Hunting in Nepal

Name: Hunting in Nepal
Brand: Epic Trek Nepal
SKU: sku-12371
Rating: 5 (86 reviews)

Inquiry

Customize this Trip

Need Help? Talk to Expert

+977 9764792172

Trip Overview

Nepal is known worldwide for its Everest and Annapurna adventure. But there is another side of this country that many people have no idea about – one of the last remaining wilderness hunting areas in Asia. Hunting in Nepal is different from the regular treks that brings people closer to wild places with blue sheep and Himalayan tahr roaming freely.

Hunting in Nepal cannot be seen as a simple leisure activity, as it represents a complex combination of adventure travel, traditions and very strict regulations. Hunters have to go to high altitude territories, camp there and hunt wild animals in truly unique landscapes.

Most of the hunting expeditions in Nepal are connected with only one place in the whole country. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, situated between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges, is the only territory in Nepal where hunting is legally carried out.

So, who’s this for? Those who want something more unique than an ordinary hiking journey. You will get the physical challenge that comes with mountain climbing, and the precision and patience required in hunting. It starts early, moves slowly and each step will be determined by how well you understand the terrain.

Legal hunting in Nepal is performed for decades, and this action exists till now. The only difference is that it’s highly controlled by the government. All of the legal hunts are permitted and have to strictly follow the rules and laws protecting wild animals. That is what helps keep the whole process sustainable.

Undoubtedly, this is a specialized activity designed for those who are looking for adventure, pure wilderness and a connection with nature. There is nothing more unique experience than hunting activities.

Why Hunt in Nepal?

Why choose hunting in Nepal where there are so many other destinations for hunting out there? There are actually few reason that really make it stand out.

To start with, hunting in Nepal is strictly regulated by government and runs only through official permit and quotas which ensures the transparency and accountability of the hunting process.

Next you will not be alone while hunting, without knowing anything about the location. Each hunt is guided by an experienced local, who have great experience of hunting on these lands, knowledge of the terrain and the behavior of animals.

Then there is landscape with the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You can see snowy peaks and forest all around you, making the place one of the unique hunting experiences.

The permit for hunting in Nepal is very limited every year. This means that the hunter is likely to find themselves alone in the territory which become quite unique and memorable hunting experience.

But there is something else to pay attention to: your stay will benefit conservation efforts in the region, as all the hunting fees contribute towards anti-poaching activities and wildlife management programs. Finally, there is the actual remoteness and wilderness that is probably the best part of all this. You will be far from any roads, mobile network coverage, or anything else modern.

Hunting in Nepal - Distance, Duration, and Altitude

Trekking Route	Distance (Kilometers)	Duration (Hours)	Altitude (Meters)
Fly to Hunting area	220 KM	Flight (34 - 45 min)	2850 m.
Trek to Hunting Base Camp	11 KM	Trek (5 to 6 hours)	3400 m.
Hunting Expedition	72 KM	Daily hunting expedition (6 to 8 hours per day)	4500 m.
Return to Camp	11 KM	Trek back (5 to 6 hours)	2850 m.

Itinerary of Hunting in Nepal

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Your trip begins on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where one of our representative will be waiting to meet your personally. We will then transport you to your hotel and begin processing all the necessary paperwork.

The entire afternoon will be spent doing the orientation session where all the details regarding the hunting reserve, anticipated terrain, safety precautions, and other information will be covered.

All the necessary equipment will also be checked to ensure that it is fit for high altitude areas. The evening will then be at yours to recover from your flight.

Activity: Arrival

Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Day 2: Fly to Hunting area

In the early morning, you will begin your day with a domestic flight to the destination area “Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve”. This flight is very unique adventure as it flies above stunning mountains.

You will land at a remote airport far from crowds and tourists’ facilities. Staff members and local porters will be waiting there for you to assist at the spot and to arrange your gear for trekking

Activity: Flight (34 - 45 min)

Max. Altitude: 2850m./9,350ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 3: Trek to Hunting Base Camp

This is the start of the real trekking experience, traveling from the airstrip towards base camp within the reserve. The porters will carry the food, tents, and hunting gear, while you concentrate on your pace due to the high altitude.

