Nepal · Trekking

20-Day Dhorpatan Trek in Western Nepal with Shaman Culture and Wildlife

20 Days Round trip from Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through remote villages, dense forests, and high Himalayan passes
  • 02 Explore the culturally rich Magar communities and their traditional Shaman practices
  • 03 Witness breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, Churen Himal, and Putha Himal
  • 04 Observe diverse wildlife including Himalayan tahr, black bears, barking deer, and leopards
  • 05 Visit sacred monasteries, chortens, and ancient religious sites along the trail
  • 06 Experience authentic rural homestays with warm local hospitality

Experience an unforgettable 20-day Dhorpatan Trekking adventure through the remote and culturally rich landscapes of Western Nepal. This unique journey takes you along serene mountain trails, through ancient forests, and over high Himalayan passes, while offering deep cultural immersion with the Magar communities and their traditional Shaman practices. Explore the untouched beauty of the Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve, home to rare wildlife, diverse flora, and breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan peaks.

Experience an unforgettable 20-day Dhorpatan Trekking adventure through the remote and culturally rich landscapes of Western Nepal.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 20 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Nepalganj, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Dharapani
Languages English, Hindi, Nepali

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Orientation

  • Receive a warm welcome with traditional Nepali hospitality and Namaste greetings.
  • Transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with cultural orientation.

  • Attend a detailed trekking briefing with your guide.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

2
Day 02

Scenic Flight to Pokhara

  • Take a scenic 30-minute flight to Pokhara.
  • Witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas, hills, and diverse landscapes.

  • Rest and explore the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

3
Day 03

Drive to Darbang Through Mountain Landscapes

  • Drive approximately 6 hours to reach Darbang.
  • Enjoy picturesque landscapes with rivers, forests, mountains, and hills.

  • Prepare for the trekking journey ahead with proper acclimatization.

Stay overnight at a local homestay in Darbang.

4
Day 04

Trek to Dharapani via Stone Kani

  • Start trekking from Darbang to Dharapani with a steady uphill climb.
  • Walk approximately 5 to 6 hours through waterfalls and terraced fields.

  • Reach Stone Kani before Dharapani after a challenging ascent.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Dharapani.

5
Day 05

Forest Trails to Muna

  • Continue trekking for 4 to 5 hours from Dharapani to Lamsung and then Muna.
  • Pass through forests, streams, gorges, and rhododendron and oak woods.

  • Experience steady altitude gain and natural beauty.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Muna.

6
Day 06

Climb to Moreni

  • Trek for 5 to 6 hours through lush forests and scenic landscapes.
  • Climb gradually to higher elevations with Himalayan views.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Moreni.

7
Day 07

High-Altitude Trek to Jaljala

  • Hike for 6 to 7 hours with steep ascents through rhododendron and oak forests.
  • Witness stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, Churen Himal, and Putha Himal.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Jaljala.

8
Day 08

Descend to Gurjaghat

  • Trek for 4 to 5 hours on a gradual descent.
  • Pass through forests, meadows, and areas rich in flora and fauna.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Gurjaghat.

9
Day 09

Into Dhorpatan

  • Trek for 4 to 5 hours through mixed forests and alongside rivers.
  • Reach Dhorpatan, a unique and serene location in the jungle.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Dhorpatan.

10
Day 10

Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve to Thankur

  • Explore Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve on this long trekking day of 8 to 9 hours.
  • Climb to Phalgune Phedi at 3,850 meters for stunning viewpoints.

  • Observe diverse wildlife, flora, monasteries, chortens, and traditional communities.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Thankur.

11
Day 11

Descend to Pelma via Hot Springs

  • Descend through forests and cross suspension bridges during a 5 to 6-hour trek.
  • Enjoy natural hot springs en route and relax in the natural surroundings.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Pelma.

12
Day 12

Village Trails to Maikot

  • Trek for 4 to 5 hours with a mixture of ascents and descents.
  • Experience rural village life, nature, and cultural diversity.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Maikot.

13
Day 13

Short Trek to Hukam

  • Walk for approximately 2 hours through descending trails.
  • Observe village life, hospitality, and cultural traditions.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Hukam.

14
Day 14

Community Encounters on the Way to Takasera

  • Trek for 6 to 7 hours through varied terrain of ascents and descents.
  • Witness natural beauty and interact with local communities.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Takasera.

15
Day 15

Cultural Exploration in Takasera

  • Rest and immerse yourself in local culture and nature.

  • Observe Shamanism practices and community cultural performances.

  • Explore high-altitude meadows like Ma Kharka grazing region.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Takasera.

16
Day 16

Cross Tila Pass to Lukum

  • Cross Tila Pass at approximately 3,050 meters during a 5 to 6-hour trek.
  • Descend through forests, rivers, and subalpine landscapes.

  • Reach Lukum, home of the Magar community with unique traditions.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Lukum.

17
Day 17

Across Syaubari Pass to Thwang

  • Cross Syaubari Pass at 2,670 meters and descend to Thwang during a 7 to 8-hour trek.
  • Pass Mangra River and enjoy natural and cultural beauty.

  • Visit Thwang, known for its role in the Maoist movement and Magar culture.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Thwang.

18
Day 18

Rhododendron Forests to Jelbang

  • Walk for approximately 8 hours through rhododendron forests and farming villages.
  • Pass Bangman Cave, Galpu River, and traditional settlements.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Jelbang.

19
Day 19

Drive to Nepalgunj

  • Drive approximately 7 to 8 hours covering 333 kilometers to Nepalgunj.
  • Rest or explore the local market in Nepalgunj.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.

20
Day 20

Return Flight to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

  • Take a 50-minute flight back to Kathmandu.
  • Spend the day at leisure with optional shopping and spa visits.

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner with the trekking team.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve, Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal, Tila Pass, Ma Kharka grazing region

Where this trip takes you

Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve, Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal, Tila Pass, Ma Kharka grazing region

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve 4 cities · 20 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport/hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off by private car or bus
  • All necessary trekking permits

  • Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation, tea or coffee)

  • Deluxe accommodation in 3/4-star hotels in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis

  • Homestay or lodge accommodation during the trek

  • An experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide

  • The required number of staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek

  • Food, drinks, salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, accommodation, medicine, and local tax for the guide, porters, and all staff

  • Kathmandu - Pokhara - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu flight tickets and domestic airport tax

  • A comprehensive medical kit

  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card

  • All government taxes, including 13% VAT

  • All official expenses

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu are not included.
  • Travel insurance is compulsory and must be arranged by you.

  • International flight ticket is not included.

  • Expenses of a personal nature are not covered.

  • Nepal entry visa fee applies: US$ 25 for 15 days, US$ 40 for 30 days, and US$ 100 for 90 days; the visa can be issued on arrival with two passport-size photos.

  • Bar bills such as alcoholic drinks, hot and cold beverages, laundry, and similar personal expenses are not included.

  • Helicopter rescue and evacuation fees in case of emergency are not covered.

  • Royalty payment for hunting animals in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is not included.

  • Tips for trekking staff and drivers are expected but not included.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 20 days finish where they began, in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.

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