This is Nepal's only Hunting Ground. It makes many travelers do wonder why some tourists journey to Nepal for hunting. But perhaps some of them have a passion or do it as a side activity. While this region is good for trekking, it also provides for equal hunting experience. Hunting Game license must be obtained from Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, office located in Kathmandu.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve adjoins Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987. Management objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting and preserve a representative high altitude, ecosystem in Western Nepal. The reserve extends over an area of 1325 km2 and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the needs of hunting for Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game animals . Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements of timber, fuel-wood, fodder, and pasture.
The Tibetan refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve for grazing. The majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Mugar, Thakali and Gurung, Amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures.
Location and Name
• Location: Southern side of the Dhaulagiri Mountain stretching Rukkum, Baglung to Myagdi of western region of Nepal
• Area: 512 square miles (1,325 square kilometers) which is divided into six blocks - sundaha , seng, dogadi, phangune, barse and gustang
• Name: Named after the Town called Dhorpatan which is located in Dhaulagiri Zone of Nepal
• Establishment: Year 1983
• Classification: Hunting Reserve
Forest and Vegetation
• A combination of Mixed-Hardwood Forest with Plant species of drier climate.
• Some of the tree that can be seen are Rhododendron, Fir, Birch, Pine, Hemlock, Oak, Spruce, Juniper
• Higher elevations of the region remain snow-capped throughout the year.
• 50% of the higher elevation of this reserve is Pasturelands - The fields covered with grass grazing by livestock
Animals
• Main Target For The Hunters: Blue Sheep known to be a highly prized trophy animals
• Other Targets: Black Bear, Serow, Ghoral, Himalayan Tahr, leopard wild boar barking deer Partridge and Pheasant
• Endangered species are banned from hunting; which includes Red Panda and Cheer Pheasant
• Hunting helps control the population of certain animals and hence is permitted
Climates
The monsoon lasts until the beginning of October. Day time temperatures are very low during winter due to strong winds. Higher elevations remain covered with cloud in the morning; it gets clearer by day due to strong wind . Snow may fall even at low elevation until early April. The best time to visit the reserve is March-April.
Places of interest
Dhorbaraha a Hindu religious place on the banks of Uttarganga River near Dhorpatan, is in Fagune block. Every year on the day of "Janai Purnima" in August, a religious fair is held here which many local devotees attend. The magnificent view of Dhaulagiri HImal from Barse, Dogari and Gustung blocks are exceptional, Seng and Sundaha block are rich in wild animals.
How to Get There ?
Fly or Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu, then hike for 5 days or fly to Dolpa. Best time to visit Dhorpatan is during spring and autumn seasons;(March to April). A few Hotels and Lodges catering accommodation and Nepali foods are located near Dhorpatan
Chartered helicopter services may be available on request from Kathmandu.
Entrance Fee
To view park fee along with other parks, follow me.
Entry Fee Per Person Per Entry
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs. 20/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 200/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 500/-
(Note Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).
Filming Permit Fee (Documentary Films)
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs. 5,000/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 25,000/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, US $ 1,000/-
Helicopter Landing in Protected Area, Rs. 2,000/- per landing. |
