10 Top Things to Do and Experience in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, located on the southern slope of the Dhaulagiri massif across the Baglung, Myagdi, and Rukum districts, is Nepal's only legal hunting ground and a lesser-visited alternative to the country's crowded trekking circuits. Established in 1987, it covers 1,325 sq km and ranges in altitude from 2,850m to over 7,000m. Here's what to do once you're there.

1. Spot Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr on the High Slopes 

The reserve is the primary habitat for the Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Tahr. A guided wildlife outing into the upper meadows gives non-hunters a chance to spot and photograph these cliff-dwelling animals in their natural terrain.

2. Trek Across the Buki Patans (High Alpine Meadows) 

Unlike the narrow river gorges of Nepal's popular trekking routes, Dhorpatan is known for its open alpine grasslands, or Patans, including Buki Patan, Tikadhara, and Falgune Patan. Bukipatan sits above 4,100m and offers wildflower meadows, grazing horses, and panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, and Churen Himal.

3. Visit Dhorbaraha Temple and Join Janai Purnima 

Near the Uttar Ganga River, Dhorbaraha Temple is a spiritual site for local communities. Visiting during the August full moon festival of Janai Purnima means witnessing pilgrims walking barefoot to bathe in the river and perform mountain rituals.

4. Experience Kham Magar Culture and Village Homestays 

The reserve is home to the indigenous Kham Magar people, along with Tibetan refugee settlements in the lower valleys. Staying in a village homestay lets you try local dishes like dhido, hear hearthside folklore, and see traditional stone-and-wood architecture.

5. Camp Under the Night Sky at Da Kharka 

With minimal lodge infrastructure in the reserve, wild camping is one of the best ways to experience it. Da Kharka is a high-altitude camping spot set against cliffs, waterfalls, and clear night skies.

6. Look for the Danphe and Other Rare Birds 

With over 130 recorded bird species, the reserve's oak, rhododendron, and fir forests are well suited to birdwatching. Species to look for include Nepal's national bird, the Danphe (Himalayan Monal), the endangered Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan griffons, and mountain eagles.

7. Hike to Jaljala Pass  

The trek up to Jaljala Pass is a well-known viewpoint along the route, with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on clear days, framed by wildflowers in spring or clear skies in autumn.

8. Fish in the Seng Khola 

The Seng Khola runs clear and cold through forest and moss-covered boulders, offering a quiet spot for catch-and-release fishing and riverside walks.

9. Walk Through Blooming Rhododendron Forests 

Visiting between March and May means walking through the lower alpine zone as rhododendron forests bloom in crimson and pink, particularly around Phagune Phedi and the surrounding hills.

10. Regulated Trophy Hunting (Licensed Permit Holders Only) 

Dhorpatan is Nepal's only legal hunting reserve. Under strict quotas from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, licensed hunters can hunt specific mature Blue Sheep and Tahr, with proceeds supporting local conservation funding. Hunting blocks include Sundah, Seng, and Dogadi. 

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