This path takes you across forest and ridges, which gives you some insights into the terrain that you are going to hunt on. This walk is not tough, allowing you enough time to adapt to the high altitude.

You guides use this trek to also evaluate your fitness level and discuss hunting strategy depending on what animals have been seen lately.

Activity: Trek (5 to 6 hours)

Max. Altitude: 3400m./11,155ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp

Day 4-12: Hunting Expedition

This is the point where real hunting begins. Every morning you will walk up before sunrise as those morning hours provides you with the best opportunity for seeing blue sheep or Himalayan tahr on the move.

Your guide will be leading you through the process of reading animal signs to determine areas where animal might feed or bed down. You will spend hours moving slowly while viewing the distant ridges with binoculars.

On some days, you can expect a real challenge of climbing above the height of 4,000 meters. On other days, all you will need is to wait for your prey by remaining quiet for hours in place.

The camp moves several times within the period depending on the pattern of animal movement analyzed by your guide where you will spend the night to having a warm meal, some relaxation and planning for the next day’s move.

By day 12, the majority of hunters have already either successfully acquired their trophies or learned the true nature of this hunting.

Activity: Daily hunting expedition (6 to 8 hours per day)

Max. Altitude: 4500m./14,764ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp

Day 1: Return to Camp

Now that the hunting is finished, today is all about getting back to the pickup point of the helicopter. You will be retracing some of the path that you walked before, but with one major difference, you now have the burden of equipment and trophies to carry.

Porters carry most of the load to make your job easier while concentrating on the task of making sure that you walk through the path safely. This also turns out to be an opportunity for you to look back on the entire journey, because the toughest physical task of the whole trip is over now.

Activity: Trek back (5 to 6 hours)

Max. Altitude: 2850m./9,350ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

The final day of your trip begins with a flight to Kathmandu. You get another opportunity from the air to see the mountains that have made all of your adventure possible.

Once you land, our representatives will move you to the hotel where you can take a hot shower and a good sleep after all of the effort that was required. The remainder of the day is yours to pack up or buy something else as you prepare for your journey home.

Activity: Fly Back (35 - 45 min)

Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

If you are traveling in a private group, we can arrange a fully customized trip based on your preferences, group size, and travel dates, available any day you choose.

Customize this Trip

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

Airport pick up and drop off
2-night 3 Star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the journey
Tented Camp for accommodation throughout the hunt
Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Hunting Destination
All hunting permits and government taxes
Rental hunting rifle and ammunition (standard caliber)
Trophy export documentation and custom supports
Experienced and licensed hunting guide
3 times meals during the hunt (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) with tea, coffee, soft drinks, and hot water facility
First aid kit
Sleeping bag (If needed)

What is not included?

International airfare to and from Nepal is not included.
Travel insurance that covers emergency rescue and evacuation is not included, and you will be expected to have your own.
Expenses for extra meals, drinks, snacks, charging devices, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and other personal costs are not included.
Entry visa fees for Nepal.
If you choose to extend your stay in Nepal, the cost of additional accommodation and at kathmandu meals will not be included.
Any costs related to emergency evacuation or rescues are not covered.
Personal trekking equipment, such as hiking boots, down jackets, trekking poles, and other gear are not included.
Tips for guides and porters are not included and are left to your discretion.
Porter service is not available in package, but it can be arranged on request at an extra cost, where one porter carries up to 25 kg (shared between two trekkers) to reduce your load and make the trek more comfortable.

Trip Information

Available Hunting Species

There is no such thing as open hunting in Nepal. Hunting is allowed only of those animals that are listed in annual quotas and have the required license. The list is strictly regulated by the wildlife authorities of the region.

Blue sheep, which is also called Bharal. They are found in rocky mountain slopes and tracking them requires not only patience but also endurance, since they possess curved horn and are considered valuable trophies.

Himalayan Tahr is the most popular hunting animal. It belongs to the family of wild goats and prefers to inhabit the cliffs of mountainous areas, which requires additional physical efforts from hunters.

Permitted animals also include wild boars, which usually inhabit the forested areas of lowlands. The behavior of the animal differs significantly from the previous species.

