Wildlife Film Expedition: Snow Leopard & Markhor
The Wildlife Film Expedition is a 21-day winter production package to film snow leopards, markhor and Himalayan ibex in Baltistan and Chitral, with local trackers, park staff and permits.
- Duration21 Days
- FormatNatural history film
- LocationsHushe Valley, Chitral Gol
- Best SeasonDecember – March
- PermitsFilming NOC + park permits
Filming the Ghosts of the Mountains
Winter is the best time to film mountain wildlife in Pakistan. Snow pushes markhor, ibex and the snow leopards that hunt them down to lower slopes, where long lenses and patient crews can capture remarkable behaviour, including the markhor rut.
The Wildlife Film Expedition combines time in the Hushe Valley, working with local snow leopard trackers, and in Chitral Gol National Park and the Tooshi-Shasha conservancy for markhor. We arrange park permits, village homestays and porters for long-lens equipment.
Trip Highlights
- Snow leopard tracking in the Hushe Valley
- Markhor rut in Chitral Gol National Park
- Himalayan ibex herds on winter slopes
- Experienced local trackers and park staff
- Porters for heavy long-lens equipment
- Park and filming permits handled
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Meet-and-assist, equipment customs and production meeting.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Skardu
Fly to Skardu (or drive the Karakoram Highway).
Overnight: HotelDay 3Drive to the Hushe Valley
Drive via Khaplu into the Hushe Valley.
Overnight: HomestayDay 4–11Snow leopard filming
Daily filming with trackers at viewpoints and hides.
Overnight: HomestayDay 12Return to Skardu
Drive back to Skardu.
Overnight: HotelDay 13Fly to Islamabad
Flight to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 14Fly to Chitral
Flight to Chitral (or drive via the Lowari Tunnel).
Overnight: HotelDay 15–19Markhor filming
Filming markhor in Chitral Gol and Tooshi-Shasha with park staff.
Overnight: HotelDay 20Fly to Islamabad
Flight to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 21Depart
Equipment customs and transfer to the airport.
Overnight: —Shooting schedules are flexible and planned around light, weather, access and filming permissions. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport meet-and-assist and customs help for camera equipment
- Hotels in Islamabad, Skardu and Chitral, homestays in the Hushe Valley
- Domestic flights or road transport
- Local snow leopard trackers and park staff
- Porters for equipment
- Experienced local fixer and production coordinator
- Help with filming permission (NOC) and location permits
- Private vehicles with experienced drivers, and 4x4s where needed
- Location scouting and daily call sheets
- Interpreter and local contacts for interviews
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for journalist or business visas
Not Included
- International flights and excess baggage for equipment
- Visa fees
- Insurance for crew and equipment
- Camera, sound and drone equipment (local rental can be arranged)
- Government filming fees, if charged
- Talent, location and interview fees
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Wildlife Film Expedition?
The Wildlife Film Expedition gives natural history crews access to some of the best mountain wildlife locations in Asia, with experienced trackers who know the animals' movements.
Photographers can join our Snow Leopard Tour or Markhor Wildlife Tour instead.
Planning a shoot? Read our Pakistan visa guide, or browse all our film and documentary tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Filming Permission
Foreign crews usually need permission (NOC) to film in Pakistan, and some locations need extra local permits. Apply early: we help with the paperwork and liaise with the authorities.
Drones
Drone use is tightly controlled in Pakistan and needs special permission, which is not always granted. Tell us early if you plan aerial shots, and we will advise on what is possible.
Ethical Filming
We never bait, call or chase animals, and follow all park rules. Hides and viewpoints are chosen with trackers to avoid disturbing wildlife.
When to Shoot
December to March is the best time for snow leopards and markhor; the markhor rut usually peaks in December. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Tell us about your project, crew size and dates, and our team will send you a production plan and quote.
