Dhorpatan, Nepal’s sole hunting reserve, generates an estimated Rs40 million to Rs50 million annually through regulated trophy hunting, but growing tourism infrastructure has sparked debate over whether the area should prioritize hunting tourism or shift toward ecotourism. Stakeholders—including local residents, tourism operators, conservationists, and experts—remain divided, with many suggesting that nature-based tourism could deliver broader economic benefits to communities surrounding the reserve.

Once limited in accommodation options, Dhorpatan now offers roughly two dozen community-run homestays and 40 hotels capable of hosting up to 700 visitors daily, according to local entrepreneur Shiva Kandel. Its location at around 3,000 meters elevation serves as a gateway to trekking destinations like Garpachheda (4,000 meters) and Tikadhara (4,500 meters). Improved road access has boosted visitor numbers, particularly among domestic tourists seeking winter snowfall and alpine meadows in bloom during summer months. Researchers also frequent the region to study local traditions such as the Dhorbaraha rituals and high-altitude agriculture.

Situated approximately seven hours by road from Pokhara, Dhorpatan has gained popularity with both domestic and international tourists. Tourism proponents advocate expanding accommodations in nearby settlements like Niseldhor, Gurja, Jaljala, and Garpachheda to encourage longer stays. Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal’s Gandaki chapter, highlighted the potential of a seven-day trekking circuit connecting Rukum, Dhorpatan, and Myagdi as a relatively untapped trail for foreign visitors. He recommended prioritizing investments in walking trails, viewpoints, and nature-focused infrastructure over further road development to ensure sustainable tourism growth.

Despite the revenue generated by trophy hunting, its local economic impact is increasingly questioned. The reserve authorizes the controlled hunting of up to 26 blue sheep (naur) and 20 to 22 Himalayan tahr (jharal) annually, with foreign hunters paying significant fees to hunt within designated blocks. However, many locals contend that the financial benefits largely bypass surrounding communities. According to Dhan Bahadur Kayat, acting mayor of Dhorpatan Municipality, high-spending hunters typically arrive by helicopter and remain confined to specific blocks, limiting their interaction with local businesses such as hotels.

Tourism journalist Amrit Bhadgaunle urged a shift from trophy hunting to ecotourism, emphasizing that wildlife observation-based tourism offers employment and business opportunities for residents, whereas hunting mainly provides government revenue. The issue gained national attention following the Dhorpatan Summit organized by the local municipality, aiming to spark broader public dialogue. Former Federation of Nepali Journalists Baglung chapter president Dil Shirish called this conversation an important step forward.

Avid trekker Srijana Sijju expressed optimism that Dhorpatan could emulate the success of destinations like Chitwan by developing sustainable visitor infrastructure and promoting its natural environment year-round. She emphasized the need to preserve the landscape, protect water sources, and conserve biodiversity.

The reserve, covering roughly 1,300 square kilometers and encompassing 53 settlements with a population of 5,153, was established in 1987. This fiscal year alone, it recorded over 33,000 tourist arrivals via the Deurali checkpoint in Baglung, excluding entries from Myagdi and Rukum. However, restrictions on cattle grazing, firewood collection, and riverbed extraction—intended to curb commercial exploitation—have caused tensions with local inhabitants. Resident Chandra Singh Kumai noted that traditional access to natural resources has been significantly limited in the name of conservation.

Sagar Subedi, information officer at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, defended these measures and the reserve’s hunting management, citing scientific monitoring practices. He explained that while up to 26 blue sheep are harvested yearly, more than 200 are born annually, and quotas are limited to mature males only, with hunting of females and juveniles strictly forbidden. Wildlife censuses are conducted regularly, including a current survey of the snow leopard population.

As tourism continues to grow, Dhorpatan faces a critical decision: maintain reliance on trophy hunting as a government revenue source or develop a diversified tourism economy centered on its rich biodiversity, mountain landscapes, trekking potential, and cultural heritage. Many stakeholders believe that prioritizing ecotourism could elevate Dhorpatan as a premier nature destination while providing more equitable economic opportunities to local communities.