Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was declared in 1987 with objectives of trophy hunting and protection and management of representative high altitude ecosystems in western Nepal. The hunting license is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). It is extended in Myagdi, Baglung and eastern Rukum Districts in the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range in west Nepal and covers an area of 1325 km2. Putha, Churen, and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. It is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the needs of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep, Himalayan tahr and other game animals. The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 2000m to 7246m above mean sea level. The flat meadows above tree line (4000m), locally known as Patans, are important grazing areas for animals like blue sheep and other herbivorous animals. The reserve is divided into seven blocks for hunting management purposes.
The reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north. Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements of timber, firewood, fodder, and pasture. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February to October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve for grazing but the trend of husbandry is being decreased. The majority of the people belong to Bishwokarma, including Magar, Chhantyal, Thakali and Gurung. An amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures.
Table of Contents
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Flora and Fauna
The hunting reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include oak, pine, juniper, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, and spruce. Pasturelands occupy more than 50% of the total area of the reserve at a higher elevation. The reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Secondly preferred game animal is Himalayan tahr. A status survey conducted by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation revealed that the reserve has 2202 blue sheep and 388 Himalayan tahrs. Other major wild animals are musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, common leopard, goral, serow, wolf, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus monkey, langur, and mouse hare. The reserve is home to 137 species of birds. Pheasants and partridges are common in the reserve.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Fact sheet |
|
| Declared year | 1987 AD |
| Hunting reserve area | 1325 km2 |
| Location | Province No. 4&5 (Baglung, Myagdi and Eastern Rukum Districts) |
| Bio-climatic Zone | Temperate to Alpine |
| Elevation | 2000 m (Taksera) -7246m (Churen Himal) above mean sea level |
| Major Lakes | Sundaha, Pupaltal, Rudhratal |
| Major River | Uttarganga |
| Main Mammals | Ailurus fulgens, Moschus chrysogaster, Panthera uncia, Canis lupus, Felis lynx, Pseudois nayaur, Hemitragus jemlahicus, Ursus thibetanus etc. |
| Main birds | Lophophorus impejanus, Tragopan satyra, Catreus wallichii etc. |
| Major tree species | Oak, Pine, Juniper, Birch, Rhododendron, Hemlock, Spruce etc. |
| Rural Municipalities | 3 (Putha-uttarganga, Dhaulagiri, and Tamankhola) |
| Major ethnic groups | Bishowkarma, Magar, Chhantyal, Thakali, Gurung, and Tibetian |
| Economy | Agriculture, animal husbandry, labor and trade |
Major Attractions of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
- Beautiful Dhorpatan valley
- High altitudes lakes
- Dhorbaraha, a Hindu religious place from where Uttarganga river is originated.
- The magnificent view of Gurja churen and putha Himal from Barse
- Only one Hunting Reserve of Nepal.
- A large herd of Blue sheep and Himalayan tahr
- Bishwokarma, Magar, Chhantyal, Thakali and Gurung culture
Best Seasons to Visit Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
The monsoon lasts until the beginning of October. Day time temperature is very low during winter due to strong winds. Higher elevation remains covered with a cloud in the morning. Later, during the day and in evenings 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 and September-October.
Accommodation and other Facilities
Visitors are requested to be self-sufficient with fuel (Kerosene/gas) before entering the reserve. Some hotels/lodges catering with simple Nepali foods are located at Chhyantung and Pakhathar village at Dhorpatan. The government of Nepal is planning to declare a buffer zone in close consultation with local communities and enhance their livelihood.
How to get into Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Public bus service is available from Kathmandu to Burtibang via Baglung bazar, Jeep is available from Burtibang to Dhorpatan. The next route is Tansen-Tamgash Gulmi-Burtibang also. Similarly, visitors can reach by foot from Beni, Myagdi to Dhorpatan within 3 days of a normal walk.
Air service links Dhorpatan from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Chartered service of the helicopter may be available on request from Kathmandu, normally used by the international hunters.
Safety Precaution
- First aid kit is recommended to carry by the visitors for their own safety.
- Visitors should be alert from the wildlife inside the core area.
Stop pollution
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Buy only what won’t pollute, or carry it out.
- Use safe drinking water (purify water yourself)
Reserve regulations to follow
- An entry fee of NRs. 3000.00 (foreigners) and an additional 13% VAT should be paid either the National Parks’ ticket counter at Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti, Mandap, Kathmandu or reserve headquarter, Dhorpatan before processing the journey.
- Camping inside the reserve should be done only in designated areas.
- Do not purchase an illegal animal or plant products.
- Travel within the reserve between sunset to sunrise is prohibited.
- Do respect cultural and religious sites.
- Flora and Fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
- Rubbish must be packed out, buried or disposed of in designated areas.
- Carry out non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags & bottles.
