Things to do · Dhorpatan
The Best Things to Do in Dhorpatan
The hunting reserve, wild grasslands, Dhaulagiri views, the Uttar Ganga valley and remote Magar villages — the highlights of Dhorpatan.
Dhorpatan offers a side of Nepal almost no one sees — a wide Himalayan valley of open grasslands, blue sheep and big mountain views, tucked into the mid-west far from the trekking crowds. Here are the highlights, from the famous reserve to the deeply remote villages beyond.
The short answer
The unmissable experiences are the wild open meadows of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the sweeping Dhaulagiri and Putha Hiunchuli views that rise to the north, and a walk through the broad grasslands and meadows of Dhorpatan where herds graze at dusk. With more time, follow the Uttar Ganga valley west to the remote villages of Bohragaun and Maikot.
Tap any spot below for what to expect, how to get there and what it costs. For where it all fits, see our guide to off the beaten path Nepal.
In and around the valley
If you have two or three days, base yourself in Dhorpatan valley and explore on foot. Spend a morning on the open grasslands, scanning the slopes for blue sheep and Himalayan tahr, then climb to a ridge for the classic Dhaulagiri and Putha Hiunchuli panorama. The valley itself, dotted with shepherds' huts and grazing horses, is the most achievable way to feel the scale of this country without a long expedition.
Deeper into the reserve
With several extra days, the wider Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve opens up. Trek west along the green Uttar Ganga valley, which carries the river toward the Magar and Kham settlements of Bohragaun and Maikot. This is genuine wilderness — high pasture, blue pine and birch forest, and almost no other trekkers. Those with time and a sense of history can continue along the Guerrilla Trek into the former Maoist heartland of Rukum and Rolpa.
Good to know
- Permits: You need a reserve entry permit and the standard trekking paperwork — arrange both through a guide. Hunting is a separate licensed activity that ordinary visitors never engage in.
- Season: Autumn gives the clearest mountains and most settled track; see the best time to visit Dhorpatan.
- Getting around: A rough jeep track reaches the valley, but you walk between the wider sights. Plan the long approach with how to get to Dhorpatan, and acclimatise sensibly with our notes on altitude sickness in Nepal.
- Context: See how Dhorpatan fits among the country's remote Himalaya treks.
Sights & attractions
Trekking & treks
Wildlife & nature
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Dhorpatan?+
The headline experiences are walking the open grasslands of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, soaking up Dhaulagiri and Putha Hiunchuli panoramas, exploring the Uttar Ganga valley, and visiting the remote Magar and Kham villages of Bohragaun and Maikot. Wildlife watching for blue sheep and tahr is a draw in its own right.
Can you visit Dhorpatan without trekking?+
Partly. A rough jeep track now reaches Dhorpatan valley from Burtibang, so you can drive in and base yourself in the valley for day walks, viewpoints and village visits. But the wider reserve, the high blocks and the Guerrilla Trek connections still require multi-day trekking on foot.
How many days do you need in Dhorpatan?+
Two to three days in the valley itself is enough for the grasslands, a viewpoint hike and a nearby village. Add several more days if you want to trek deeper into the Uttar Ganga valley, reach Bohragaun and Maikot, or link onward along the Guerrilla Trek toward Rukum.
Do you need a permit for Dhorpatan?+
Yes. Entering the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve requires a reserve entry permit, and foreign trekkers also need the standard trekking paperwork. Actual hunting is a separate, tightly regulated and expensive licensed activity, but ordinary visitors only need the entry permit and a guide.
