In a significant development aimed at improving tourist services, a Tourism Information Center is set to be constructed in Dhorpatan, the only hunting reserve in Nepal. This initiative comes in response to complaints regarding a lack of information and reliable tourism infrastructure, as well as inadequate road access for visitors.
Foreign hunters often charter helicopters to reach Dhorpatan, while domestic tourists usually travel through designated routes. To cater to these visitors, the Department of Tourism has announced the construction of the information center within the current fiscal year.
Deputy Mayor of Dhorpatan Municipality, Dhan Bahadur Kayat, shared that the increasing number of tourists each year has prompted the tourism department to take action. He mentioned that a contract has been signed for the construction of an attractive tourism center located in Ward No. 9, Pakhathar.
The first phase of the project is budgeted at NPR 4 crores, with the contract awarded to Shri Dolewsher Mahadev Construction Pvt. Ltd. The center will not only provide essential information but will also include facilities such as a park and a museum to enhance the overall tourist experience.
“In recent times, around 15,000 internal and foreign tourists have visited Dhorpatan, and we have noticed that tourists often get confused due to the lack of sufficient information and infrastructure,” Deputy Mayor Kayat stated. “With coordination from the tourism department, we are set to construct a well-equipped tourism information center alongside a properly organized park and museum.”
This project, with an estimated cost of NPR 4 crores for the current fiscal year, will be managed by the municipality, which has prepared the land arrangements and detailed project report (DPR) for the information center.
Federal MP Deviprakash Bhattchan emphasized the importance of the information center in promoting local identity, art, and culture. He expressed confidence that the center would facilitate tourists who pay a premium to hunt in Dhorpatan, thereby enhancing their overall experience.
According to the Reserve Office, a total of 15,573 internal and foreign tourists visited Dhorpatan during the 2080/81 fiscal year, generating revenue of NPR 1.9 million. Mandeep Pangen, the conservation officer at the reserve, noted that while basic information is provided at the Dhorpatan entrance at Deurali, establishing the information center would lead to more effective service delivery.
With this initiative, Dhorpatan aims to solidify its reputation as a prime destination for hunting and tourism in Nepal.
