Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Tour

Best Time to Do Dhorpatan Hunting Tour

Autumn Season

From September to November, autumn is one of the best periods to walk in Dhorpatan. During this period, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking.

The majesty of the Dhaulagiri and its surrounding mountains are at their most visible, and magnificent views are possible.

Spring Season

Spring season (March to May) is another good season for trekking in Dhorpatan. This season is marked by rhododendron flowering and wildflowers.

The wildlife viewings as animals are more active following the winter. Nevertheless, as many trekkers as possible may be on the trail this season, notably during the high season (April).

Winter Season

Winter, from December to February, presents a different trekking experience in Dhorpatan. No matter how beautiful the landscape is (snowy peaks and blue sky), the climate can be intensely cold (especially in the high-altitude regions). Trekkers must be properly equipped for cold weather and possible snow.

Summer/Monsoon Season

The summer months, particularly June to August, are characterized by the monsoon season in Nepal. In this period, Dhorpatan is hit by heavy rainfall, making trekking difficult because of the slushy track and the higher risk of landslides. While the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, visibility may be reduced due to clouds and rain.

Weather Information for Dhorpatan Trek

Weather in Dhorpatan can be highly variable from season to season. In autumn and spring, temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C during the day but can drop below freezing at night, especially at higher altitudes.

Daytime temperatures can range between 5°C and the freezing point in winter, while nighttime temperatures are consistently below -10°C, even in the highland areas.

Summertime is associated with higher temperatures and heavy rainfall; daytime temperatures can exceed 25°C, whereas nights are still cool at -10°C.

Dhorpatan Hunting Tour Difficulty

Now, this is the tricky part. However, you can’t just grab your suitcase and go with a gun hunting in Dhorepatan.

Throughout two seasons (September to November and March to May), a maximum of 20 Himalayan Blue Sheeps and 11 Himalayan Tahr can be shot. And there are lots of applications for the hunt.

Hence, if your intention is hunting, you have to contact the Himalayan Masters way in advance; the booking of trekking in the Dhorepatan hunting reserve is required at least 1.5 months prior to the journey.

Distance from Famous Places

• Kathmandu to Dhorpatan road distance: Around 300 km (186 miles)
• Pokhara to Dhorpatan road distance: 98 km (60.9 miles)
• Baglung to Dhorpatan road distance: 56.3 km (35 miles)
• Burtibang to Dhorpatan road distance: 32 km (19.8 miles)
• Butwal to Dhorpatan road distance: 173 km (107.5 miles)

Roads on the Trek & How to Avoid

The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve trek is a challenging walk across diverse landscapes of rocky paths, steep gradients, and, at times, river adventures.

During the monsoon season, the roads might be affected due to floods and landslides. So it is better not to travel during the monsoon season.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, & Health

The Dhorpatan trek is considered moderate to challenging, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and stamina. Physical activities, including hiking, running and cycling, should accustom individuals to physical endurance.

It is suggested that trekkers should be able to walk for several hours a day at high altitudes. It is also recommended that a basic first aid kit and any required medication be carried to deal with minor health concerns during the trek.

Special Training

Although no specific training for the Dhorpatan trek is necessary, preparing for the physical requirements of high-altitude trekking is important. Strength training exercises, particularly for your legs and core, can improve your stability and endurance on uneven terrain.

Altitude Sickness During the Tour

Altitude sickness is not a problem that can be tackled by people travelling to high-altitude regions, such as the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. To avoid altitude sicknesses, it is very important to ascend slowly and permit proper time to acclimatize.

Staying hydrated and abstaining from alcohol can also serve to reduce symptoms. If you start to develop symptoms of altitude sickness, you must notify your guide as soon as possible and attempt to descend to a lower altitude if the symptoms worsen.

Emergency and Evacuation

In the event of an emergency during your trek in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, it is necessary to have a plan in place. Due to the remote location of the hunting reserve, direct medical care could be unavailable sometimes.

In cases of severe altitude sickness or injury, the most effective response may involve descending to a lower altitude or being airlifted by helicopter, depending on the severity of the situation and available resources.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly advised for any person intending to trek in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Medical costs, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuation coverage should be included in a broad policy. Due to the distance and associated risks involved in high-altitude trekking, adequate insurance can bring assurance.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Cost

With Himalayan Masters, the Dhorpatan Tour costs $1050 per person, usually involving permits, lodging, food, and a guide and porters.

Additional Expenses

In addition to the basic costs associated with the trek, trekkers should budget for additional expenses that may arise during their journey. These may consist of tips on guides and porters and costs for additional meals or snacks not included in your trekking package.

ATMs on the Trek Route

No ATMs are directly on the trekking trail in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. The closest ATMs are usually available in larger towns like Beni or Pokhara before beginning your trek. It is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before beginning your journey, as many local establishments may not accept credit cards.

