July 28, 2025

Tucked between the high peaks of Dhaulagiri and the lush mid-hills of western Nepal, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is Nepal’s only legal hunting reserve—a unique landscape where conservation and regulated hunting practices coexist. Spanning 1,325 square kilometers, the reserve stretches across Rukum, Myagdi, and Baglung districts, offering rugged terrain, high-altitude pastures, and forests that shelter rare Himalayan species.

Dhorpatan is one of Nepal’s least visited protected areas, yet it plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation while also generating revenue through tightly controlled trophy hunting, primarily for Himalayan Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr.

Location and Landscape

  • Districts: Rukum, Myagdi, Baglung
  • Province: Karnali and Gandaki Provinces
  • Elevation: 2,850 m to over 7,000 m
  • Habitat Zones: Alpine grasslands (Patans), mixed conifer and broadleaf forests, high-altitude scrub

This transitional zone between the Dolpa plateau and Dhaulagiri range includes rivers like the Uttar Ganga and dramatic terrain dotted with glacial lakes and rocky ridgelines.

Wildlife Highlights

Trophy Species (for regulated hunting)

  • Blue Sheep (Bharal) – The most targeted species for licensed hunts
  • Himalayan Tahr – Another major draw for trophy hunters

Protected & Endangered Wildlife

  • Snow Leopard – Present in remote areas but rarely seen
  • Red Panda – Found in eastern forested zones
  • Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Serow, Goral, Yellow-throated Marten
  • Wolf and Lynx – Unconfirmed but occasionally reported

Avifauna

  • Impeyan Monal (Danphe)
  • Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Snowcock
  • Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon
    Birders visiting the alpine grasslands and forest edges in spring and autumn can spot many high-altitude birds.

What Makes Dhorpatan Unique

  1. Only Legal Hunting Reserve in Nepal – Trophy hunting is permitted under strict regulations by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
  2. Conservation Through Hunting – Revenue from international hunting licenses funds anti-poaching and conservation patrols
  3. Low Footfall Tourism – Ideal for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in pristine Himalayan wilderness
  4. Mixed Biodiversity – Blend of alpine and mid-hill flora/fauna, offering a rare ecological transition zone

Local Communities and Culture

Dhorpatan is inhabited by a mix of Magar, Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities. These groups have long depended on the land for pastoralism, medicinal herbs, and subsistence agriculture. Community conservation awareness is growing, especially with the regulated hunting income benefiting locals through jobs and services.

Activities and Experiences

  • Hunting Expeditions – Apply for licensed trophy hunting via government-authorized agencies
  • Trekking and Camping – Untouched trails, stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal
  • Wildlife Observation – Blue sheep herds and occasional large carnivores
  • Birdwatching – Rare high-altitude bird species, especially during migration windows
  • Cultural Exploration – Learn from pastoralist lifestyles and local medicinal knowledge

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal
  • Winters are harsh with heavy snow; monsoons make access challenging

Getting There

  • By Road: Reach Burtibang (Baglung) or Dunai via Jumla, then trek into the reserve
  • Permits: Required for both trekking and hunting; issued through the DNPWC and affiliated agencies

Due to remoteness and lack of facilities, camping is recommended, often supported by outfitters or local guides.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve: At a Glance

CategoryHighlights
Signature SpeciesBlue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard
Unique FeatureNepal’s only legal hunting zone
TerrainAlpine grasslands, cliffs, mixed forests
AvifaunaMonal, Snowcock, Lammergeier
Adventure TypeTrophy hunting, trekking, camping, birdwatching
Conservation FocusCommunity revenue via regulated trophy hunting