Also, barking deer can appear if hunting them is allowed. Being smaller and less bold animals, the barking deer prefer staying in thick bushes and need a different type of hunting.

Other species are also possible and are available based on government-allowed quotas, which are calculated every year after analyzing the population status.

Keep in mind that hunting quotas vary from season to season based on government permits. Therefore, it is important to find out what is allowed in the current season. This system helps ensure proper animal protection while allowing hunting at the same time.

Best Hunting Season

The timing of the Hunting in Nepal also crucial for any hunting in the Himalayas much more than many people think, since the weather conditions, animal migrations pattern as well as accessibility of the areas, greatly depend on the time of the year.

If you want the best time for Legal hunting in Nepal, you should focus on Autumn (September to November). The weather stays favorable, temperature is comfortable and the visibility of the mountains is very high, which greatly help in tracking animals.

Spring (March to May) is also another best time for hunting. The snow melts at low altitudes and animal become more active because vegetation is growing. This period can also serve as excellent alternative for those who couldn’t go hunting in autumn.

As for winter months, there are plenty of snowfalls and cold weather, particularly in the higher altitudes of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Hunting operations simply do not organize trips during this period due to low accessibility and safety concerns.

The monsoon period between June and August is not the best, in case you did not know. Continuous rains, slippery trails, reduced visibility which make it very difficult in finding animals and many numbers of trails become more hazardous to use during this period of time.

Required Document

Hunting in Nepal is not something that can be done easily as there are quite a number of permits that need to do done before you can join on the hunting.

The first permit needed is hunting license provided by the government of department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation in Nepal. The license will specify for which species you have permission to hunt, the quota on their quantity and the time period in which you have to hunt.

If your intention is to bring trophy, which includes horns, skin or skull of the animal back home, then you will require another document called trophy permit. Otherwise, your trophy will be detained at customs point.

Next comes the reserve entry permit that is required specifically for accessing the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. This permit is different from the hunting license.

Collecting all these documents can take weeks. This is precisely why it can make a huge difference to work with a trusted agency like Epic Trek Nepal. We understand the requirements thoroughly and point out possible mistakes before you make any.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to get your tourist visa as well, apart from all this hunting related paperwork. Assembling all this can take weeks, even months. So be ready to act accordingly.

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

Even though hunting and conservation may sound complete opposite, in Nepal the two concepts actually complement each other. The entire system is based on maintaining the health of wildlife populations for the long hunting in Nepal.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is managed based on carefully developed management plans in collaboration with wildlife biologists. Official always tracks the population of each animal through the year and based on the data, hunting quotas are set than just being randomly chosen.

Money earned through hunting goes right into the conservation process. The funds are used to finance anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration and salaries for rangers responsible for the protection of the reserve.

Another interesting point is that local community living close to the reserve also benefits from the process because many of its members are employed there as guides, porters or camp staff and thus have an economic interest in maintaining wildlife populations in a sustainable state.

But illegal hunting is still a significant danger for wildlife conservation in Nepal, especially when it comes to animal species that have horns or hides worth something. The regulated hunting helps tackle this issue – it provides funding for the rangers that will discourage illegal hunting, and also additional information about species populations.

This is what makes regulated hunting in Nepal different from unregulated hunting all around the world. Hunting in Nepal is not only the hunt itself, but also a complex process that is intended to save the mountain region and its animals for future generations.

What to Pack

Proper packing will go a long way while hunting in Nepal. The terrain is harsh and weather changes unpredictably; therefore, proper equipment quality is very necessary.

Waterproof boots should be one of your priorities. You will have to travel through rough, rocky, and occasionally wet ground, and the most important thing is to stay dry.

Several layers of warm clothing will help you feel comfortable when you have to endure temperature changes from hot afternoon sun to freezing night air.

Gloves are a must-have because you will have to go on early morning excursions and wait in cold spots looking for animals through binoculars.

Binocular will be necessary for spotting animals. This is one thing to not forget while hunting in Nepal.

Carry a sunglass to protect your eyes from the sun rays and a camera to capture the beautiful sceneries that cannot be seen anywhere else.

