Besides wildlife reserves Nepal Government has also set aside a hunting reserve at Dhorpatan where controlled hunting of some species is allowed. Covering an area of 1,325 sq. km., the reserve is situated on the southern flanks of Mt. Dhaulagiri I in districts of Rukum, Baglung & Myagdi in western Nepal. The area’s vegetation is characterized by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevation & many plant species of drier climate to the North. Tree species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. As in many other protected environments of Nepal, the reserve includes several villages inhabited by hill tribes as well as people of Tibetan descent who supplement farming with trade and animal husbandry.

The reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters. Other game species are ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, black bear, pheasant and partridge. Endangered species of the area include the red panda and cheer pheasant. Controlled hunting is allowed with proper license and certain seasons of the year. Game license is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu. Dhorpatan is also an attractive destination for the trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts as protection has enabled animal numbers to increase in this rarely visited area. 

The Dhorpatan trek is a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience that isn’t too challenging. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve lies a day’s drive west of Pokhara in the shadow of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Trekking here will give you the chance to spot some rare wildlife as well as views of Nepal’s Western Himalaya that few travelers experience. Dhorpatan trekking is one of the most exclusive trek packages in Nepal to the southern flank of Dhaulagiri Mountain. The wildlife reserve allows controlled hunting and is a favorite destination for enthusiastic hunters. The reserve also preserves endangered species like Musk deer, red panda, and wolf.

Day 01: Kathmandu Beni Drive

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni which takes about eleven hours. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Having pleasant weather, Pokhara is a tourist’s paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains.

You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The drive from here goes uphill into zigzag road all the way to Naudanda. It then descends through zigzag road up to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, your drive moves along the bank of Mardi River. This is one of the picturesque road journeys.

Day 2: Drive to Darbang and trek to Dharapani

On this day, you will drive for three hours to reach Darbang. Darbang is famous for manufacturing Khukuri, a traditional curved Nepali weapon. From here, you will trek for 5 hours to reach Dharapani. You will spend the night in Dharapani at an elevation of 1995 meters.

Day 3: Dharapani to Lamsung

The trek from Dharapani is a pleasant one with the beautiful views of the surroundings. You will explore the streams and gorges in the remote area. After 6-7 hours of walking, you will spend the night in Lamsung at an elevation of 1160 meters.

Day 4: Lamsung to Jaljala

You will start your day early and pass through several rhododendron and oak forests. The Himalayan vistas include Dhaulagiri, Gurju, Chure, and Putha among many others. You will finally reach Jaljala where you will spend the night at an elevation of 3386 meters.

Day 5: Jaljala to Dhorpatan

On this day, you will descend to Khahare Khola and cross it. Then you will continue along the bank of a stream and walk past thick forests. You will finally reach Dhorpatan.

Day 6: Excursion and trek to Phagune Phedi.

Dhorpatan is a beautiful place in the midst of a forest. We explore Dhorpatan wildlife reserve with diverse flora and fauna. We can spot animals like Leopard, Thar, Black bear, Ghoral, barking deer and plants like rhododendrons, fir, juniper, birch, oaks, spruce, pine and many other species. The inhabitants of the area are hill tribes and Tibetans who mainly depend on animal husbandry and farming.  The settlements are famous for their wooden roofs, monastery, prayer flags and chortens. We enjoy the traditional lifestyles of the people as well. After the excursion, you will make our way towards Phagune Phedi. Then you will ascend for a while with the beautiful views of mountains, forests, and landscape. You will spend the night here at an elevation of 4493 meters.

Day 7: Hike to Phagune Phedi and trek to Jungle camp.

Early in the morning, we make a short hike to Phagune hill and enjoy the Himalayan vistas. Then, you will trek down to Jungle camp and spend the night there.

Day 8: Jungle camp to Gurjaghat

The trek from jungle camp is easy as it passes through forests and streams on a flat land. After six hours, you will reach Gurjaghat at an elevation of 3000 meters where we spend the night.

Day 9: Gurjaghat to Patichaur

The trail ascends as you will begin your trek early in the morning.  You will have lunch and then the trail descends through forests and gorges. Finally, after six hours of walking throughout the day, you will reach Patichaur at an elevation of 900 meters. You will spend the night here.

Day 10: Patichaur to Darbang and drive to Beni

On this day, you will have a pleasant walk for about two hours. Then you will ascend and descend through forests and gorges to reach Darbang. Once you will get there, you will travel to Beni which takes about three hours of scenic drive. You will spend the night in Beni at an elevation of 850 meters.

Day 11: Drive from Beni to Pokhara

The drive from Beni to Pokhara is a scenic one with tantalizing views of the mountains.  After you reach Pokhara, you will have ample time to explore the valley. You can visit the beautiful tourist sites or go for boating in Phewa Lake. An evening stroll along the lakeside area is a must. You will spend the night in Pokhara.

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

From Pokhara, you will drive to Kathmandu which takes about 6-7 hours. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, river valleys and clear sky through the window of the bus before reaching the city.   You  can visit the famous tourist hub, Thamel, in the evening.