Baglung, June 27 -- Dhorpatan, Nepal's only hunting reserve, generates between Rs40 million and Rs50 million in annual revenue for the government through tightly regulated trophy hunting. But as tourism infrastructure expands, a debate is growing over whether the area's future lies in hunting tourism or ecotourism centred on its natural beauty, biodiversity and culture.

Local residents, tourism entrepreneurs, conservationists and experts remain divided. However, many agree that while trophy hunting generates revenue for the state, nature-based tourism would bring greater economic benefits to local communities.

Until a few decades ago, accommodation in Dhorpatan was scarce. Today, the area has around two dozen community-run homestays and...