Trip Overview
“Explore the remotest and nomadic villages of western mid-hills of Nepal, enjoy hunting in only Hunting Reserve of Nepal- Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, explore the opaque woodlands used as Guerrilla trails to attack and escape during the war and visit the decade long war-centers of then Maoist Guerrillas- Guerrilla Trk in Nepal”
A pleasant trek through mixed country and views of impressive mountains, the trail takes you to the spacious Dhorpatan valley. The major ethnic groups of this region are Thakali, Tibetan, Chettri ,Brahmin and Magar. Amalgamation of different ethnic group has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures in this region. Nauthar is an indigenous minority community of this region.
Uttar Ganga Bhanjyang festival which falls in the full-moon, during the month of Bhadra (Aug-Sept) is celebrated with great pomp and show every year. 7000 goats are sacrificed by the locals during this festival. The trail further stretches through the dense forests, where Maoist warriors during decade long insurgency took shelter.
Opaque forests of fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and rhododendron mark this trail. The forest is home to endangered animals like leopard, goral, serow, himalayan thar, black bear and barking deer and was also a dependable shelter to maoist Guerrillas during the war. Guerrilla trek with Explore Dolpo winds through the base of Maoist warriors- Thabang.
Crossing the Jaljala Pass, where we get to see the magnificent views of Api, Saipal, Dhaulagiri and Annapurnas we enter Rolpa the base district of Maoists during the insurgency. A highlight of the trip is the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and the trail trodden by Maoist Guerrillas during the war in Nepal that shook the nation for more than a decade.
Besides wildlife extravaganza in Dhorpatan and thrill while trekking along Guerrilla trail, we get to see unique culture at different stopovers. In Rukum, you get to experience the Jorshey culture. Traditional dancers perform the Danphe & Peacock dance, which shows a danphe (impeyan pheasant) trapping a peacock with its sweet song.
You also get to visit traditional villages like Darbang, Takam , and explore Gurjaghat lakes.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome briefing and dinner.
A long but scenic drive westward along the Prithvi Highway takes you past the Trishuli and Seti river valleys. Continue through Pokhara and follow the Kali Gandaki corridor to reach Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi. From Beni, the road ascends to Tatopani, a village named after its natural hot springs.
The trek begins following the Myagdi Khola upstream. Pass through terraced fields, small settlements, and suspension bridges. The day ends at Durbang, a traditional Gurung-Magar village, where local culture is rich and authentic.
The trail ascends gradually through cultivated fields and scattered hamlets. The trek provides stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif and nearby peaks. Overnight at Takam Village, where farming and animal herding are the main livelihoods.
Leaving Takam, the trail climbs steadily towards alpine ridges. Today’s journey passes through thick forests of oak and rhododendron before reaching Muna High Camp, a grazing area used by herders.
A longer day with a gradual but consistent ascent through high-altitude meadows and forests. Eventually, the trail emerges into open pastures before reaching Gurjaghat, located at the edge of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.
The trail descends slightly and crosses through dense pine and fir forests. You enter the Dhorpatan valley, famous for its unique landscape and as the only hunting reserve in Nepal. This region is culturally diverse, inhabited by Magar, Gurung, and Tibetan-influenced communities.
Spend the day exploring the valley, its monasteries, highland meadows, and yak pastures. The day also allows acclimatisation. Optional hikes to surrounding ridges provide excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range and wild landscapes of western Nepal.
Today’s trek follows forested trails and pasturelands, with possible encounters with blue sheep and other Himalayan wildlife. The day ends in Nishal Dor, a traditional highland settlement.
The trail continues across ridges and meadows with sweeping views of valleys below. Arrive at Sherathung, a picturesque village known for its traditional lifestyle and farming practices.
A more gradual trekking day following river valleys and forest trails until reaching Rujhi Khola, a riverside settlement perfect for camping and relaxation.
Descend through terraced landscapes and small Magar villages before reaching Thabang, a historically important village, once a central hub during Nepal’s Maoist insurgency. Rich in culture and folklore, Thabang offers unique insights into rural life.
The trail ascends through pine and rhododendron forests towards alpine ridges. Jaljale provides wide panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Api ranges.
A gradual descent leads through high pastures and scattered villages. Arrive at Jelbang, a traditional Magar village with strong community ties and warm hospitality.
The trail descends further to the fertile lowlands of Rolpa. Suliochaur is a small town with road access, marking the end of the trekking journey.
A long drive east along winding highways returns you to Kathmandu. Enjoy the changing scenery from rural hills to bustling city landscapes. Evening is free for rest.
A free day for shopping, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, or simply relaxing before departure.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home, concluding your trek through the hidden valleys of western Nepal.