Money Exchange

For visitors travelling outside Nepal, currency exchange can be done in the capital cities of Kathmandu or Pokhara before going to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Commercial banks and authorized currency exchange establishments provide favourable exchange rates for converting foreign currency into Nepalese Rupees (NPR).

Street vendors are not recommended for exchanging money because of potential scams or unfavourable rates. Once you are on the trekking path, there are few places to exchange money, so having enough local currency at the start is much wiser. Always keep some cash handy for small purchases throughout your journey.

Packing List For Dhorpatan Hunting Tour

Upper Body

• Lightweight moisture-wicking t-shirts
• Long-sleeve thermal base layers
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Insulated down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Trekking shirt (quick-dry)

Lower Body

• Trekking pants (quick-dry)
• Thermal leggings
• Waterproof pants
• Comfortable shorts (for warmer days)

Footwear

• Sturdy trekking boots (waterproof)
• Camp shoes or sandals
• Warm socks (wool or synthetic)
• Liner socks

Headwear

• Warm beanie or hat
• Sun hat or cap
• Buff or neck gaiter

Gloves

• Insulated gloves or mittens
• Lightweight gloves for hiking

Accessories

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Backpack (daypack for daily use)
• Hydration systems or water bottles

Personal Items

• Toiletries (travel-sized)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Personal medications

Miscellaneous

• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruits)
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Power bank for charging devices

Accommodation and Food

Teahouses / Camping 

In the Dhorpatan Hunting Tour, the main forms of accommodation are teahouses and tented camps. The teahouses offer basic but comfortable lodging options, typically featuring simple bedrooms with beds, pillows, and blankets.

Although some teahouses have electric lights, facilities are rather limited. Sharing rooms (though not always the case, especially in very popular spots).

While hot showers may not be common at all teahouses on the Dhorpatan Hunting Tour, many facilities in the remote halting areas do not have modern facilities. On the other hand, some teahouses provide hot water for washing, but this is usually at an extra fee.

In the teahouses, facilities are often of a basic kind and are communal facilities provided to different guests. Most of them are squat toilets instead of Western-style toilets.

Foods

Breakfast

Breakfast on the Dhorpatan trek provides energy for hiking participants. Everyday snacks and meals include cereal, bread, and egg products, usually served with tea or coffee.

Lunch

Lunch usually consists of packed meals that trekkers can enjoy at scenic spots along the trail. A typical lunch includes sandwiches, noodles, or rice with vegetables. Along the way, tea houses may also offer hot food if hikers stop at tea houses during the day.

Dinner

Dinner is generally served in the dining area of the teahouse or camp and includes a variety of dishes that reflect local cuisine. Options are also available, such as rice, potatoes, noodles, seasonal vegetables, and lentil soup (dal). Although the menu is not big, the meals are pretty enough to fill up after many hours of trekking.

Electricity & Battery Recharge

Electricity is limited during the Dhorpatan trek, particularly in the remote parts. Solar-powered lights may be available to most teahouses and homestays, but electronic device charging stations are usually not.

In big cities like Beni or Pokhara, trekkers can access more stable electricity supplies and mobile charger facilities.

It makes sense to have a portable power bank at all times to charge your devices when you are out on a trek, as this will back up your power supply for navigation and communication.

Water During the Trek

Water is crucial during the Dhorpatan trek, and trekkers should seek it out before they trek. While natural water sources such as streams and rivers are abundant along the trail, purifying the water before drinking is crucial to avoid waterborne illnesses.

Moreover, some teahouses also offer boiled or filtered water for trekkers at a small price. Based on the situation, drinking as much as 2-3 liter of water per day is preferable to maintain proper hydration, particularly at higher elevations, where dehydration may happen faster.

Communication

SIM Card

A local SIM card is suggested for communication during the Dhorpatan trek, i.e., upon arrival in Nepal. There is good coverage in urban, some parts of the trekking route by major service providers, such as Ncell and Nepal Telecom.

Landline

Landline services are typically unavailable in the trekking regions. Only a Few of them might have it.

Postal Services

While there might be the availability of postal services, using them might take forever to reach the destination, so it is better not to take them.

Walkie-Talkie

For emergencies or for urgent communications, trekkers who are walking with a group of trekkers may use walkie-talkies if the group is guided, as the devices may be useful for communicating with the group members over small distances.

Wi-Fi / Internet

Wi-Fi access during the Dhorpatan trek is very limited. Although there may be tea houses in villages that provide Wi-Fi, performance speeds and stability can be unreliable due to the remoteness of the village location.

So buying a local SIM card and a data pack with it is better.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are of great concern when trekking in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Due to the remote location, trekkers are expected to be sufficiently prepared for possible dangers, such as altitude reaction, animal collision and weathering changes. It is essential to stay informed about the trail and local wildlife and carry a basic first aid kit.

