Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek Guidebook: Best Time, Cost, and Route 

PUBLISHED ON 13 June, 2024
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek Guidebook: Best Time, Cost, and Route 

Situated in the central part of the Himalayan range on the southern slope of Dhaulagiri, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve indeed stands as a jewel in the crown of Nepalese tourism; it is a region of wildlife preservation and controlled hunting. This was started in 1987 AD and is the country’s hunting reserve that has developed its potential as the adventurous nucleus for adventure lovers, wildlife tourists researchers, etc. in its natural terrains and multiple formations of geographic regions. Thus, in this article, the readers will get a brief glimpse into the workings of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve located in the western part of Nepalese covers an area of 1,325 sq km including parts of the Baglung, Myagdi, and Rukum districts. The altitude of the reserve starts from 2,850m and reaches heights of above 7,000m consequently the habitats vary from the subalpine and alpine in some tracts to the snowy faces of the Dhaulagiri mass. 

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve area's villages and Lodges

The relief of this area encompasses diverse terrains, which are also home to numerous plant and animal species, thus creating favorable conditions for enhancing the level of biodiversity.

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

Dhorpatan makes for several endangered animals like the snow leopard, red panda, and musk deer to name a few. Hunters from all over the world have also objectives to hunt the blue sheep also called ‘Bharal’ in the Himalayan region of this reserve. 

As for other animals and mammals, several specimens include the Himalayan tahr, leopard, black bear, barking deer, as well as wild boar. The avian variety also holds the vigor with Danphe (Himalayan monal) inclusive of Nepal’s national birds and other birds are stepped at high heights like pheasants and snow partridge.

Wildlife conservation in Dhorpatan tenure therefore is aimed at evenly balancing the need to conserve wildlife and meet the hunting needs of the Kalikasthanis. Systematic management regulates hunting in the reserve to ensure it does not exhaust natural resources. in a regulated way in order not to exhaust the natural resources. 

The income in the form of a gift of a hunting permit will enable the accomplishment of local development needs and conservation projects as an indication of mutually beneficial cooperation between the reserve and the local community.

The Hunting Experience

For hunters, Dhorpatan contains a dream that one cannot experience somewhere else in certain circumstances. Only those legally allowed can obtain firearm licenses through the licensed system to enhance wildlife conservation. 

Big game hunters using professional hunters as independent hunters can only take quota species like blue sheep and Himalayan tahr in specific hunt zones. Contact with Dhorpatan is somewhat strenuous because of the hard surface, and the area has a high altitude, so hunting there is adventurous.

Trekking and Eco-Tourism

However, moving outside hunting activity, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is a hunter, trekker, and nature lover’s paradise. The following are some of the trekking options that one can take while in the reserve hence there is a good view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Iconic Mountains. Pashmina Trekkers can go for the Dhorpatan Valley trek which has nice villages, monasteries, pastures at high altitudes, etc.

The reserve has some valuable assets; it has great potential for observing and photographing animals and birds in the wild. Due to growing concern and self-propulsion for the conservation of the natural environment, authorities are putting measures in place to develop eco-tourism.

Local communities arrange homestays and provide guiding services, benefiting the guests and helping initiate the locals into this movement.

Cultural Richness

Therefore, apart from the backdrop of any scenery being natural, Dhorpatan has obscured its cultural significance. It is home to some of the native people known as the Magar, Gurung, and the Tibetians’ who have distinct cultures and way of living. They can attend traditional events aimed at a full immersion into such aspects as local food and even history and traditions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Nevertheless, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve like every other Reserve unto itself has its fair share of threats among which include poaching, habitat degradation, and the effects of climate change. Some of the challenges persisting with wildlife are in the course of being solved by the governments, conservational agencies, and the community through the application of better conservational methods, community involvement, and other tourism activities.

In the future, stunning opportunities to turn the tomorrow of Dhorpatan into an epitome of integrated conservation and sustainable development. 

This way, the reserve could well remain functional as a reconciled compromise between wildlife conservation, community welfare, and tourism values systems to retain the distinctive Nepalese holistic cultural and natural tropical bio-diversity significance.

