Dhorpatan Wildlife Trekking

Offered by supplier M16846 (view THIS SUPPLIER profile)

Key Information:
Tour Duration: 16 – 25 day(s)
Group Size: 2 – 20 people
Destination(s): Nepal
Specialty Categories: Hiking & Trekking Wildlife Viewing

Covering an area of 1,325 sq. km., the reserve is situated on the southern flanks of Mt. Dhaulangiri I in districts of Rukum, Baglung & Myagdi in western Nepal. The area’s vegetation is characterized by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevation & many plant species of drier climate to north. Besides wildlife reserves Nepal Government has also set aside a hunting reserve at Dhorpatan where controlled hunting of some species is allowed.

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 license and certain seasons of the year. Game license 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.