Lastly, do not forget your own medicines and first aid kit because the nearest medical may be several days’ journey away.

Health and Safety

Hunting safety is the main thing that our package focuses. The mountain area you visit is very remote and dangerous. and preparation for such experience needs to be very effective to ensure health and safety.

The most frequent problem while hunting in Nepal is altitude sickness that results from the high elevation of base camp and hunting areas. They exceed 4,000 meters in height, so acclimatization takes place gradually since the first day of our hunt. Besides, our guides pay special attention to detecting any early signs of such condition like headache, nausea, dizziness, etc.

Physical fitness is also very important. Long ascents and hikes at high altitude require certain level of endurance. Therefore, before starting the journey, we advise engaging in regular cardio exercises and hiking training a few months prior to that.

Also, the changeable weather and rapid cooling at night in the mountains may lead to extreme cold. So, bring some clothing layers to prevent suffering from coldness.

Each trip comes with a guide who is trained in first aid basics, as well as a fully stocked medical bag to take care of all common injuries and altitude sickness cases. Helicopter evacuation is provided in the case of an emergency, and that is precisely why travel insurance is so important – it is not just for show.

Water and food safety are also carefully managed on the trip, reducing the chances of having any kind of stomach trouble that might completely ruin the entire experience.

Hunting trips in Nepal remain a safe experience thanks to proper preparation and competent guides who will stay by your side the entire time.

Travel Insurance

There is no question about the need for travel insurance while preparing for the hunting in Nepal. Traveling through the difficult terrain with such activities involves great risks.

Typical travel insurance usually does not cover any high-altitude treks and hunting activities at all. So, it is necessary to check whether the plan includes the activities over 4,000 meters before making an order.

Emergency evacuation will be the main concern in the case of the trip. If something goes wrong somewhere in the middle of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, helicopter evacuation will be the only choice, and it is going to be very expensive without proper insurance coverage.

Your medical coverage should also cover altitude sickness, accidents from falling, and any other treatment that may be required during your adventure. With the distance of your journey from reliable healthcare facilities, the importance of such insurance is not something many people understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Legal hunting in Nepal takes place strictly regulated by the government and requires permits, quotas and even a licensed guide for every hunting expedition.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only designated hunting area in the entire Nepal, which is located in the high mountainous region between the mountains of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

You can hunt such animals as blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, wild boar and barking deer depending on the quotas approved by the government during the hunting season.

The hunting journey will be quite physically demanding as you will have to travel at altitudes higher than 4,000 meters and climb through steep hills every day.

You may use your own hunting rifle in case of correct import permits, or alternatively you can use rental equipment. We will guide you in choosing an appropriate way.

Usually the hunting tour takes 14 days, including travel time, acclimatization, and about 9 days of hunting in the wild.

The most favorable seasons are autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May), when weather conditions are better than during the rains and winter months.

Yes, travel insurance is necessary, and highly recommended. Due to the remoteness of the area, it is crucial to have insurance that covers high altitude activities and emergency evacuation.

Yes, but proper physical training is required and guides are also there to assist all hunters regardless of their experience throughout the journey.

There is no strict rule about that, but most appropriate age limit is of 18 years, mostly due to weapon requirements and physical conditions of high-altitude areas.

Trip Reviews

Write a Review

    
 
 
      Verified Perfect KTM day tour
I had a wonderful experience with Epic trek for my Kathmandu day tour, and our group was genuinely satisfied with the entire service from beginning to end. Everything was very well organized, and the communication before and during the tour was clear and professional. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive, and he explained the history, culture, and significance of each place in a way that made the experience much more interesting and enjoyable. The itinerary was also well planned, so we were able to visit the main attractions without feeling rushed, while still having enough time to explore and take photos. I especially appreciated how flexible and accommodating the team was whenever we had questions or needed a little extra time at a certain location. The transportation was comfortable, the schedule was managed efficiently, and overall the whole day felt smooth and stress-free. It was a great way to experience Kathmandu in a short amount of time, and I felt that the service was well worth the price. I would definitely recommend this tour company to anyone visiting Kathmandu, especially if you want a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable day tour with a friendly and professional team. I would be very happy to use their service again in the future!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Sora 
 
