Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve lies in Rukum, Myagdi and BaglungDistricts in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987. Management objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting and preserve a representative high altitude ecosystem in West Nepal.

Public bus service is available from Kathmandu to Tansen-Tamgash Gulmi from where the reserve HQ is a three day walk via Burtibang.

Flight service reaches Baglung from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The reserve HQ can be reached in 4 days walk from Balewa and Baglung.

A public bus can be taken to Baglung from Pokhara followed by a 4 day walk via Baglung Beni-Darbang-Lumsum and Jaljala to reach Dhorpatan.

A helicopter charter may be available on request from Kathmandu.

The reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq. km. and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the sports hunting needs of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game animals. The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m. to more than 7000 m. The flat meadows above tree line (4000 m.), locally known as Patan, is divided into six areaks for hunting management purposes.

The reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north. Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements for wood, fuelwood, fodder, and pasture. The refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve.

The majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Magar. Thakali, and Gurung, Amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures.

The reserve is characterised by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce, pasturelands occupy more than 50% of the total area of the reserve at higher elevations.

The reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Other animals found are leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bears, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, languor, and mouse hare.

Pheasants and partridge are common and their viable population in the reserve permits controlled hunting.

A hunting license is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife conservation.

Endangered Animals in the reserve include Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant, and Danphe.

The best time to visit the reserve is March-April.
The monsoon lasts until the beginning of October. Daytime temperatures are very low during winter due to strong winds. Higher elevations remain covered by cloud in the morning, later cleared by the wind. Snow may occur even at low elevation until early April, however, it soon melts.

Dhorbaraha, a Hindu religious place on the banks or Uttarganga River near Dhorpatan, is in Fagune area. Every year on the day of "Janai Purnima" in August, a religious fair is held here which is attended by many local devotees. The magnificent view of Dhaulagiri Himal from Barse. Dogari and Gustung areas are exceptional. Snag and Sundaha areas are rich in wild animals.

Local people are allowed to collect limited quantities of firewood for their use. Visitors are requested to be self-sufficient with fuel before entering the reserve. Since no medical facilities are available in the reserves, it is suggested that visitors carry a comprehensive first-aid kit including medicines for intestinal disorders. Two hotels/lodges catering simple Nepali foods are located at Chhyantung near Dhorpatan.