Dhorpatan Welcomes Tourists as Foreign Hunters Arrive for Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr Hunting

Dhorpatan, renowned for its natural beauty, snow-capped mountain views, and vast green meadows, is attracting increasing numbers of domestic and international tourists. While foreign hunters are exploring the high-altitude hunting blocks of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, domestic visitors are enjoying trekking and sightseeing in the valley and surrounding areas. Dhorpatan is the only place in Nepal where regulated hunting is legally permitted. The first hunting season of the current fiscal year is underway, running from October to November. During this season, foreign hunters have arrived to hunt blue sheep and Himalayan tahr under officially approved quotas. According to Sagar Subedi, a ranger at the reserve, 10 blue sheep and seven Himalayan tahr have been hunted so far this season. Eleven foreign hunters have already arrived, while six more are preparing to visit. Hunters from countries including Russia, the United States, Spain, Denmark, France, and African nations travel to Dhorpatan for the experience. Meanwhile, domestic tourists are increasingly visiting Dhorpatan Valley, Nisel Dhor, Bukipatan, and Jaljala for trekking and natural sightseeing. Visitors from Kathmandu, Chitwan, and other parts of the country are particularly drawn to the region during festivals and favorable weather. According to Punam Budhamagar, operator of a local community homestay, foreign hunters generally reach designated hunting blocks by helicopter, while domestic tourists travel by road and continue their journey on foot. The reserve has seven hunting blocks: Surtibang, Phagune, Barse, Seng, Dogadi, Ghustung, and Sundaha. Nepali helpers and reserve staff also accompany hunting groups, while the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation determines annual hunting quotas. Hunting in Dhorpatan takes place in two seasons each year. The first runs from October to November, while the second takes place from February to April. Foreign hunting groups must complete their activities within designated blocks and a maximum period of 15 days. During the two hunting seasons of the previous fiscal year, 21 blue sheep and 11 Himalayan tahr were hunted, generating approximately Rs. 41.7 million in government revenue. The reserve also welcomed around 37,000 domestic and international tourists during the same period. With tourist arrivals increasing this fiscal year, local hotels and homestays are also expanding their services. Established in 1987 (2044 BS), Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve covers parts of Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi districts, making it an important destination for adventure tourism and nature-based travel in Nepal.