 
 
 
     Verified Once in a life time experience in Annapurna Circuit trek
I had an amazing experience on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Epic Trek gave me such a memorable adventure from start to finish. I especially want to thank the Bhanubhakta, who accompanied me throughout the entire trek. He was incredibly helpful, kind, and always made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. I truly appreciate his support and highly recommend Epic Trek to anyone planning a trekking adventure in Nepal!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Quoc Huy N 
 
 
 
 
     Verified Everest base camp trek in good hands
Awesome experience. They were very knowledgeable people about the paths, the altitude adaptation and the best pace to keep. They were always nice and accommodating to my needs. It's been one of the best experiences in my life. I fully recommend it.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Andrés S 
 
 
 
 
     Verified The joy of walking on two feet, the scenery is dumb!
A visit to the Himalayas in early May at 4 Willmal was one of the long-awaited bucket lists. He took steps hoping that both health and luck could walk along. Although it rained frequently in early May due to the unpleasant weather, the cluster that could be seen throughout the walk was a great consolation for the tired footsteps of the dandelions. More than 10 meters tall are called the national trees of Nepal. For the first time in the Himalayas, the large and colourful flower feathers of the Himalayas seem to emerge in a dream. Trekking here seems to be more difficult as you become aware of your destination. With a sense of putting everything down, I had to step one step and move forward. Like the careless jacks here. Finally arrived at the Base Camp Lodge and fell asleep in the expectation of tomorrow's Everest panorama. At 3 o'clock in the morning, we left for approximately two hours to reach the view peak. The sunrise expected was difficult to see in a dark shade, but the magnificent and breathtaking Mount Everest mountain ranges showed a wind-like look. After completing the base camp trip with a cut 'Chalkock' photographed on the background, we travelled through Shambeshi, the area of Solunabou, and visited the nearby Tibetan Buddhist temple 'Keten Kuling' to see the sherpa people and the village that lived as a group around it. The purity and integrity of these mountainous people may come from a life of conformity to nature and religion. He helped us complete this journey safely. Mr. Thank you very much to Bhanu and Porter. Next I think to visit another course. Recommended!!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   HEE W 
 
 
 
 
     Verified Nepal Himalaya and Langtan Valley Tracking Course
The 17 days of Himalayan tracking were completed as planned with the help of a competent guide and Porter. Nankang Valley tracking can be done with the same guide for eight days. It was good. Next year Annapurna Circuit Tracking with a guide Looking forward to a good time.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Voyager27056886234 
 
 
 
 
     Verified In any situation, you are a superb guide and representative.
From March 31 to April 28, I visited Bangfujimalaja with my husband. Thank you very much to Mr. Banuza and Mr. Porter who have been together for a long time. I was a little embarrassed by the agency's representative being guided directly, but the young 28-year-old representative saw how he dealt with the show passionately and calmly. I was able to finish Langtang Belly safely thanks to you and Porter. In particular, he has lived in Korea for six years and is well-known in Korean and has a very good understanding of Korean culture and Korean orientation. Thank you for always caring and caring about our elderly couple. If you go back to Nepal, you will be with Mr. Banu. I hope the air season flourishes every day. Thank you. Thank you.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   차 준 
 
 
 
 
     Verified The Epic Track that made the best time of life
I visited Langtan Trail through Epic Trek travel agency. Thank you very much to the president of Epic Trek Travel and Bk for creating the best time of my life. Especially thanks to Bk we were able to visit safely and pleasantly! I felt good from start to finish and was able to trekk happily
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   동민짱 
 
 
 
 
     Verified Excellent experience
Our itinerary was action packed involving a combination of business and pleasure. Epic did an amazing job on dealing with the complexities of our itinerary. Really friendly, helpful, flexible and customer focused. I highly recommend Epic
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Peter G 
 
 
 
 
     Verified Pleasant and friendly Manua trip to Nepal
Thanks to the kind and warm lady, I was able to make unforgettable memories. There are many Korean-speaking guides in Nepal, but few can trust them. I recommend Mom's epik trek to those who want to spend valuable time without regrets!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Grace 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more