• Last updated on Feb 17, 2022

Blue Sheep Hunting is one of the most satisfying and adventurous hunts in the Himalayas. It is a famous trophy hunting among hunters all around the world. Given the high altitude, isolation of the hunting reserve, no accommodation facility, and modern services, the venture itself is very nerve-racking and demanding. 

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only area where the department of National Parks and Wildlife conservation provides permission and license for animals to hunt. Because of the few licenses provided each year, lower-cost  Hunting in Nepal is the most exhilarating experience.   Dhorpatan provides the greatest hunt for blue sheep and Himalayan tahr. Blue sheep hunting is challenging as well as exciting at the same time as it is possible only in higher altitudes with difficult terrain. 

You can now book blue sheep hunting 2022/2023 with us as we are taking bookings for the coming seasons. Don't delay as the license is limited. 

Our Blue Sheep Hunting in Nepal Guide talks in detail about the journey. You can check it here.

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Budget-Friendly Blue Sheep Hunting

Blue Sheep Hunting in the Himalayas on a low budget might seem like a dream to you, but it's possible with us Himalayan Wildlife Outfitters. Trophy hunting in Nepal is a privilege that only a handful of hunters get every year, and even on the budget-friendly package, you have to pay for this privilege. 

Our budget-friendly blue sheep hunting is designed for stalkers who want to enjoy the thrill of trophy hunting in Nepal without making a hole in their pockets. There will not be a drastic difference in the blue sheep hunting package cost because you still have to pay the expensive permit and lodging/food expenses.

What you can expect is a cut-off in the commute expenses. Our budget-friendly blue sheep hunting package includes overland transportation to the Dhorpatan hunting reserve, which saves a good amount of money compared to flying in/out of the hunting reserve through a helicopter. Likewise, in Kathmandu, we will book you a tourist standard hotel. 

You should also check our Himalayan Tahr hunting and Combo Hunting package. 

Budget-Friendly Blue Sheep Hunting Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Drive to Hunting Area
  • Day 3: Hike to hunting base camp
  • Day 4-12: Hunting starts
  • Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
  • Day 14: Final departure

 

Himalayan Blue Sheep 

Himalayan blue sheep are also known as Naur or Bharal in Nepal. It is a high-altitude mountain sheep that lives from 3,500 meters to 6,000 meters. They are found in Barsa, Gustang, Dogadi, Fagune, and southern areas of the Dhorpatan hunting reserve. As per the latest census, there are approximately 2,202 Himalayan blue sheep in the reserve.

Thanks to the high altitude at which Himalayan blue sheep are found and its excellent skill to camouflage, blue sheep hunting gets quite challenging. Blue sheep are usually seen around bare rocky hills above the tree line. They can remain motionless when approached. Moreover, blue sheep can notice the predators. They hurry up the steep cliff and freeze, melting into the rock face. 

Along with camouflaging skills, blue sheep are also fast runners, which makes it even more challenging to hunt them. With that being said, we can say that the best rewards are always found after a brutal challenge. 

For your information, the reserve permits the hunting of blue sheep according to the population of the animal each year. 

Blue Sheep hunting difficulty

Blue Sheep Hunting in the Himalayas is rather more challenging than you can anticipate. This venture tests your physical fitness, endurance, determination, and willpower. Blue Sheep Hunting happens amidst dense forests in the foothill of giant rocky mountains. The trail is not made whatsoever and is barely visited by any other travelers. If you are lucky, you may get to meet other hunters in the season or no humans at all rather than your group.

There are no villages or accommodation facilities along the hunting route, therefore camping is the only option to spend the night. It means you also have to cook your meals by yourself. No internet in most parts of the trail, no modern facilities, nothing. Only you, your ambition to chase after your prey, and your crew members.

The trail is rugged and steep. There will be numerous ascents and descents. And all these come with high elevation, which may trigger altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness). Our blue sheep hunting itinerary does have acclimatization days and a constant rise in elevation that will keep you away from altitude sickness. Moreover, our crew will keep checking on you and make sure your health is stable. 

