Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, This hunting reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987.Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is shared by Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung Districts in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. The primary focus of the management of the reserve allows for hunting for sport and somehow thus manages to preserve a high altitude ecosystem in West Nepal.

Vegetation and Wildlife
The reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. Pasturelands occupy more than 50% of the total area of the reserve at higher elevations.

The reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Other animals found are : leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bears, 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. A hunting license is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife conservation. Endangered Animals in the reserve include Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant, and Danphe.

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. Flight service reaches Baglung from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The reserve HQ can be reached in 4 days if you walk from Balewa, Baglung.

So what it basically means is that the walks are great, healthy, a perfect way to lose weight on those thighs (hey women do you hear?) and are great for trekkers. A public bus can be taken to Baglung from Pokhara followed by a 4 day walk via Baglung Beni-Darbang-Lumsum and Jaljala to reach Dhorpatan. And for those not interested in trekking or are short of time, a helicopter charter may be available on request from Kathmandu.

The reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq. km. and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the sports hunting needs of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game. 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 Patan, is divided into six blocks for hunting management purposes.

The reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north. As is the case with most of the other national parks in Nepal, local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements for wood, fuel wood, fodder, and pasture. The refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put additional pressure on the forest reserve. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve. The majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Magar. Thakali, and Gurung. An amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures.

Seasons
The monsoon lasts until the beginning of October. Day time temperatures are very low during winter due to strong winds. Higher elevations remain covered by cloud in the morning, later 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-April.

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