Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only area in Nepal where controlled hunting is permitted, but for most visitors, it is a premier destination for off-the-beaten-path trekking and wildlife observation. Established in 1987, it covers 1,325 square kilometers of the Dhaulagiri massif, spanning the Baglung, Myagdi, and East Rukum districts.

The reserve is famous for its population of blue sheep (bharal), the primary trophy animal, which graze on the high alpine pastures. It also protects Himalayan tahr, musk deer, ghoral, and the elusive snow leopard. The landscape is a stunning mix of flat meadows (patans), dense forests of fir and pine, and snow-capped peaks reaching up to 5,500 meters.

Beyond its wildlife, Dhorpatan is a cultural crossroads. It is the homeland of the Kham Magar people, whose unique high-altitude shepherd culture and traditional lifestyle remain largely untouched by modern tourism. Small Tibetan refugee settlements also dot the area, adding to the cultural tapestry.

Trekking in Dhorpatan offers complete solitude and panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Unlike the busy trails of central Nepal, you can walk for days here without seeing another trekker. The reserve is divided into seven management blocks, each with its own character.

Best visited in spring (March-May) for wildflowers or autumn (October-November) for crisp mountain views. Access is via a long drive from Pokhara or Tansen to Burtibang, followed by a trek or jeep ride into the reserve.