Astore Markhor Hunting Tour
The Astore Markhor Hunting Tour is a 12-day hunt for the flare-horned Astore markhor, Pakistan's national animal and one of the most prized mountain trophies in the world, under a legal government permit in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Duration12 Days
- DifficultyHard
- SpeciesAstore (flare-horned) markhor
- Best SeasonNovember – March
- PermitVery limited quota
The Most Prized Trophy in Pakistan
The markhor is Pakistan's national animal, and its spiral horns make it one of the most sought-after trophies in the world. Thanks to the community-based trophy hunting programme, markhor numbers have recovered strongly, and a very small number of permits are issued each year.
On the Markhor Hunting tour we hunt the flare-horned Astore markhor in community conservancies of Gilgit-Baltistan, with an experienced professional hunter, local guides and game guards. We manage the permit process, firearm paperwork and all logistics, and help with trophy and CITES documents.
Trip Highlights
- Hunt the Astore (flare-horned) markhor
- Legal government permit, one of very few each year
- Community conservancies in Gilgit-Baltistan
- Experienced professional hunter and local game guards
- Help with firearm import, trophy and CITES paperwork
- A large share of the trophy fee supports conservation
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport, clears your firearm with the authorities and transfers you to your hotel.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Permits and travel north
Final permit formalities, then fly or drive towards Gilgit.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Drive to the hunting area
Drive to the conservancy, meet the community game guards and check your rifle.
Overnight: CampDay 4–10Hunting days
Daily hunts on foot in steep terrain with the professional hunter and local guides.
Overnight: CampDay 11Return to Gilgit
Return to Gilgit for trophy registration.
Overnight: HotelDay 12Fly to Islamabad and depart
Fly to Islamabad for paperwork and your flight home.
Overnight: —Hunting days depend on weather, animal movement and the conditions of your government permit. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad and Gilgit
- Domestic flights or road transport to the hunting area
- 4x4 vehicles in the hunting area
- Help with the hunting permit application and government paperwork
- Help with the temporary firearm import permit, or rifle hire where allowed
- Experienced professional hunter, local guides and community game guards
- Hunting camp or local guesthouse, with cook and all meals in the field
- Field preparation of the trophy and help with CITES and export documents
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- Trophy fee / hunting permit fee, set by the government quota or auction system
- International flights and excess baggage or firearm fees
- Pakistan visa fee
- Hunting and travel insurance
- Taxidermy, dipping, packing and international shipping of the trophy
- Ammunition and personal hunting gear
- Tips for hunting staff and porters
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Astore Markhor Hunt?
The Markhor Hunting tour is the hunt of a lifetime for many mountain hunters. Permits are very limited and are usually allocated through a government process, so planning well in advance is essential.
The fee from each markhor hunt supports local conservation and development, which has helped the species recover. For a second species, combine it with our Himalayan Ibex Hunting Tour.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our trophy hunting tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Legal Permits Only
Every hunt runs under a valid government permit within the official quota of the community-based trophy hunting programme. Permits are limited and are usually allocated through the provincial wildlife department, so early booking is essential.
Fitness
Markhor hunting involves steep cliffs and long stalks in winter. You should be very fit and confident on difficult ground.
Conservation
Under Pakistan's community trophy hunting programme, a large share of the trophy fee goes to the local community for conservation and development. This has helped species such as the markhor recover.
Season
The markhor season usually runs in winter, when the rut brings big males to lower slopes. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred season, and our team will advise on permit availability and send you full details and a quote.
