Trekking · Baglung
Baglung: Gateway to Dhorpatan and the Guerrilla Trek
Baglung is the launch point for the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and the remote Guerrilla Trek through the western hills.
Baglung is the main gateway to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and the remote Guerrilla Trek, the launch point for journeys deep into Nepal's western hills. While the town itself is a temple-and-bridge stop, its strategic value for adventurous travellers is as the road-head and supply base for one of the country's least-visited regions.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan is Nepal's only hunting reserve, a remote, high-altitude expanse of alpine pasture and forest spread across Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts. It protects species such as blue sheep and is managed for regulated trophy hunting alongside trekking and wildlife interest. Reaching it is an expedition in itself — slow hill roads and trails west from Baglung through the bazaars of Galkot and Burtibang.
The Guerrilla Trek
The Guerrilla Trek threads the western mid-hills — Baglung, Rukum and Rolpa — named for the region's role in Nepal's insurgency era. It is a culturally rich, lightly trafficked trail through traditional Magar villages and terraced ridges, often combined with the Dhorpatan area. This is genuine off-the-beaten-path Nepal for travellers who want remoteness over comfort.
Practicalities
- Permits: Dhorpatan needs reserve entry permits; trophy hunting requires separate, tightly regulated licences.
- Guides: These remote routes are best done with a guide for navigation, logistics and safety — see our Nepal trekking guide.
- Staging: Arrange transport, permits and provisions in Baglung or Pokhara before heading west.
Plan your trip
Start with how to get to Baglung, browse the best things to do in Baglung for the town itself, and use the Baglung travel hub to plan the wider route west.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve?+
Dhorpatan is Nepal's only hunting reserve, a remote high-altitude area in the western hills spanning Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts. It protects alpine pasture, forest and species such as blue sheep, and is administered for regulated trophy hunting alongside trekking and wildlife interest.
How is Baglung the gateway to Dhorpatan?+
Baglung is the main road-head and supply town for journeys west into the Dhorpatan region. From Baglung, hill roads and trails lead through Galkot and Burtibang toward the reserve, so most independent and organised trips stage through the town to arrange transport, permits and provisions.
What is the Guerrilla Trek?+
The Guerrilla Trek is a remote, culturally rich trail through Nepal's western mid-hills — districts including Baglung, Rukum and Rolpa — named for the region's role in the Maoist insurgency. It passes traditional Magar villages and terraced ridges, with Dhorpatan often part of the wider route.
Do you need permits and a guide for Dhorpatan and the Guerrilla Trek?+
Yes — Dhorpatan requires reserve entry permits, and trophy hunting requires separate licences and is tightly regulated. These remote, lightly trafficked routes are best done with a guide for navigation, logistics and safety. Arrange permits and support before leaving Baglung or in Pokhara.
