Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is a unique place in Nepal. It is the country's only reserve where regulated hunting is allowed. Located in western Nepal, it features high mountains from 2,850 to 5,500 meters tall. This remote wilderness is home to wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopards. It attracts tourists looking for adventure, trekking, and controlled trophy hunting in a landscape different from Nepal's national parks.
Tourism is Booming, Driven by Visitors from Nepal
In 2025, a total of 23,692 visitors came to the reserve. That’s slightly less than double from 2023, and less than triple from 2021. After a small drop in 2022, growth is now strong and steady.
Year | Nepali | SAARC | Foreign | Total |
| 2021 | 9,156 | 2 | 50 | 9,208 |
| 2022 | 6,476 | 0 | 54 | 6,530 |
| 2023 | 12,657 | 7 | 87 | 12,751 |
| 2024* | 8,226 | 2 | 62 | 8,290 |
| 2025 | 23,467 | 12 | 213 | 23,692 |
Source: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2077/78-2080/81); onlinekhabar (2025); * - Only 6 months available
The Core Insight: Local tourists are driving growth. In 2025, 99% of visitors were from Nepal. The international segment is still very small, but it is growing fast - foreign visitors doubled, and SAARC visitors tripled. Even so, international tourists make up less than 1% of total visitors. This means there is a big opportunity to attract more visitors from other countries in the future.
Seasonal Peaks and Quiet Winter
Tourism in Dhorpatan is not the same all year. It 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.
Nepali Tourist Arrival by Month, 2023
Source: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2077/78-2080/81)
Key Insight: This pattern is very important for anyone running a business here. You must earn most of your yearly income during the 6-month peak from April-May and September-December. The winter months have very little business. Successful planning means preparing for this long, quiet period.
Your business plan should focus on the short, intense busy season. Budget carefully to survive the long, quiet winter.
A Small but Valuable Market: Foreign Tourists
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.
However, their Season is Even Shorter. Like domestic tourists, foreign visitors come mostly during peak seasons - but their travel window is even narrower.
Foreign Tourist Arrival, 2023
Source: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2077/78-2080/81)
Key Insight: Foreign tourists are few but important. They come almost entirely during the busy autumn season. This means they need the same guides, hotels, and services as local tourists - at the same time.
This is actually a good opportunity. If your business has special skills, permits, or gear for foreign hunters or trekkers, you can charge higher prices. But you must be ready to serve them during the short, crowded autumn season.
Seasonal Reality: A Short Commercial Peak and a Long Winter Trough
Business in Dhorpatan follows a strict seasonal pattern. Most tourists visit during a short, busy season. In 2023, the peak months were April (2,662 visitors), October (2,313 visitors), November (1,541), and August (1,275). This is when the weather is best for trekking and hunting. In stark contrast, winter sees very few visitors, with only 82 in January and 700 in February. This means nearly all yearly income must be earned in just five to six months.
Total Tourist Arrival by Month, 2023
Source: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2077/78-2080/81)
Key Insight: A standard year-round business model will not work. The best strategy is to operate only during the busy season to match your costs with your income. You should also prepare for the long winter by finding other work, keeping your team very small, or creating simple, low-cost winter activities. The key is to earn enough during the short peak to survive the long quiet period.
Strategic Recommendations based on Tourist Trends
The data shows strong growth in Dhorpatan. Most visitors come in two short seasons. Smart business owners can use these patterns to find good opportunities. Here are the top areas with the highest potential.
Seasonal Hotels & Lodges: Open only during the peak seasons (March–May and September–November). Build or rent simple, affordable rooms. You do not need luxury. Focus on clean, safe places that can host many visitors quickly.
Nepali Tourist Packages: Create special offers for local visitors. Many come as families or in groups. Offer packages that include food, a place to stay, and a local guide. Use social media to promote these inside Nepal.
Trekking & Tour Services: Most visitors come for trekking and nature. You can start a small agency. Offer guided walks, transport, and basic equipment rental. Train local youth as guides.
Festival & Holiday Tourism: Plan your business around Nepali holidays and festivals. Many people travel during Dashain, Tihar, and school breaks. Create special holiday packages to attract these groups.
Premium Services for Foreign Tourists: Although there are few foreign tourists, they spend more. If you can get the right permits and training, offer high-priced services. This includes guided hunting trips, wildlife photography tours, and comfortable camping. This is a special and profitable niche.
Specialty Outfitters (for foreign tourists): Hunting or wildlife photography tours for international clients can earn good money. However, this depends on a very small, seasonal group. Do not rely on this as your only business. First, build a strong base with local tourists.
Restaurants with High Overhead: A large restaurant with expensive rent, staff, and equipment is risky. Most tourists eat simple, local meals. Consider starting with a small kitchen or a tea house that can adjust its menu and hours with the seasons.
Building During Peak Season Rush: It might seem smart to start construction when business is booming. But materials and labor are most expensive during this time. Costs will be high, and delays are common. If possible, plan building and repairs for the quieter winter months.
Relying on a Single Tourist Type: A business that only serves foreign tourists or only domestic tourists is very fragile. If that one group stops coming, your income stops.
Taking Large Loans for Seasonal Expansion: Borrowing a lot of money to build a bigger hotel or buy expensive vehicles just for the busy season is dangerous.
Using One Fixed Price All Year: Charging the same price in peak season and winter is bad for business. You lose potential profit when demand is high, and you are too expensive when demand is low.
Plan Your Business With Real Numbers
The last four years of data show strong growth. Smart business owners plan for both opportunity and risk. We studied the growth from 2021 to 2024. Use these three realistic scenarios to plan your business for 2026.
Scenario | Visitor Estimate |
| Realistic | ~ 36,700 |
| Optimistic | ~ 53,100 |
| Cautious |
~ 20,100 |
Note: 80% Confidence Interval
Important Note: The 2025 data used is an annual estimate. Treat these figures as a planning benchmark, not a promise. Tourism can shift quickly due to policies, the global economy, or local events.
Dhorpatan Winning Formula
Serve Nepali Tourists First: Your main business should focus on visitors from Nepal. Plan for the busy months: April–May and September – October.
Keep Your Costs Low and Flexible: Your business should be able to close or shrink during the quiet winter. Avoid high rent and large, fixed staff costs. This way, you can survive when there are no tourists.
Add Premium Services as a Bonus: You can earn extra money by offering special services to foreign tourists, like guided hunting or wildlife photography tours. But do not depend on this for your main income. Treat it as an extra opportunity during the busy season.