Guide vs Solo Trekking

Walking with a guide or independently in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve are decisions based on experience and comfort level with remote areas. Trekking with a guide has many benefits, such as interpretation of trail conditions, wildlife observation, and understanding of cultural practices, as well as during emergencies.

At the same time, single-person backpacking has freedom and a sense of adventure, but it needs careful skills in navigation and self-sufficiency. If you choose to trek alone, ensure you are well-prepared with maps, a compass or GPS device, and emergency supplies.

Porters Versus No Porter

When considering whether to hire a porter for your trek in Dhorpatan, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons.

Porters know the territory and can contribute to logistics, such as installing camps or lodging arrangements. However, if the option is to travel alone and no help is required, the burden of your gear can give you satisfaction and communion with the environment.

Tips on Hiring a Porter for Dhorpatan Trek

When considering hiring one porter for your Dhorpatan trek, here are some things to do to have a good time.

Your porter must be properly equipped with footwear and clothing to make the journey comfortable and safe. Be aware of your porter’s physical limitations and do not overburden them to a degree of reason.

Tipping Culture for Guides and Porters

For guides, a standard tip ranges from $10 to $20 per day, depending on their level of service and group size. Porters typically receive around $5 to $15 per day. It’s advisable to give tips at the end of the trek when you can assess their contributions throughout the journey.

Alternative Trekking Routes

Besides the main Dhorpatan trek, different alternative pathways provide a unique experience and an excellent panorama of the surrounding terrain.

A particular choice is the Dhorpatan-Jumla trek, integrating the magnificence of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and the wild beauty of the remote area of Jumla.

An alternative is the Phagune Phedi trek, which offers views but includes opportunities to learn hunting skills in the reserve.

Extending Trip

Those who want to stay longer in the Dhorpatan area have several possibilities. Trekkers can observe the surrounding area, for example, Rara Lake, a particularly beautiful lake with a peaceful atmosphere.

A brief outing from Dhorpatan can also take travellers to Gurjaghat, where sights and sounds of the local culture and way of life can be enjoyed.

Furthermore, extra days in Pokhara or Kathmandu allow sightseeing, cultural exposure and relaxation before or after the trek.

How to Book

With Himalayan Masters, it is really easy to book with us. You can simply visit our website and click on the booking option, where you will be asked to fill out a form. After doing this, you will get an email confirmation.

Another option is to contact us via email:[email protected].

How Can I Book a Trip at the Last Minute?

To book a trip at the last minute, contact trekking agencies directly through their websites or phone numbers. With Himalayan Masters, you can book a last-minute trip, but you must inform beforehand.

Why Choose Himalayan Masters

Himalayan Masters is a reputable trekking agency known for its commitment to providing exceptional trekking experiences in Nepal.

We provide well-structured tours with experienced guides who commonly live in the Dhorpatan region and have knowledge about the region and its special wildlife.

Feedback/Review

We seek feedback and review from every trekker who treks with us. So, if you also want us to improve and enhance our service, you can leave a review on our Tripadvisor page.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy of Himalayan Masters might be different than others. You will not get a refund of the money you have deposited. But the money can be used to trek and tour Nepal for a lifetime.

How do you reach Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve from Kathmandu?

By Flight:

You can book a private helicopter from Kathmandu to any sport you like in the Dhorepatan hunting reserve. This might only be possible if you are in the larger group of 45 people.

If booked on a sharing basis, you will be surprised at how cheap helicopter booking in Nepal can be. However, group helicopter bookings might not be easily available for solo tours or couples.

In this case, a domestic flight to Pokhara Airport is the only way to get there quickly. This saves you about seven hours of ride, but you still need to drive for five hours because there is no domestic airport near the hunting reserve. 

By Bus:

You can drive directly from Kathmandu to Beni. The bus to Beni, which falls within Myadgi district, leaves Kathmandu from the bus park in Gongabu. Then, you need to hire a jeep or private taxi to take you into Darbang, about 3 hrs of ride. 

By Private Vehicle:

Well, it is possible to book a Jeep directly from your hotel in Thamel to Darbang. For the larger group, you can hire a jeep, and a small group can get a Taxi. Although a bit expensive, this is the most convenient travel method for tourists. It might cost between $150 to $200 to book a Jeep or Taxi for the whole day.  

Dhorpatan tour from Pokhara short Itinerary

Well, if you don’t have such long hours to explore an entire region or trek for weeks, you can witness the beauty of Dhorpatan in a 4-5 day trip. The Itinerary for short

The Dhorpatan tour from Pokhara is listed here:
Day 1: Jeep from Pokhara to Burtibang and Burtibang to Dhorepatan
Day 2: Visit the Dhorpatan area
Day 3: Drive back to Pokhara