Dhorpatan Trek, also known as Remote Camping Trek, is a marvelous adventure to Nepal’s western part. Popular with very few trekkers, Dhorpatan trek is one of the remotest treks in Nepal. It is an off-the-beaten-path experience for the course of 9 days.

Ranging from 2850m to 5500m, the path to Dhorpatan bestows close-up views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Gurja Himal (7193m) The desolate landscapes along the route is a notable highlight of this trek. Besides, you might spot some rare wildlife like snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep, koklass pheasant, cheer pheasant, and impeyan pheasant in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal’s only hunting reserve.

Established in 1987, Dhorpatan hunting reserve encloses Rukum, Balgung and Myagdi districts, and covers an area of 1325km square. The landscape of Dhorpatan hunting reserve consists of forests, marshland (called ḍhor), and flat meadows, which is home to 36 endemic species, 18 mammal species, and 137 bird species. Enthusiast hunters visit Dhorpatan hunting reserve to hunt special blue sheep.

Few and lucky walkers, around 100 visitors every year, embark on a journey to Dhorpatan to explore the grandeur of the Dhorpatan area and embrace the beauty of lesser-seen peaks in the west of Nepal. The lush pine, juniper, rhododendron, and oak forests, open up to the skyline dominated by the lofty mountains. But there’s no sign of any settlements until you reach Jang La pass.

You will not be surprised to see very few fellow travelers along the route. There are very few tea houses, and hence camping, and village homestays is an ideal option. Expect to sleep and eat at the local houses of Magar people.

Magar community is blessed with a unique culture and lifestyle. Magar people are welcoming and offer heart-stirring hospitality. This trek is an opportunity to indulge in their lifestyle and gain insight into Magar culture.

En route, enjoy extraordinary scenes, and cultural variety. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Gurja Himal (7193m), Churen Himal (7385m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m) rise up into the sky. The naturally diverse trail, enriched with the biodiversity brings you closer to nature.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek Route

The trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. You will drive to Beni via Pokhara on the first day. The 8-9 hours drive rewards stunning scenery of rivers, streams, jungles, mountains, green hills, and beautiful landscapes.

The second day of the trip is also allocated for a ride to Darbang, your starting point of the trek. From here, you will hit the trekking trail to Dharapani at 1,859m. The trail gradually ascends to Lamsung, your resting ground for 3rd day.

Wake up early in the morning, enjoy light breakfast and walk through rhododendron and oak forests that reveal spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, Churen Himal, and surrounding peaks. On the 5th day, after 7-8 hours of trekking, you will reach Dhorpatan. Dhorpatan is a beautiful place to enjoy the wild beauty.

The 6th day, you will explore Dhorpatan valley, and embark on a rewarding side-trip to Phagune Phedi at 4493m. Pay a visit to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve popular for being the only hunting reserve in Nepal.

The reserve boasts to alpine, sub-alpine, and high temperate vegetation. The next day, you will hike to Phagune Danda to admire stunning Himalayan views and dramatic landscapes.

The trekking trail follows the route through Jungle Camp, Gurjaghat, Patichaur and Darbang, before driving to Beni. The trail meanders through flat land and mixed jungle. There are few ups and downs through lush forest before catching a ride to Beni. And from Beni, you will head to Pokhara and finally Kathmandu.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Trek Difficulty

Dhorpatan Trek is an easy to moderate trek, suitable for all age group. The best time to visit Dhorpatan valley is during Spring and Autumn. The highest elevation of the trek is 4493m at Phagune Phedi. On average, the trek demands 5-6 hours of trekking. And on a challenging day, you must trek for 7-8 hours.

The trekking trail is graded moderate, but anyone can embark on this adventure with proper plan and preparation. If you want to trek for hours in less-crowded trail, this trek is definitely for you.