Aside from the extreme altitude, for which the hunter should be prepared, Blue Sheep hunting in the Himalayas is similar to any other hunt. Because the animals are diurnal, that is, most active between dawn and dusk, the hunters try to hunt during those times. It is advised to observe the area in the morning with the help of powerful optics. Then approach as it sleeps in the afternoon. Or intercept as it moves again in the evening. Excellent optics and a flat-shooting accurate rifle are essential.

Blue Sheep Hunting Season

Hunting in Spring & Autumn

Spring and autumn is the best time to go on hunting in the Himalayas whether it be blue sheep or Himalayan Tahr. March to April (spring) and October to November (autumn) are the peak seasons for adventure activities in the Himalayas.

One of the most crucial factors during blue sheep hunting in Nepal is the weather condition. A bright and clear day is needed to spot the wildlife. These seasons have the perfect stable weather, pleasant climate, and blooming forests. 

Hunting in the off-season (Summer/Monsoon & Winter) - Talk about their adversities

Summer/monsoon (May-September) and winter (December-February) are off-season for hunting in Nepal. You can still manage to do it in May and late September, depending upon the weather condition. 

These seasons have the most unstable weather and high chances of precipitation, which is not ideal for hunting. The visibility is poor, and the animals are nowhere to be found. Do talk to your hunting agency nicely before booking trophy hunting in Nepal in the off-seasons.

Services included in our budget-friendly blue sheep hunting in the Himalayas

We offer comprehensive blue sheep hunting package prices in Nepal, maintaining high-standard service and attention to every guest. You can freely talk with one of our representatives here for detailed information regarding our costing.

Below we have mentioned the things that our package cost includes:

  • Airport transfers by private vehicle
  • Vehicle fees (Kathmandu-Dhorpatan-Kathmandu) for drop off & pick up
  • Professional hunter guide
  • All staff expenses (insurance, wages, transportation, salary, food, and lodging)
  • Local community support fees
  • Field trophy preparation (horn, skin, and skull)
  • Hunting license
  • Customs clearance at the airport
  • Gun and ammunition import license
  • Tourist tax
  • Trophy fees
  • All necessary paperwork
  • Tented accommodation on the mountain
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner per day)
  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and hot water facility service
  • First Aid Kit (you must bring your own medicine as recommended by your family doctor)
  • All necessary government and official tax

Some frequently asked questions regarding blue sheep hunting in the Himalayas

Can you go hunting alone?

No, you cannot hunt alone in Nepal. Hunting in Nepal is systematically organized through licensed hunting agencies. So, you will have to book through a hunting agency or directly through an outfitter. 

How to get a permit for Hunting Himalayan Blue Sheep?

The hunting agency will take permit tickets for you and the price for it will be included in the overall cost of the hunting package.

What is the permit fee for Dhorpatan Reserve?

The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Charges Rs. 200 per day for SAARC nationals and Rs. 500 per day for other citizens. 

Can you legally hunt in Nepal?

Yes, you can legally hunt in Nepal in the government-separated area. Moreover, there are still descendants of professional hunters in Nepal. Some of them are continuing their family's legacy by offering hunting assistance as a company. 

Is hunting safely in Nepal?

Yes, hunting is safe in Nepal if you follow all the rules and regulations amended by the government of Nepal. During the hunt, you will be accompanied by a team of guides and porters. Therefore, you will not be alone in the isolated deep jungles. 

Can you hunt in the Himalayas?

Yes, you can hunt legally in the Himalayas in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which ranges from 3,500 meters to 6000 meters. 

What is the food like during camping?

Our crew will prepare and cook meals for you during camping. We will carry all the essentials like raw/frozen veggies, meats, etc, along with fuel, utensils, spices, and other ingredients to cook a meal. You can expect dal bhat, momo, noodles, soup, mashed potatoes, macaroni, sandwich, steak, curry, toast, oatmeal, muesli, tea, coffee, etc.

Our Trophy Hunting in Himalayas 2022/2023 blog offers a great insight into hunting in the upcoming season.

Sher Waiba

Sher Waiba

Mr. Waiba is a mountaineering and hunting expert in Nepal Himalaya. He has been organizing treks, tours, and hunting safari in Nepal. If you love any kind of adventure activities as well as hunting tours, you can contact him. You can also link to his social media: Facebook