Dhorpatan Trek with Gurja Khani: A Perfect Place for Hunting

Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge, Tea house & Homestay
Walking Distance
90 km~
Duration
9 Nights 10 Days
Max. Elevation
4493 m
Meals Included
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Best Season
March-May / August-November
Grade
Strenuous

Overview

Dhorpatan Hunting Region Trek with Gurja Khani offers a fantastic trail through an off-beaten path for a moderately challenging experience. It takes us to the western part of Nepal which 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. The short 6-day Dhorpatan trek is for those adventure seekers who want a short trek on a friendly budget. Unlike other popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp trek, and Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek, this trek is shorter and way more affordable. Moreover, detailed information can be found in Dhorpatan Trek with Gurja Khani itinerary section.

Why you will love the Dhorpatan Trek?
    • Trekking through Nepal’s only hunting reserve, with its abundance of wildlife.
    • See a part of Nepal that around only 100 foreigners visit each year.
    • Close-up views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna as well as lesser-seen peaks in the west of Nepal.
    • Interact with the curious Magar locals.
    • Witness elusive wildlife like snow leopards, musk deer, red panda, and blue sheep. 
    • Gaze around the grassland and witness the colorful flowers during the monsoon Season. 
    • Explore the outskirts of Dhorpatan on a horse, observing the valleys and Uttar Ganga river.
    • Indulge in the amazing views of more than 12 peaks from Jaljala, including:                                                                                                                                                                                                            
      Mountains seen from Jaljala
      Height in meters
      Mt.Putha
      7,246 m
      Mt.Gurja
      7,139 m
      Mt.Churen
      7,371 m
      Mt.Gurja
      7,139 m
      Dhaulagiri I
      8,167 m
      Dhaulagiri II
      7,751 m
      Dhaulagiri III
      7,715 m
      Dhaulagiri IV
      7,661 m
      Dhaulagiri V
      7,618 m
      Dhaulagiri VI
      7,268 m
      Annapurna I
      8,091 m
      Annapurna III
      7,937 m
      Macchapuchre
      6,997 m

Hunting yet Preserving Sanctuary

The primary destination of Dhorpatan Trek is the famous Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve which was established in 1987. 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 birds and wild 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 controlled hunting.

Dhorpatan Trek with Gurja Khani Weather:

The weather is hugely impacted by the season. As we know, the temperature drastically dwindles during winter whereas it is mild during summer. The majority of the trekkers favours Autumn and Spring season for their trek.

During this season, the sky is clear with no fog and clouds, and the hills and forests are cladded with green lush vegetation. It is very important to have a clear sky on a high-altitude trek in order to perceive the optimum view of the Himalayas.

Best time to visit Dhorpatan Trek:

The best season to visit the Dhorpatan is March-April and September-October. Moreover, the 

Rules for Visitors in Dhorpatan Hunting Region:
 

  1. An entry fee of Rs. 3,000 (Foreigners), Rs. 1500 (SAARC Nationals), Rs. 100 (Nepali) visitors, and Rs. 25 for tourist porter should be paid at the designated ticket counter.
  2. The entry permit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and is for a single entry only. 
  3. Entering the reserve without a permit is illegal. Reserve personnel may ask for the permit, so visitors are requested to keep the permit with them.
  4. Visitors are required to get a special permit for documentary/filming from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).
  5. The drone (UAV) fee is the same as the documentary/filming fee while using it for other purposes.
  6. Don’t remove or damage plants and animals. All flora and fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed. 
  7. No one should walk within the reserve between sunset and sunrise. 
  8. Do respect the cultural and religious sites.
  9. Camping inside the reserve is allowed only in the designated areas
  10. Bring back non-biodegradable items such as batteries, plastic bags and bottles.
  11. Never trek alone, hire a local guide if you can’t find a companion.

Dhorpatan Trek with Gurja Khani: A Perfect Place for Hunting Photo

Dhorpatan Trek with Gurja khani Itinerary

  1. day 1

    Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

  2. day 2

    Fly or Drive to Pokhara

  3. day 3

    Pokhara- Beni-Darbang and drive to Dharapani

  4. day 4

    Dharapani to Lulang

  5. day 5

    Lulang to Gurja pass (3250 m) to Gurja Khani (2630 m)

  6. day 6

    Exploring Gurja Khani

  7. day 7

    Gurja khani to Rugachaur pass(3850m) to Gurja Ghat(3000m)

  8. day 8

    Gurja Ghat to Dhorpatan

  9. day 9

    Explore Dhorpatan

  10. day 10

    Dhorpatan to Burtibang. Burtibang to Pokhara

Dhorpatan Trek Map

everest base camp trek map

Written by: Mohan Bhandari

Frequently Asked Question

Dhorpatan is best visited in the peak trekking seasons in Nepal when the weather is at its finest: March to May and September to November.

The nights are spent on community homestays so, accommodation isn't an issue. However, we get to eat only local food available in the villages so, there are no varieties of options for food. Though, it's a homestay every individual will get a single room.

This trek is moderately challenging for adults but, tagging children on this expedition may escalate the difficulty. However, with additional care and attention from the guardians, this trek can be concluded but may involve plenty of hardship on the trails. Also, the parents may opt to hire an extra guide to look after their children.

No, you don't need any permits to enter the place. 

Yes, you can hunt in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. You need to have a special permit issued by the Nepali government in order to hunt the animals. Also, each animal has a distinct price on their head and after killing the so animal you have to pay the price. However, you can't take the meat with you.

Dhorpatan Trek with Gurja Khani: A Perfect Place for Hunting Company Reviews

2023-01-10

Best travel company in Pokhara!

Mohan was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond to help us with everything I did in Nepal. He is the go-to guy for everything and I owe many of my best experience in Nepal to him. Highly recommend this travel company. Also, shout out to Bharat who was an excellent guide!

Mitchell E
2023-12-13

12 reviews·6 photos

We went to Dhorpatan hunting reserve for a two week trek with Shiva! He was our guide, he was really kind and knew a lot about the area. We felt really lucky to have such a kind and fun guide. We will be contacting Shiva again for our next adventure in Nepal.
Also, the people in the office were professional and knew a lot about the area we were travelling to. I'd recommend this company again and again to everyone.

Seamus Coffey

Related Trips

Group
from 2100 pp 1950 pp

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 17 Nights 18 Days

Grade

strenuous

Duration

17 Nights 18 Days

Activity

Trekking
Group
from 1200 pp 900 pp

Short Everest Base Camp Trek - 10 Nights 11 Day Trek

Grade

Moderate

Duration

10 Nights 11 Day Trek

Activity

Trekking
Group
from 1600 1400 pp

Upper Mustang Trek - 11 Nights 12 days

Grade

Adventurous

Duration

11 Nights 12 days

Activity

Trekking
Group
from 800 pp 650 pp

Gosaikunda Lake Trek: A Place of Religious Prominence - 6 Nights 7 Days

Grade

Strenuous

Duration

6 Nights 7 Days

Activity

Trekking

We are associated with:

  • The logo of the Nepal Tourism Board of Nepal
  • Coat of Arms of Nepal
  • North Nepal Trek pvt. ltd is authorised from Nepal Mountain Academy.
  • Logo of VITOF Nepal