Domestic Tourism on the Rise in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

The number of domestic tourists visiting the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has been steadily increasing in recent years. Traditionally popular among foreign tourists for hunting, the reserve, which spans across the districts of Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi, is now attracting a growing number of local visitors.

According to Conservation Officer Mandip Pangeni, the tourist arrival in the fiscal year 2080/081 nearly doubled compared to the previous year. In the fiscal year 2079/080, a total of 7,645 tourists visited Dhorpatan, while the number surged to 15,573 in 2080/081. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with 9,919 visitors in 2078/079, 6,703 in 2077/078, and 3,020 in 2076/077.

Domestic tourists are required to pay an entry fee of Rs. 100 per person to visit the hunting reserve. For visitors from other SAARC countries, the fee is Rs. 1,500 per person, while tourists from other countries are charged Rs. 3,000 per person.

The rise in domestic tourism is attributed to improvements in road transport, enhanced hotel and accommodation facilities, and increased publicity through social media, according to Ram Bahadur Ghartimar, proprietor of Dhorpatan Community Homestay. The Dhorpatan area currently boasts 21 hotels and homestays, capable of accommodating 300 people daily.

Man Bahadur Pun, a hunting guide from Global Safari Kathmandu, noted that the reserve continues to attract hunters from countries such as Spain, the USA, Russia, Germany, France, and Belarus.

Covering an area of 1,325 square kilometers, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is home to 32 species of mammals and 137 species of birds, making it a unique destination for both hunting and wildlife enthusiasts.