Dhorpatan
Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan
Hunting Reserve lies in Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung Districts
in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal.  Putha, Churen and
Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted
in 1987. Management objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting
and preserve a representative high altitude ecosystem in West
Nepal.
How
to Get There :
Public
bus service is available from Kathmandu to Tansen-Tamgash Gulmi
from where the reserve HQ. is a three day walk via Burtibang.
Flight
service reaches Baglung from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The reserve
HQ. can be reached in 4 days walk from Balewa, Baglung.
A
public bus can be taken to Baglung from Pokhara followed by
a 4 day walk via Baglung Beni-Darbang-Lumsum and Jaljala to
reach Dhorpatan.
A
helicopter charter may be available on request from Kathmandu.
Details
About the Reserve :
The
reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq. km. and is the only
hunting reserve in the country to meet the sports hunting needs
of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game
animals. The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout
the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m. to more than 7000 m. The
flat meadows above tree line (4000 m.), locally known as Patan,
is divided into six blocks for hunting management purposes.
The
reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north.
Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements
for wood, fuelwood, fodder, and pasture. The refugee camp near
the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the
forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February
and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the
reserve.
The
majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Magar.
Thakali, and Gurung, Amalgamation of different ethnic groups
has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures.
Vegetation
and Wildlife :
The
reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate
vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron,
hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce, Pasturelands occupy more than
50% of the total area of the reserve at higher elevations.
The
reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep, a highly
coveted trophy. Other animals found are : leopard, goral, serow,
Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bears, barking deer, wild boar,
rhesus macaque, languor, and mouse hare.
Pheasants
and partridge are common and their viable population in the
reserve permits controlled hunting.
A
hunting license is issued by the Department of Natonal Parks
and Wildlife conservation.
Endangered
Animals in the reserve include Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer
pheasant, and Danphe.
Seasons
to here:
The
monsoon lasts until the beginning of October. Day time temperatures
are very low during winter due to strong winds. Higher elevations
remain covered by cloud in the morning, later cleared by the
wind. Snow may occur even at low elevation until early April,
however, it soon melts. The best time to visit the reserve is
March-April.
Places
of Interest :
Dhorbaraha,
a Hindu religious place on the banks or Uttarganga River near
Dhorpatan, is in Fagune bloc. E very year on the day of "Janai
Purnima" in August, a religious fair is held here which
is attended by many local devotees. The magnificent view of
Dhaulagiri Himal from Barse. Dogari and Gustung blocs are exceptional.
Snag and Sundaha bloc are rich in wild animals.
Some
Important Points :
Local
people are allowed to collect limited quantities of fuelwood
for their use. Visitors are requested to be self-sufficient
with fuel before entering the reserve. Since no medical facilities
are available in the reserves, it is suggested that visitors
carry a comprehensive first-aid kit including medicines for
intestinal disorders. Two hotels/lodges catering simple Nepali
foods are located at Chhyantung near Dhorpatan.
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