Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (1325 sq km)

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 sq km 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.

The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m to more than 7000 m. The flat meadows above tree line (4000 m), locally known as Patans, are important for animals like the blue sheep and other herbivores. The reserve is divided into seven six blocks for hunting management purposes.The reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north.

The monsoon fasts 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; later clouds are cleared by the wind. Snow may occur even at low elevation until early April, however, it soon melts. The best time to visit the reserve is March-April.

The reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, and birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. Pasturelands occupy more than 50 % of the total area of the reserve at higher elevation.

The reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Other animals found are: leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Hirnalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur and mouse hare. Pheasants and partridge are common and their viable population in the reserve permits controlled hunting. Endangered animals in the reserve include: Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant and Danphe. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation issue the hunting license.

Activities: Trophy hunting , game viewin

Accommodation: Camping

Access: Four days’ walk from Baglung which is 72 km from Pokhara from by road.

Best Season: Mar-Apr,Oct-Nov,July-Sep(monsoon); Dec-Feb(cold, windy, snow)