KATHMANDU: The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, spanning the districts of Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi, has seen a significant increase in domestic tourist arrivals recently.
Traditionally popular among foreign tourists for hunting, the reserve is now attracting more domestic visitors as well.
According to Conservation Officer Mandip Pangeni, the number of tourists visiting Dhorpatan doubled in the fiscal year 2080/081 compared to 2079/080.
The reserve welcomed 15,573 tourists in 2080/081, up from 7,645 in the previous fiscal year.
The growth is even more remarkable when looking further back: 9,919 domestic tourists visited in 2078/79, 6,703 in 2077/078, and only 3,020 in 2076/077.
The increase in domestic visitors is attributed to improved road access, better hotel and accommodation facilities, and heightened social media publicity, as noted by Ram Bahadur Ghartimar, proprietor of Dhorpatan Community Homestay.
The area currently boasts 21 hotels and homestays with the capacity to accommodate 300 guests daily.
Additionally, Man Bahadur Pun, a hunting guide from Global Safari Kathmandu, mentioned that hunters from countries such as Spain, the USA, Russia, Germany, France, and Belarus frequent the reserve.
Covering an area of 1,325 square kilometers, Dhorpatan is home to 32 species of mammals and 137 species of birds.
Domestic tourists are charged Rs. 100 per person to enter the reserve, while SAARC nationals pay Rs. 1,500, and other foreign tourists pay Rs. 3,000 per person.
Comment