Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve: Growing Domestic Tourism and Seasonal Economic Opportunities

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only reserve in Nepal where controlled hunting is permitted. Spread across the high Himalayan region of western Nepal, this reserve extends from an altitude of 2,850 meters to 5,500 meters above sea level.  Blue sheep (bharal), snow leopards, Himalayan landscapes, wildlife, and adventurous trekking create its unique appeal.

The reserve spans three districts and municipalities: Putha Uttarganga Municipality in Eastern Rukum, Dhorpatan Municipality in Baglung, and Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality in Myagdi.” 

Every visitor to the reserve must pay the following entry fees (in Nepali Rupees):

• Nepali tourists: Rs. 100
• SAARC tourists: Rs. 1,500
• Other foreign tourists: Rs. 3,000
• Children under 10 years: Free

Source: Nepal Tourism Board

👉 Dhorpatan is a unique identity that combines trekking, adventure tourism, wildlife observation, and limited trophy hunting all in one place. 

Tourism in Dhorpatan is growing rapidly. In 2021, the total number of tourists was 9,208, which increased to 23,692 by 2025.

Source:  Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2077/78; 2078/79; 2079;80, 2080/81); Onlinekhabar 28/7/2025

• In 2024/25, nearly 99% of total tourists were Nepali. This indicates that Dhorpatan’s tourism market is overwhelmingly driven by domestic demand. 
• Although the number of foreign and SAARC tourists remains small, the growth rate is notably strong.

👉 This points to a significant potential for international tourist expansion in the future.

Tourism in Dhorpatan has a very clear pattern of busy and quiet months.  

• In 2023, the busiest months were April, October, and November.  These 3 months alone brought in 6,485 visitors. That is more than half (51%) of all Nepali visitors for the entire year. The weather is best during this time for trekking and pilgrimage.  
• January recorded only 81 Nepali visitors.   
  

Source:  Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2080/81)

Business Strategy: Keeping Fixed Costs Low is Essential . 

To succeed in Dhorpatan, a business must be seasonal, flexible, and based on a low-cost model. High risks include large permanent staff, expensive rent, and year-round operational expenses.

• A suitable strategy includes operating only in peak seasons, maintaining a small team, and generating alternative income during the off-season.

👉 In Dhorpatan, it’s the season—not just the location—that drives earnings.

Foreign tourists are few in number but important. 

• In 2023, only 94 foreign visitors came to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. 
• This group includes trophy hunters, adventure trekkers, and researchers. They are a high-value segment, often spending much more than the average tourist.
• Like domestic tourists, foreign visitors come mostly during peak seasons - but their travel window is even narrower.
  

Source:  Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2080/81)

👉 The growing number of foreign tourists will increase the demand for services like hunting guides, wildlife tracking, photography tours, high-end camping, and specialized trekking support. 

Most businesses in Dhorpatan do not operate uniformly throughout the year.

• Peak months: April, August, October, November
• Weak months: January, June

Source:  Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2080/81)

👉 The majority of annual income must be earned within just a few months.

Tourism in Dhorphatan is growing rapidly. In 2023, 12,751 tourists arrived, while in 2024/25, this number increased to 23,692.

Currently, in Dhorphatan, there are:

Source: Dhorpatan 30/5/2026 

Although some hotels become fully booked during public holidays and special occasions, and some tourists face difficulty finding accommodation, the available data does not clearly indicate a hotel shortage throughout the year.

👉 Therefore, in the current situation, rather than investing heavily in building new hotels, waiting a few more years to observe tourist arrival data could be a cautious strategy.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is not just a destination for trekking and adventure tourism. This area is also extremely important for the study of Himalayan biodiversity, wildlife, high-altitude ecology, climate change, and Himalayan lifestyles. 

👉 Although the 2024 numbers appear small, they provide an important indication: the potential for research tourism and film-based tourism in Dhorpatan is expanding.

Source: Nepal Tourism Board, 2024

Potential business opportunities include:

• Wildlife Research Support Service: A service providing field coordination, local guides, accommodation, and porter support to teams researching wildlife and biodiversity.
• Film Logistics and Permit Coordination: An opportunity to offer services such as location scouting, local coordination, transport management, and permit assistance to documentary, adventure film, or wildlife shooting teams.
• High-Altitude Equipment Rental: Demand may increase for services like camera gear, camping equipment, drone support, and solar charging systems.
• Local Cultural Interpretation Service: Potential for expert services interpreting local culture, the Magar community, Himalayan lifestyles, and traditional knowledge.
• Remote Communication and Safety Support: The need may grow for services such as satellite communication, emergency coordination, and offline navigation support in remote areas.

Data from recent years shows that tourism in Dhorpatan is expanding rapidly. However, because Dhorpatan remains a highly seasonal, weather-dependent, and infrastructure-limited area, future growth may remain volatile.

Based on available data and the current growth trend, three possible scenarios emerge for 2026. 

Note:  80% Confidence Interval

👉 Treat these figures as a planning benchmark, not a promise.  Tourism can shift quickly due to policies, the global economy, or local events.

Dhorpatan's market is seasonal, remote, and adventure-driven. Therefore, the businesses that succeed here are also different.

The biggest opportunities in Dhorpatan lie in products and services that:

• Can be produced locally
• Are useful in remote areas
• Align with trekking and camping lifestyles
• Can operate with low infrastructure
• Can experience high demand during peak seasons
  

As adventure tourism expands, demand for endurance-focused nutrition products may also increase.  Beetroot is becoming popular in the global market as a stamina support, trekking nutrition, and sports-oriented food.  

• Opportunity:  Develop beetroot drink mixes, trekking nutrition sachets, and energy supplements for trekkers. 

👉 How Can Beetroot Powder Unlock a Fortune in Nepali Agribusiness?

Long treks and remote travel in Dhorpatan may increase demand for lightweight, durable, and energy-rich food.  Banana flour is lightweight, durable, easy to transport, and suitable for trekking meals.

• Opportunity:  Include banana flour-based porridge or breakfast items in local lodges, tea houses, trekking groups, and camping packages.

👉 Banana Flour in Nepal: Turning Bananas into a High-Value Agro-Processing Business

Nettle grows naturally in the Dhorpatan region. Global demand for herbal nutrition and Himalayan superfoods is rising.

• Opportunity: Brand it as nettle soup mix, herbal trekking drinks, and high-altitude nutrition products. Adventure trekkers and foreign tourists are especially likely to seek local functional foods.

👉 From Weed to Health: The Complete Guide to the Nettle Powder Business in Nepal

Plastic waste management can become a major challenge in remote areas like Dhorpatan. A banana leaf plate is a biodegradable, lightweight, rural-friendly, and low-cost alternative.

• Opportunity: Use it as a plastic replacement in tea houses, camping groups, festival gatherings, and seasonal tourism.

👉 Banana Leaf Plate Business in Nepal: Cost, Profit, and Complete Startup Guide

Since Dhorpatan is a wildlife-based tourism destination, there is great potential for eco-branding.

• Opportunity: Wildlife-themed souvenir paper, postcards, eco-packaging, and conservation gift products can be made.

👉 High-Quality Paper from Elephant Dung in Nepal: Production, Cost & Business Opportunity

Dhorpatan rewards specialization more than scale.   A successful business here maintains low costs, operates effectively in remote conditions, understands seasonal demand, and aligns with trekking lifestyles.

• The winning business in Dhorpatan is not necessarily the biggest hotel.  It is the business that can turn remote tourism into repeat local spending.