a great place for anyone interested in nature or culture.

From the lodge, one can visit several nearby temples, like that of Dhorbaraha, meet the yak herders, and go high up into the meadows where silence is broken by starry skies concealed behind whispers of ancient gods. In terms of budget, Dhorpatan is quite refreshing for the offbeat sort of traveller. Tour Babari lays down the entire path from Kathmandu, including permit, transportation, lodging at Saraswati Lodge, and all local food, ranging from INR 1,20,000 to INR 2,60,000 depending on the numbers in your group, your activities, licensed hunting or extended trekking, and choice of transport.

Why Nepalese Locals Are Not Promoted for Hunting

Hunting for Nepali citizens is highly restricted here to conserve and manage wildlife stocks on a sustainable basis. Most hunting quotas are granted to foreigners as a major source of revenue for DNPWC for ecosystem protection. Local communities earn their livelihood from homestays, guiding, porterage, and loans of cultural insight to visitors.

Why Dhorpatan For Your Next Escape in Monsoon

In a world constantly seeking speed and spotlight, Dhorpatan remains timeless, untouched, unhurried, and unapologetically wild. It isn’t just a place to tick off your travel list it’s a state of being. Here, the silence is not empty but full of meaning: wind over grasslands, prayer flags fluttering above sacred shrines, and the quiet strength of highland communities who live in harmony with nature’s raw rhythm. Monsoon may make the journey tougher, but it also makes the destination richer, verdant with rebirth, layered with solitude, and drenched in soul. And with Tour Babari, you’re not just passing through, you’re being welcomed into a story written in clouds, meadows, and myths.

So if your heart beats louder in places where Wi-Fi fades and mountains speak, let Dhorpatan call you home, even if only for a while. The journey may end, but its peace lingers long after the road unwinds.

Contact us for more details and a seamless trek to Dhorpatan.

Also Read: Into the Wild: Top 7 Unexplored Treks in Nagaland