The number of domestic tourists visiting the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which spans across East Rukum, Baglung, and Myagdi districts, has significantly increased during the festive season. The influx of tourists is attributed to the favorable autumn weather and long holidays for festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath.
According to Ranger Sagar Subedi, from the beginning of the current fiscal year up to the month of Ashwin, 5,204 tourists visited Dhorpatan. This includes 518 visitors in July, 3,032 in August, and 1,654 in September, including nine international visitors.
In the previous fiscal year (2080/81), Dhorpatan saw 15,573 visitors, generating NPR 1.93 million in revenue from eco-tourism. Comparatively, in the fiscal year 2079/80, the reserve had 7,645 visitors.
At the entry point of Deurali in Dhorpatan Valley, visitor information is recorded, and fees are collected by the reserve and the Nepal Army post. The entry fee for Nepali tourists is NPR 100 per person, NPR 1,500 for visitors from SAARC countries, and NPR 3,000 for those from other countries.
Vishnu Prasad Dhungana, principal of Dipak Mavi School in Patlekhet, Beni Municipality-10, shared his experience of visiting Dhorpatan with friends during the Dashain break. They explored the expansive meadows, cattle herds, wildlife, and scenic views of the surrounding forests and hills.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, covering an area of 1,325 square kilometers, encompasses 60% of East Rukum, 26% of Baglung, and 14% of Myagdi. The reserve has 21 hotels and homestays, which can accommodate up to 300 visitors daily.
According to Ram Bahadur Ghartimagar, manager of Dhorpatan Community Homestay, the combination of accessible road transport, hotels, and the influence of social media has drawn tourists to witness the blooming meadows of Bukki, take photographs, and enjoy nature.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has issued permits for hunting 12 blue sheep (Naur), 8 Himalayan tahr (Jharal), and 11 wild boars for the autumn seasons of October and November. So far, 12 foreign hunters, through four companies, have obtained hunting permits.
The revenue from hunting permits for these species has reached NPR 14.59 million. The reserve is divided into blocks like Sundaha, Seng, Dogadi, Barse, Fagune, Surtibang, and Ghustung for hunting activities. Dhorpatan is home to 32 species of mammals and 137 species of birds, adding to its biodiversity appeal.
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