Image Source: Sharad Kulung
About Dhorpatan
Only legal hunting reserve, Dhorpatan is a distinctive protected area located in western Nepal. Unlike typical national parks that focus solely on conservation, Dhorpatan blends sustainable trophy hunting with biodiversity protection.
Dhorpatan stretches across 1,325 square kilometres, ranging in elevation from 2,850 to 5,500 meters. It lies along the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, covering parts of the Rukum, Baglung, and Myagdi districts.
The region is offers
* Alpine pastures and marshy meadows (locally called *patan*, hence the name “Dhorpatan”)
* Subalpine forests and rugged mountain terrain
* Numerous rivers and streams, especially draining into the Uttar Ganga River
The reserve is divided into six designated hunting blocks :
* Falguna
* Barse
* Seng
* Dogadi
* Surtibang
* Gustang
Each block is managed separately with limits on the number of animals that can be hunted
History
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1987 with the ambitions
* Conserve high-altitude wildlife
* Control and regulate trophy hunting
* Generate revenue for local communities and conservation
Before its establishment, uncontrolled hunting and poaching had severely impacted wildlife populations. By legalizing and regulating hunting, the government aimed to offer a controlled and revenue-generating alternative. Trophy hunting was also already popular among wealthy international hunters visiting Nepal.
Controversies and Challenges
While the concept is unique, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has faced criticism and challenges over the years:
1. Illegal Hunting & Poaching : Despite regulations, unauthorized hunting and poaching still occur, sometimes aided by poor monitoring or lack of local cooperation.
2. Benefit Distribution : Some local communities argue they receive limited benefits from hunting revenues and lack involvement in key decisions.
3. Conservation Ethics : Animal rights groups and conservationists debate the morality of trophy hunting, particularly since the hunted species like blue sheep and Himalayan tahr are also critical to the food chain of predators like the snow leopard .
4. Access Issues : Dhorpatan is remote and underdeveloped , with difficult terrain and minimal infrastructure, which affects patrolling, tourism, and emergency response.
Still, Nepal’s government promotes it as a sustainable use model that supports conservation while generating income.
Hunting Procedure in Dhorpatan
Hunting is strictly controlled under a regulated permit and bidding system. Only specific animals are allowed to be hunted, and quotas are set annually based on population surveys.
Process:
1. Permit and Bidding :
* Issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) through auctions.
* Only licensed outfitters and agencies can apply on behalf of clients.
2. Main Game Animals :
* Blue Sheep (Naur) – most sought after
* Himalayan Tahr – a large mountain goat
* Other species like wild boar and barking deer in rare cases
3. Hunting Season :
* Opens from September to November and March to April
* Avoids monsoon and harsh winter seasons
4. Field Protocol :
* Hunters must hire local guides, porters, and camp assistants.
* Hunting is restricted to a specific block , and within quotas.
* Trophy horns and hides must be verified and recorded before export.
5. Cost :
* Trophy hunting permits can cost anywhere between \$3,000 and \$25,000+ USD depending on species, size, and block.
Flora of Dhorpatan
The reserve includes a diverse range of vegetation due to its wide altitude variation:
* Alpine meadows rich in medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba (Cordyceps) and Panch Aunle
* Rhododendron , juniper , pine , oak , and spruce forests
* Subalpine shrubs and bamboo groves in middle elevations
These vegetative zones support both human livelihood and wildlife habitat, especially for grazing species.
Fauna of Dhorpatan
Dhorpatan provides a refuge for several endangered and rare Himalayan species:
Mammals:
* Blue Sheep
* Himalayan Tahr
* Snow Leopard (protected, not hunted)
* Red Panda
* Musk Deer
* Himalayan Black Bear
* Barking Deer
* Goral
Birdlife
* Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant) – Nepal’s national bird
* Himalayan Monal
* Snow Partridge
* Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
* Himalayan Griffon
How to Reach Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Reaching Dhorpatan is challenging but adventurous, involving a combination of road travel, domestic flights, and trekking.
From Kathmandu :
1. Option 1: Via Baglung
* Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes)
* Drive from Pokhara to Baglung (4–5 hours)
* Trek for 2–3 days to Dhorpatan through Burtibang and Jaljala Pass
2. Option 2: Via Rukum
* Take a flight to Nepalgunj
* Then a connecting flight to Rukum Salle
* Trek or take a jeep to Dhorpatan through Surtibang or Myagdi side
3. Trekking Route :
* Dhorpatan is also accessible via western trekking routes , especially for adventurous trekkers combining Dhaulagiri circuits or Lower Dolpo trails.
> Tip : Due to its remoteness, it’s best to arrange travel through licensed tour or hunting agencies familiar with the area.
Tourism and Beyond Hunting
Although primarily known for trophy hunting, Dhorpatan offers great potential for trekking and ecotourism :
* Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri , Gurja Himal , and Churen Himal
* Rich culture of Magar , Tamang , and Thakali communities
* Traditional highland lifestyle, monasteries, and local festivals
* Opportunities to observe rare wildlife in natural habitat
Conclusion
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve stands at the intersection of conservation, controlled exploitation, and local livelihood . As Nepal’s only legal hunting reserve, it showcases a unique model where wildlife conservation is funded through sustainable use . Despite controversies and challenges, it remains a crucial habitat for some of the Himalaya’s most iconic species. Whether you’re a licensed hunter, a nature lover, or a researcher, Dhorpatan offers a rugged, remote, and rewarding experience in the heart of Nepal’s wilderness.