Arrival of Tourists Increasing in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

The number of domestic tourists visiting Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has been rising of late. The reserve, which spans across Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi districts, is traditionally popular among foreign tourists for hunting. However, in recent years, there has been a significant growth in the number of domestic tourists.

"Compared to Fiscal Year 2022/23, tourist arrivals have doubled in Fiscal Year 2023/24," stated Conservation Officer Mandip Pangeni. In Fiscal Year 2022/23, a total of 7,645 tourists visited Dhorpatan, while in 2023/24, the number climbed to 15,573.

In previous years, the number of domestic tourists visiting Dhorpatan was 9,919 in Fiscal Year 2021/22, 6,703 in 2020/21, and 3,020 in 2019/20.

Domestic tourists are required to pay Rs 100 per person to visit 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, proprietor of Dhorpatan Community Homestay, attributed the increase in domestic tourism to better road transport, improved hotel and accommodation facilities, and increased publicity on social media. The Dhorpatan area currently has 21 hotels and homestays with a total capacity to accommodate 300 people daily.

Man Bahadur Pun, a hunting guide from Global Safari Kathmandu, noted that hunters from Spain, the USA, Russia, Germany, France, Belarus, and other countries frequently visit the reserve for hunting.

Covering an area of 1,325 square kilometers, the Dhorpatan reserve is home to 32 species of mammals and 137 species of birds. -- RSS