The scenic Dhorpatan Valley, once bustling with tourists, has turned quiet as cold weather has sets in. Since mid-December, the valley has seen a sharp drop in tourist arrivals, with both domestic and international visitors avoiding the area due to plunging temperatures.

While Dhorpatan typically attracts an increasing number of tourists annually—boosted by extensive media and social media coverage—winter marks a seasonal slowdown. Local residents also migrate to warmer areas such as Bobang, Adhikarichaur, and Nisikhola during this time, leaving the valley largely deserted.

According to Jeevan Adai, president of the Dhorpatan Hoteliers Association, tourist activity tends to pick up pace after snowfall, but the valley is presently quiet.

“Tourist numbers usually dwindle between mid-December and February,” Adai noted, adding that the valley sees about 150 visitors daily during the warmer months but only 30–40 per day during winter.

Despite the decline in winter tourism, Dhorpatan's overall popularity has grown due to improved facilities and infrastructure. Over the past five years, the number of hotels in the valley has risen to approximately 40. Shyam Lal Ghimire, a local hotel entrepreneur, said that while better amenities have attracted more visitors in recent years, the extreme cold remains a deterrent during this season.

Tourists often visit Dhorpatan on weekends, thanks to the improved off-road connecting Burtibang Bazaar to the valley, a distance of about 32 kilometers. The Saljhandi-Dhorpatan road, a national priority project, has also boosted access to the region. However, travelers still face difficulties due to the poor condition of the road, which requires significant upgrading.

As the weather warms in the coming months, local hoteliers expect a resurgence in tourist activity, reaffirming Dhorpatan's status as a favored destination for nature lovers. -- RSS