Besides
national parks and wildlife reserves His Majesty's
Government of Nepal has also set aside a hunting reserve
at Dhorpatan where controlled hunting of some species
is allowed. Covering an area of 1,325 sq. km., the
reserve is situated on the southern flanks of Mt.
Dhaulangiri I (8,167 m.) in districts of Rukum, Baglung
and Myagdi in western Nepal.
The area's vegetation is characterised
by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevation
and many plant species of drier climate to the north.
Tree species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron,
hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. As in many other
protected environments of Nepal, the reserve includes
several villages inhabited by hill tribes as well
as people of Tibetan descent who supplement farming
with trade and animal husbandry. The reserve is one
of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized
trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters.
Other game species are ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr,
black bear, pheasant and partridge. Endangered species
of the area include the red panda and cheer pheasant.
Controlled hunting is allowed with proper licence
and certain seasons of the year. Game licence is issued
by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
in Kathmandu and there are a few hunting outfitters
who can make arrangements for expeditions. Besides
hunting, Dhorpatan is also an attractive destination
for the trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts as protection
has enabled animal numbers to increase in this rarely
visited area.
FEATURES
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 “patans”, are important
for wild animals like the blue sheep and other herbivores.
The Reserve is divided into seven six blocks for hunting
purposes. The Reserve is surrounded by villages on
all sides except the north.
CLIMATES
The monsoon lasts until the end of November. Day time
temperatures are very low during winter due to strong
winds. Higher elevations remain covered with cloud
in the morning; later clouds are 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 to April.
FLORA
The Reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine
and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species
include fir, pine, and birch, rhododendron, hemlock,
oak, juniper and spruce. Pastureland occupies more
than 50 % of the area of the Reserve at higher elevation.
FAUNA
The Reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue
sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Other animals found
here include: leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr,
Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus
macaque, langur and mouse hare. Pheasants and partridge
are common and their viable population in the reserve
permits controlled hunting. Endangered animals in
the Reserve include: musk deer, wolf, red panda, cheer
pheasant and danphe. The hunting license is issued
by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
PLACES OF INTEREST
“Dhorbaraha” a famous Hindu pilgrimage
site lies on the banks of Uttarganga River near Dhorpatan
within the Fagune block. Every 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 blocks are exceptional, where as
Seng and Sundaha block are rich in wild animals.
FACILITIES
Local people are allowed to collect limited quantities
of fuel-wood for their daily use. Visitors are requested
to be self-sufficient with fuel (Kerosene) before
entering the Reserve. Since no medical facilities
are available in and around the Reserve, it is suggested
that visitors carry a comprehensive first-aid kit
including medicines for intestinal disorders. Two
hotels/Resorts catering modest Nepali cuisine are
located at Chhyantung, near Dhorpatan.
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.
Air service is available to Pokhara,
from where public buses are available for Baglung.
The Reserve HQ can be reached in 4 days walk from
Baglung. Now direct buses are available from Kathmandu
to Baglung.
Chartered helicopter services may be
available on request from Kathmandu.
