Trip Highlights
Dhorpatan is a national park covering 1325 sq km which was managed for conservation and the hunting of blue sheep and other game by the royal family and paying for foreign parties. Now, of course, with the king deposed, official hunting has ceased and blue sheep, along with the musk deer, wolf, red panda, and leopard are strictly protected.
Dhorpatan Trek offers a fantastic trail through an off-beaten path for a moderately challenging experience. It takes us to the western part of Nepal that is as unscathed by modern times as it is embellished by nature. Moreover, the wildlife, the vegetation, the mountain views, and the ever-so-friendly people, will make you think about extending your trip.
Hunting yet Preserving Sanctuary
The primary destination of Dhorpatan Trek is the famous Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. It is the only Hunting Reserve in Nepal and covers an area of 1325 km2 spanning over the districts of Baglung, Rukum, and Myagdi. As per its name, the park provides controlled hunting opportunities for Nepalese and foreigners alike. The park allows the hunting of game birds and animals like blue sheep, serow, pheasants, and partridge, among others. However, Dhorpatan is also a sanctuary of several endangered wildlife and vegetation.
Dhorpatan Trek is not necessarily a hunting trip. However, we can arrange a hunting package for you during this trek. You need to have a permit from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to participate in the controlled hunting.
Exploring Hidden Gems
Another major destination in the Dhorpatan Trek is the Gurja Khani Village. Situated placidly beneath the Dhaulagiri range, it is a hidden village that is quite secluded and disconnected. Owing to its remoteness and difficult accessibility, it is mostly unscathed by modernization and has its culture and traditions intact. Not many trekkers have visited this beautiful village. However, those that have visited have only praised its magnificence and beauty.
The trail begins from Pokhara as we drive to Beni and then to Darbang. We start our hiking from there and reach Dharapani. After two days of hiking, we will reach the Gurja Khani after crossing the Gurja Pass. We will explore the village for a day and then walk to Dhorpatan via Rugachaur Pass. After spending the next day exploring the vicinity of Dhorpatan, we will drive to Burtibang. We then drive to Pokhara the next day.
You can do this trek at any time of the year. However, we recommend the months of March through May or September through November. Any other time, it is either too hot, too cold or too humid. We will take care of your entire food and lodging and make sure that you’ll smoothly complete this trek. Additionally, we provide an experienced guide that will accompany you throughout Dhorpatan Trek.