DHORPATAN HUNTING RESERVE TREKKING - 14 DAYS

Your journey into the wild western Himalayas begins with your arrival in the bustling capital city of Kathmandu. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our team will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in and some rest, we’ll conduct a short briefing about the trek, gear checks, and preparation for the journey ahead. You’ll have the evening free to explore Thamel - a colorful tourist hub full of restaurants, shops, and cultural intrigue. Enjoy a traditional welcome dinner to mark the beginning of this off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Today, you’ll embark on a long but scenic road journey from Kathmandu to Baglung. As the urban landscape fades behind, the drive unfolds into a panorama of river valleys, terraced farmlands, and rolling hills. We follow the Prithvi Highway initially and pass through Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. Continuing further, we wind our way to Baglung, a culturally vibrant hill town perched above the Kali Gandaki Gorge. This drive offers a great introduction to the diversity of Nepal’s mid-hills and prepares you for the remoteness that lies ahead.

Leaving Baglung, the journey gets more adventurous as the road turns into rugged mountain tracks. We drive deeper into rural Nepal, passing through charming villages and forested slopes. The scenery gradually becomes more remote and untouched. After several hours of winding through these highland routes, we reach Dharapani, a quiet Magar village that serves as our entry point into the Dhorpatan region. Here, we settle in for the night, acclimatizing slowly and preparing to begin our trek from the following day.

Today marks the beginning of your true trekking experience. We leave Dharapani behind and ascend gradually along a narrow forested trail. The path takes us through rhododendron and pine forests, and if you're lucky, you might hear the call of the Himalayan monal — Nepal's national bird. Small streams, moss-covered trees, and occasional glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks accompany you along the way. The trail is serene, with hardly any other trekkers in sight, offering an intimate connection with nature. After several hours of walking, we arrive at Lamsung — a peaceful settlement surrounded by woodland where we rest for the night.

This is one of the more strenuous days of the trek as we gain significant altitude. The trail ascends through alpine forests and opens up to ridgelines that offer dramatic views of the Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal ranges. As we approach Jaljala Pass, the landscape changes to highland meadows with panoramic Himalayan vistas stretching far and wide. The sense of isolation here is powerful — no roads, no crowds, just endless sky and towering mountains. Upon reaching the Jaljala Pass, we take some time to rest and take in the spectacular surroundings before setting up camp or staying at a basic mountain shelter nearby.

After a hearty breakfast in the high hills, we begin descending toward the enchanting valley of Dhorpatan. The trail winds through grassy meadows, coniferous woods, and pastures used by yak and sheep herders. As we approach the Dhorpatan Valley, the vastness of the reserve becomes apparent. The valley stretches across wide plains surrounded by forested ridges and distant snowy peaks. Wildlife sightings are common here, especially blue sheep grazing on the hillsides. Dhorpatan village lies at the heart of this alpine basin, and we spend the night in a local lodge or camp, enjoying the tranquility of this rare Himalayan sanctuary.

Today is reserved for rest, acclimatization, and exploration of the Dhorpatan Valley and its surroundings. You can visit the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve headquarters and learn about its unique status as Nepal’s only legal hunting zone, where conservation and regulated hunting coexist. Wildlife enthusiasts can venture into the surrounding hills to spot Himalayan wildlife like tahr, ghoral, musk deer, and colorful bird species. The cultural aspect is equally engaging — Tibetan Buddhist influences, traditional stone houses, and interactions with yak herders provide a deeper understanding of life in this remote corner of Nepal. The vastness and silence of Dhorpatan leave an indelible impression.

We begin the return leg of our trek with a journey through dense pine and juniper forests. The trail to Jungle Camp is filled with serenity and beauty, as we walk along ridges, descend into valleys, and listen to the quiet sounds of nature. The surrounding landscape is rich in medicinal herbs, and the forest itself is a haven for birds. Jungle Camp offers a perfect wilderness escape, where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of wind rustling through the trees and distant calls of nocturnal wildlife.

Today’s trail continues through thick woodlands and alpine terrain as we head toward Gurjaghat. The walk is refreshing and filled with scenic views of the Dhaulagiri range in the distance. The silence of the trail, the absence of trekkers, and the pristine natural environment make the journey truly meditative. As you approach Gurjaghat, the trail opens into pastures used by shepherds and yaks. This small settlement, nestled among grassy meadows and mountain views, is where we spend the night. The sky here is exceptionally clear, offering stunning stargazing opportunities.

This is one of the longest trekking days as we descend back into the lower hill regions. The trail leads through lush forest zones, terraced farmlands, and small hillside hamlets. As you lose altitude, the air warms and vegetation becomes more tropical. Local villagers, mostly Magar communities, welcome you with warm smiles and occasional offers of local raksi (homemade wine). By evening, we reach Burtibang, a developing town that serves as a regional hub. It’s a return to the edges of modern life, where you can finally get cell reception again!

Today we bid farewell to the remote hills and begin the long but scenic drive to Pokhara. The journey takes you along rough tracks and eventually connects with the main highway system. As you enter the Pokhara Valley, you’ll feel the contrast — from remote wilderness to the vibrancy of lakeside life. Check into a lakeside hotel and enjoy the evening strolling along Phewa Lake. After days of rustic trekking, a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and some good food in Pokhara are pure bliss.

A relaxed day in Pokhara allows you to soak in the beauty and charm of Nepal’s favorite holiday town. You’ll visit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about the region’s culture and geology. A hike or drive to the Peace Stupa provides sweeping views over the lake and Annapurna range. Later, enjoy a serene boat ride on Phewa Lake and explore Lakeside’s cozy cafés, shops, and spas. This day is all about rejuvenation and reflection after your time in the remote Himalayas.

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, retracing our route along the Prithvi Highway. The drive takes 6–7 hours, with opportunities to stop for tea, lunch, or photos along riverbanks and traditional villages. Once in Kathmandu, check in to your hotel and spend the evening shopping for souvenirs, enjoying a farewell dinner, or simply relaxing after a rewarding adventure in Nepal’s hidden western frontier.

Your journey concludes as we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home or onward destination. As you look back on this unforgettable trek through the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, you carry with you memories of dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, cultural encounters, and the serenity that only true wilderness can offer.