Overview

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Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, located in western Nepal and bordering Rukum, Myagdi, and Baglung districts, spans an area of 1,325 km². Established in 1987, it sits between elevations of 3,000m to 7,000m, offering diverse vegetation and wildlife. The reserve lies near the Dhaulagiri Himal range and includes smaller mountains like Patha, Churen, and Gurja. The journey to Dhorpatan from Kathmandu is about 325 km, beginning in the town of Beni. The reserve is Nepal’s only legal hunting ground, home to over 80,000 animals, and offers a mix of alpine, sub-alpine, and high-temperate forests.

Dhorpatan is divided into seven hunting blocks across two regions, where species like bluesheep and Himalayan tahr can be hunted. Visitors can also enjoy bird-watching, with over 137 bird species, and explore the rich local culture in surrounding villages. Highlights include a visit to Dhorbaraha temple on the Uttarganga River, with guidance from naturalists, and all necessary permits arranged by Himalayan Masters

Day 1 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni

From Beni Darbang is about 3 hours of ride on an off-road. This ride in a private jeep is going to be rather exciting. Then we reach Dharapani for a quick stop. After a short break, we get our bags ready and commence the trip. The next part of the trip is a rather relaxing walk on a mostly leveled path. Since it’s your first trekking day, the couple of hours of trek feels quite easy today. We crash at a small homestay in Dharapani and enjoy our dinner.

Day 2 :

Drive to Darbang and trek to Dharapani

From Beni, Darbang is about 3 hours of ride on an off-road. This ride in a private jeep is going to be rather exciting. Then we reach Dharapani for a quick stop. After a short break, we get our bags ready and commence the trip.

The next part of the trip is a rather relaxing walk on a mostly leveled path. Since it’s your first trekking day, the couple of hours of trek feels quite easy today. We crash at a small homestay in Dharapani and enjoy our dinner.

Day 3 :

Trek to Lamsung

From Dharapani we trek along the streams and waterfalls on a leveled path. We stop at midday for our packed lunch and then walk to Lamsung. Lamsung will be reached in the early evening, giving us enough time to set up the camps.

Day 4 :

Trek to Tallo Jaljale (3,400m)

This is a difficult day for walking as we gain a lot of altitude. Although the ascent is difficult, the beautiful landscape takes our hearts away. This area is mostly covered in tropical forest and the chances of spotting the rear wildlife are great. In between the forest, you can see a glimpse of Dhaulagiri, Chure, and Putha.

Day 5 :

Trek to Dhorpatan (2,860m)

This is an exciting day of the trek. We leave Tallo Jaljale and walk on a rather short and leveled trail. The trek is only about 5 hours long and since we lose some altitude, the walking gets easier. We set a camp and settled down at Dhorpatan quite early in the evening.

Day 6 :

Arrival and Hunting Preparation Morning

Arrive at Dhorpatan and set up your camp. Practice hunting skills and familiarize yourself with the area. Quiet time at the camp, preparing for the hunt. Capture some wildlife photos

Day 7 :

Hunting and Exploration

Begin your hunting expedition, covering as many blocks as possible. Remember, only one animal can be hunted as per the restrictions. Continue hunting and exploring the area. Take exciting pictures of the wildlife and your experiences. Return to camp and relax. Share stories and photos from the day.

Day 8 :

Trek to Phagune Phedi

If interested, start your trek to Phagune Phedi (4,400m above sea level). Reach Phagune Phedi and set up camp. Enjoy the stunning views and acclimatize to the altitude. Camp overnight at Phagune Phedi, enjoying the serene environment.

Day 9 :

Return and Trek to Gurjaghat

Leisure time at Phagune Phedi. Begin your descent back to the Jungle camp. Arrive at the Jungle camp and rest. Prepare for the trek to Gurjaghat the next day.

Day 10 :

Trek from Jungle Camp to Gurjaghat

This is a rather relaxing walk on the forested trails on a leveled path. We step our camps at Gurjaghat for the evening at around 3000 meters.

Day 11 :

Trek to Patichaur

Another fun day of walking as we walk down to the longer altitude. We leave Gurjaghat only in the late morning and walk for about 5 hours to reach Patichaur. At an elevation of 900 meters, this is a fun place to spend a night.