As the cold weather increases, the once-bustling Dhorpatan Valley has started to quiet down. While there was a steady flow of tourists until the end of Mangsir (mid-December), the area began to experience a drop in visitors starting from the first week of Poush (mid-January). Known for its serene beauty, Dhorpatan has long been a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists, with an increasing number of visitors year on year.
The growing popularity of Dhorpatan, fueled by media coverage and social media posts showcasing its picturesque landscapes, has drawn more tourists to the region. However, as the temperatures drop, even local residents retreat to areas such as Bobang, Adhikari Chaur, and Nisikhola, leaving Dhorpatan somewhat deserted. With fewer tourists arriving, local hoteliers have found themselves with more free time.
Despite the fact that snowfall typically brings more visitors to the area, Dhorpatan has remained unusually quiet this season. Hotel Business Association President Jiban Adhai explained that although the region does experience an uptick in tourists when it snows, the current drop in tourism has led to a significant slowdown in the local economy. “During the months of Poush to Falgun (mid-January to mid-March), tourist arrivals are usually low,” Adhai said, adding that compared to previous years, there has been a slight increase in the number of visitors overall.

Hotelier Bhim Bahadur Bhandari further explained that the winter months are generally slow for tourism, with fewer visitors due to the cold. He said that while around 150 tourists would visit Dhorpatan daily until Mangsir, this number has now dropped to just 30-40 visitors per day. He attributed this to the colder weather, despite the growing awareness and popularity of the destination through promotional efforts.
Until five years ago, there were very few local entrepreneurs operating hotels in Dhorpatan. Now, nearly 40 hotels are functioning in the Dhorpatan Valley alone. However, the drop in visitor numbers during the cold season has led some hotel owners to temporarily close or scale back operations. Hotelier Shyamlal Ghimire mentioned that while Dhorpatan’s appeal has increased in recent years due to improved lodging and dining facilities, the winter season still sees a noticeable decrease in guests.
Ghimire also noted that only a few tourists come on Fridays and Saturdays. The area, which is about 32 kilometers from Burtibang, a major commercial hub in Baglung, is accessible by a dirt road. The national priority project, the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan road, has connected Dhorpatan to the rest of the region, garnering more attention. However, the road’s lack of proper infrastructure development has caused inconvenience for tourists. Despite the current decline in visitor numbers, local stakeholders are optimistic that improvements in transportation infrastructure and continued promotion of the region will help Dhorpatan regain its appeal as a prime tourist destination in the future.