Dhorpatan is a place known for its lush green environment during the monsoon season and the crowd of tourists who come to play in the snow during the winter. The condition of the road from Burtibang Bazar to Dhorpatan has improved significantly. Although internal tourists like to visit Dhorpatan, it is still difficult to reach due to its high altitude. The area’s tranquil atmosphere and clean air make it highly suitable for tourism. During the heat in Bazar, people often come to Dhorpatan in the winter for a cooler climate. Even though small streams flow in Dhorpatan, the Northern Gandaki River is the main attraction.
During certain times of the year, when the Northern Gandaki River experiences increased water flow, traveling to places like Selpakhe, Sikar, and the Conservation Office area requires walking on foot. Selpakhe and Sikar are particularly popular destinations for tourists. Many tourists who want to visit Dhorpatan without crossing the river are left disappointed. The construction of a bridge over the Northern Gandaki River has been demanded for years, but so far, no progress has been made on that front.
The condition of the road connecting Burtibang Bazar to Dhorpatan has deteriorated over the past decade, making it less accessible. However, the area is still frequented by internal tourists and trekkers. Even though the road is quite challenging and requires walking on rocky and muddy terrain, some people prefer to walk instead of using vehicles to cross the river.
During the monsoon season, the flow of the Northern Gandaki River increases. Local people often use makeshift bridges and bamboo rafts to cross the river. Although constructing a bridge over the river has been demanded for years, local authorities have not shown much attention to the issue. According to Kul Bahadur Sunar, the Deputy Mayor of Dhorpatan Municipality, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the construction of a bridge near the New Gaun area, but the municipality’s budget is not sufficient for its construction. They are planning to seek cooperation from the central and provincial governments to build the bridge.
Dhorpatan’s natural beauty has made it famous, but the lack of significant development works in the region is hindering its potential for further growth. Sunar also mentioned that despite being a tourist attraction, Dhorpatan still lacks basic infrastructure and development.
The road from Burtibang Bazar to Bobang Village is relatively better, but beyond that, especially towards Dhorpatan, the road conditions become challenging. The road project under the Saaljhandi-Dhorpatan scheme aims to connect Rupandehi to Arghakhanchi via Dhorpatan. However, the long distance and difficult terrain on this road make traveling with tourists and locals alike a difficult task.
Dhorpatan offers a tranquil environment and beautiful scenery for tourists, but it is not easily accessible due to the condition of the road and the absence of bridges. The local authorities need to address these issues to unlock the full tourism potential of Dhorpatan.
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