Domestic Tourism on the rise at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

The number of domestic tourists visiting the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has seen a significant increase recently. Traditionally popular among foreign tourists for hunting, the reserve, which spans across Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi districts, is now attracting a growing number of domestic visitors.

“Compared to Fiscal Year 2022/23, tourist arrivals have doubled in Fiscal Year 2023/24,” said Conservation Officer Mandip Pangeni. In Fiscal Year 2022/23, the reserve welcomed 7,645 tourists. This number surged to 15,573 in 2023/24.

In previous years, the domestic tourist count was 9,919 in Fiscal Year 2021/22, 6,703 in 2020/21, and 3,020 in 2019/20.

Domestic tourists are charged Rs 100 per person to enter the hunting reserve. Citizens from other SAARC countries pay Rs 1,500 per person, while tourists from other countries are charged Rs 3,000 per person.

Ram Bahadur Ghartimar, the proprietor of Dhorpatan Community Homestay, credits the increase in domestic tourism to improved road transport, enhanced hotel and accommodation facilities, and greater publicity on social media. The Dhorpatan area now has 21 hotels and homestays, collectively capable of accommodating 300 guests daily.

Meanwhile, Man Bahadur Pun, a hunting guide from Global Safari Kathmandu, highlighted that hunters from countries like Spain, the USA, Russia, Germany, France, Belarus, and others frequently visit the reserve.

The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, covering an area of 1,325 square kilometers, is home to 32 species of mammals and 137 species of birds.

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