Sunday, August 18, 2024 Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has emerged as a popular destination for domestic tourists in Nepal, drawing increased local visitors to its scenic and adventurous landscapes. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which stretches across the Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi districts, has witnessed a significant rise in domestic tourist visits over recent years. Traditionally a favored destination for international tourists seeking hunting adventures, the reserve has seen a remarkable surge in the number of local visitors.
Conservation Officer Mandip Pangeni highlighted that the number of tourists doubled in the fiscal year 2080/81 compared to the previous year. In 2079/80, 7,645 tourists visited the reserve, but this figure soared to 15,573 in 2080/81. Historical records indicate a consistent increase in domestic visitors, with 9,919 tourists in 2078/79, 6,703 in 2077/78, and 3,020 in 2076/77.
Domestic tourists are required to pay an entry fee of Rs 100 per person to access the hunting reserve, while citizens from other SAARC countries are charged Rs 1,500 per person, and tourists from other nations must pay Rs 3,000 per person. Man Bahadur Pun, a hunting guide with Global Safari Kathmandu, noted that the reserve is frequently visited by hunters from Spain, the USA, Russia, Germany, France, and Belarus. Spanning 1,325 square kilometers, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is home to 32 species of mammals and 137 species of birds.
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