Weather Information Climate Aspect of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in Nepal

Tours in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in Nepal offer some of the greatest elements one might wish to savor; nature, wildlife, and culture. For amateurs like the trekkers and folks interested in wildlife viewing, it is relatively easier to arbitrate on the time of the year to visit while for the hunter, the season for hunting will dictate the best time to visit the reserve. Here’s a breakdown of the optimal times to visit: Here’s a breakdown of the optimal times to visit:

1. Spring (March to May)

          Highlights:

  • Weather: Light snow and a temperature of 0°C would be expected.
  • Flora and Fauna: Diverse Mexican wildlife populate the reserve, and to see it at work, you should visit in spring when the rhododendron and other alpine flowers bloom. It’s also best to choose spring because the animals are more active and you can easily see creatures such as the blue sheep, the Himalayan tahr, or different types of birds.
  • Trekking: Favourable Trekking conditions because the trails are much easier in parts and provide good vantage views of the mountain snow.
  • Activities:
  • Trekking through scenic trails.
  • Wildlife and birdwatching.
  • Enjoying the chemistry with the rich flora – focussing on the rhododendron forests in particular.

2. Autumn (September to November)

Highlights:

  • Weather: This time of the year is perhaps the best time to visit the place because, after the monsoon rains, you get to enjoy cool and clear weather.
  • Scenery: Autumn also offers an exotic view of the hills and mountains such as Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
  • Festivals: This period falls during festivals like the Dashain and Tihar of Nepal which are an exciting opportunity to learn cultural values.

Activities:

  • Ideal for trekking with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
  • Wildlife spotting, as animals are more visible.
  • Engaging with local communities and experiencing cultural festivities.

3. Winter (December to February)

Highlights:

  • Weather: Chance of cold nights and snow, particularly in the mountainous areas.
  • Solitude: Less tourists tend to reveal the beauty of the locations in a very quiet and lonely way.

Activities:

  • Winter treks for adventure lovers who wouldn’t mind taking a bath in freezing water or barely surviving a night in a freezing tent.
  • opportunity to view wildlife, especially in the lower and transition zones.

Considerations:

  • Sometimes, storms wash away roads, making some parts of the country inaccessible.
  • These animals are not good prey for hunting due to the terrain that they inhabit.

4. Summer (June to August):

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Photo: Arsa Longa

Highlights:

  • Weather: Due to such conditions, there are possibilities of the trails being muddy during the monsoon season when there is torrential rain.
  • Flora: The terrain is fertile and covered with trees, grass, and other vegetation due to the rains.

Activities:

  • Not so convenient for trekking hunting for various products and for hunting due to harsh weather.
  • Watching birds and the green view, especially for those who are cool with the wet-splashing weather phenomenon.

Considerations:

  • Higher probability of trail slides or slips during hiking and the presence of leeches in trails.
  • Limited visibility and accessibility.

Best Overall Times

  • For Trekking and Wildlife Viewing: The best season for your travel is during early spring (March to May) and late autumn if weather, visibility, and accessibility matter to you.
  • For Hunting: Autumn is preferential often due to no fluctuations in climate and nature’s way of providing the best of visibility.
  • By organizing your visit when these conditions are met, you ensure the opportunity to enjoy Patan Hunting Reserve to the fullest, marking your journey with enchanting scenery and the range of species found in this area.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek in monsoon season

The monsoon season in Nepal relates to the June to August and Trekking in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in the monsoon comes with their pleasure and disadvantage in equal measure. 

Although this is a comparatively less favorable time for trekking as it is damp and risky owing to the rain, it does bring out a different experience for those willing to brave the conditions. Here’s what you need to know: Here’s what you need to know:

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Photo: Arsa Longa

Challenges of Monsoon Trekking

  • Weather and Trail Conditions
  • Heavy Rainfall: Flora and fauna are very abundant during monsoon rains due to the high rainfall frequency that increases the slippery ground.
  • Landslides and Flooding: Encounter more challenges on the slopes, particularly on the sections of the trail that are steep and possess a high probability of having a slide. Confluences also pose some risk when flows are deep as a result of high water levels in the streams.
  • Limited Visibility: Clouds affect mountain viewing and visibility and fog makes it difficult to navigate through this region.
  • Leeches: Leeches consist of the class Hirudinea and are most often found in wet habitats, especially in regions of forests.
  • Accessibility
  • Travel Disruptions: Awaking and exiting the trailhead by roads can therefore be a problem due to issues such as landslides and poor road status.
  • Accommodation: During this season some of the luxury hill station homestays like teahouses might be out of bounds or have slightly fewer services.

Opportunities and Advantages

  • Lush Landscapes
  • Verdant Scenery: Monsoon is perhaps the best time to explore the reserve, as the vegetation cover assumes a greener hue and many flowers bloom. The latter, for instance, come alive entirely when surrounded by rhododendron forests.
  • Fewer Crowds: Off the track, Monsoon is also a great time to trek in Nepal, as there are few trekkers around making this awesomely amazing experience of trekking in Nepal.
  • Wildlife and Birdwatching
  • Active Wildlife: Some species of wild animals are likely to appear more frequently at times of the monsoon season. Bird lovers will also be able to see several species of birds as many varieties of birds inhabit the site.

