DHORPATAN: The Dhorpatan Valley in Baglung is currently blanketed with wildflowers in full bloom. The flat plains, lush with red, yellow, purple, and pink blossoms, have drawn the attention of both domestic and international tourists. Until a decade ago, very few visitors made their way to Dhorpatan.
On Janai Purnima, a handful of devotees would come to worship at the Dhorbahar Temple, but few others visited. Even then, the blooming wildflowers failed to capture the attention of those who came solely for religious purposes.
That has changed in recent years. Today, tourists who visit Dhorpatan rarely leave without experiencing the vibrant wildflowers. The valley is especially stunning during the rainy season when the flowers are in full bloom, adding to its natural charm.
With growing promotion through traditional and social media, increasing numbers of visitors are now arriving to photograph and record videos among the blossoms. During peak bloom, more than 200 tourists visit Dhorpatan Valley daily to enjoy the floral spectacle.
The wildflower commonly known as Rake Phool among locals has been categorized by the Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve under various names such as Nakephuli, Bukiphuli, and Madanephuli. Fields across the valley are filling with tourists eager to admire these blooms, with many visitors arriving from major cities across Nepal.
The rise in floral tourism has also benefited the local hospitality industry. Hotelier Dhirendra Gharti Magar shared that although earlier tourists showed little interest in the flowers, the widespread blooming across the Patan now captures every visitor’s attention.
He noted that tourist numbers have increased significantly in recent years, largely due to improved food and accommodation facilities. With more hotels and homestays now operating, Dhorpatan has become a preferred destination. He emphasized the need for conservation, saying, “Tourists love wildflowers, so we must protect them.”
“Previously, wildflowers held little importance. People came for temple worship, not for the valley itself. But now, they come to see the Patan, and the wildflowers are their main attraction. Thousands of tourists have come for them in recent times. However, conservation efforts have lagged. If locals, the reserve, and the government don’t act, these flowers could disappear,” he warned.
Wildflowers bloom all over the Patan, where horses, sheep, goats, and cattle graze freely. The livestock manure supports flower growth, but increasing vehicular movement poses a threat.
Jiwan Pun, chair of the Dhorpatan Valley Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Committee, said that in recent years, reckless vehicle use in the Patan has led to a decline in flower blooms. According to him, fewer flowers have blossomed this year compared to the last.
Pun stated that over the past three years, the number of blooming flowers has steadily decreased. Most tourists who visit Dhorpatan come during the rainy season to see the flowers.
Despite the difficult 32-kilometer road from Burtibang to Dhorpatan, visitors still arrive. He added that wildflowers typically flourish in Patan from the first week of Asar through the month of Bhadra, and have now become a key attraction drawing tourists to the area.
“We’re surprised by the number of people coming to enjoy the wildflowers. We’ve lived here for years, and no one used to pay attention to them. Now, everyone who comes heads straight into the fields, picks flowers, and takes photos,” he said. “The hotel business in Dhorpatan has come alive thanks to these flower-loving tourists.”
Around 50 tourists also trek to Bukipatan daily. It takes about five hours to walk from Dhorpatan Valley to Bukipatan. Groups visiting the area now frequently include flower enthusiasts. Akash Giri, a visitor from Butwal, said he was enchanted by the beauty of the wildflowers and the Dhorpatan landscape.
He said he came to Dhorpatan for a week to escape the intense heat in Butwal. Giri and his friends were inspired by videos they saw on social media featuring Dhorpatan and its wildflowers.
“Ah! Dhorpatan is so beautiful. Last year, some of our friends came here and posted photos and videos. After seeing that, I really wanted to visit. This time, I finally got the chance. Coming here felt like arriving in heaven. The road from Burtibang is a bit rough, but walking through the flowers is so much fun. It’s unfortunate that such a beautiful place hasn’t seen much development,” he said.
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