Dhorpatan

Park & wildlifePahadHidden gem1 min read

In Nepali: ढोरपाटन

Dhorpatan, Baglung
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Nepal's only hunting reserve: high meadows and forest under Dhaulagiri and Putha Hiunchuli, with blue sheep and a Tibetan settlement.

Dhorpatan is a broad, flat valley at about 2,900 m where Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi meet. Its grasslands and forest form the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, where limited, licensed hunting of blue sheep and Himalayan tahr is permitted; snow leopards and red pandas also live here.

A Tibetan refugee settlement and old Magar villages lie in the valley. Few trekkers come — the road is rough — but it is the gateway to remote routes toward Dolpo and the Guerrilla Trek.

What to see and do

Walk across the broad meadows of the valley, visit the Tibetan settlement and its monastery, and hike to ridges for views of Dhaulagiri and the Putha Hiunchuli range. Wildlife includes blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer and pheasants.

Good to know

Reserve entry fees apply. There are few lodges; homestays or camping are the main options. The road from Baglung via Burtibang is rough and slow. The Guerrilla Trek and routes to Dolpo pass through the area.

Quick answers

Where is Dhorpatan?
Dhorpatan is in Baglung district, Gandaki Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
What is the altitude of Dhorpatan?
About 2,900 m (9,515 ft) above sea level.
How much does it cost to visit Dhorpatan?
For a 5-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 16,500 (≈ US$120) per person on a budget, or NPR 35,500 (≈ US$265) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 13,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
How many days do I need for Dhorpatan?
Plan 3 nights there; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 5 days in all.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Dhorpatan?
Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
When is the best time to visit Dhorpatan?
April–May; October–November
How do I get to Dhorpatan?
Long jeep ride from Baglung via Burtibang. It is about 95 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
What is Dhorpatan called in Nepali?
ढोरपाटन
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