Distance and Access for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek

       From Kathmandu:

  • Distance: About 330 Km by road.
  • Travel Time: About 10-12hrs by bus/jeep to Baglung or Burtibang.

       From Pokhara:

  • Distance: About 180 kilometers in distance but only 165 kilometers when measured through available roads.
  • Travel Time: Beside Burtibang is a one-hour bus or jeep trip from Baglung then trekking for 6-8 hours.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek  Itinerary

1 –Day: Kathmandu to Baglung/Burtibang

Dhorepathan hunting reserve via Burtibang village
Dhorepathan hunting reserve via Burtibang, Photo: Arsa Longa
  • Transport: Bus or jeep.
  • Overnight: Guesthouse or lodge in Baglung/Burtibang.

2 –Day: Baglung/Burtibang to Dharapani

  • Trek Start: After breakfast, start trekking from Burtibang.
  • Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or lodge in Dharapani.

3 –Day: Dharapani to Lamsung

  • Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Highlights: Trek through forests and scenic landscapes.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or camping in Lamsung.

4 Day: Lamsung to Jaljala Pass

  • Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Highlights: Crossing the Jaljala Pass with stunning mountain views.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or camping near the pass.

5 Day: Jaljala Pass to Dhorpatan

  • Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Highlights: Descend to Dhorpatan Valley, exploring local villages.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or lodge in Dhorpatan.

6 Day: Explore Dhorpatan Valley

  • Activities: Wildlife-spotting, cultural exploration, visiting local monasteries.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or lodge in Dhorpatan.

7 Day: Dhorpatan to Jungle Camp

  • Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Highlights: Trek through dense forests, observing local wildlife.
  • Overnight: Camping at Jungle Camp.

8 Day: Jungle Camp to Gurjaghat

  • Duration: 6-7 hours.
  • Highlights: Scenic trekking with opportunities for birdwatching.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or camping in Gurjaghat.

9 –Day: Gurjaghat to Burtibang

  • Duration: 5-6 hours.
  • Highlights: Descend back to Burtibang.
  • Overnight: Teahouse or lodge in Burtibang.

10 –Day: Burtibang to Pokhara/Kathmandu

  • Transport: Return to Pokhara or Kathmandu by bus or jeep.
  • Travel Time: 6-8 hours to Pokhara, 10-12 hours to Kathmandu.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek Cost Estimate

Transportation:

  • Kathmandu to Baglung/Burtibang: $20-$30 (one way by bus), depending on the amount and the kind of jeep for rent with a private driver.
  • Pokhara to Baglung/Burtibang: The transport fare usually ranges from $15 to $25 for the bus and a higher amount for the private jeep.

Accommodation:

  • Teahouses/Lodges: $10-$20 per night.
  • Camping: This ranges from $5-$10 for camping prices not including the cost of camping equipment if required.
  • Meals: From $20 to $30 per day for accommodations and $8 to $15 per meal on average.

Guide and Porter:

  • Guide: $25-$30 per day.
  • Porter: $15-$20 per day.

Permits:

  • Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Permit: That costs them around $10 per person, and such a price is acceptable to the customers because it offers them quality tobacco products.
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: Self-guided / free for individual trekkers, $10 for those who trek with a group.
  • Budget Trek: It costs anywhere from $500-$700 per person to stay at the Wildflower Hall.
  • Mid-range Trek: This type ranges between $700 and $900 per person.
  • Luxury Trek: the cheapest cost ranges from $900 to $1,200 per person, some of the expensive costs are $1,200 to $1,500 per person.

Important Tips for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek 

Weather: Trekking season may be favorable but uncomfortable due to the availability of monsoon season which brings several conditions different from that of the dry season such as cloudy or rainy weather conditions.

Gear: Bring rain gear, strong hiking shoes, and shoes, and if you plan to stay overnight, bring camping equipment.

Health and Safety: Always, pack a very simple first-aid kit since you have somehow trained yourself to handle injuries that may occur while having some water purification tablets.

Local Support: Knowing that you are availing the services from locals who are also your hosts is a great satisfaction; at the same time hiring locals is safer.

In the end: Will also help you to have a great time on the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve trek even if it is during the rainy season as I have shown you what is good to do and what is best to avoid.