ASTOR MARKHOR HUNT
Rifle or Bow 1 X 1
Price: Contact for Pricing
Dates: 2024 / 2025.
Rifle or Bow 1 X 1
Price: Contact for Pricing
Dates: 2024 / 2025.
Astor Markhor is found in small, scattered populations primarily in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, along the Indus River and its tributaries. Our hunts take place around the town of Gilgit, located at the confluence of four great mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush. Hunting is conducted in 6-7 community-controlled areas (CHAs) under the “Community Based Trophy Hunting Programme,” which helps sustain conservation efforts through local involvement.
The 4 permits for Astor Markhor are issued for specific locations in the Gilgit district, Astor, and Skardu, where the markhor population is most abundant.
The hunting season for Astor Markhor starts as early as November 1st and runs through the end of March. The rutting season occurs in December, making it an ideal time for hunting as the markhors may descend to lower elevations and larger males are easier to spot. Late season hunts, though successful, can be more physically challenging as the markhors return to higher elevations with warmer temperatures.
Accommodations can vary, ranging from simple village guesthouses to more comfortable local hotels, depending on the hunting area.
Hunters fly into Islamabad and are greeted by our team for assistance. From there, they take a domestic flight to Gilgit, which lasts about an hour. In winter, flights may be unavailable, requiring a scenic and culturally rich 9-hour drive. Upon arrival in Gilgit, the hunting areas are accessible within a 30-minute to 2-hour drive.
Astor Markhor occupies habitats ranging from 2,300 feet (700 m) to 13,000 feet (4,000 m), depending on the season. Hunting takes place between elevations of 3,000 feet (900 m) and 8,500 feet (2,600 m).
Weather conditions vary with the season. November tends to be mild, but temperatures drop significantly in December, ranging from a high of 26°F (-3°C) to a low of 8°F (-13°C). January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from a high of 21°F (-6°C) to a low of 3°F (-16°C). The weather begins to warm by mid-March, though the early months are typically freezing and humid.
Hunting days start early, sometimes before dawn, with most hunts beginning on foot from the village or after a short drive to the hunting area. The primary method is spot-and-stalk, with local communities actively involved in tracking the markhor. Due to their knowledge of the terrain and markhor habits, they can help locate trophy-sized animals before the hunters arrive.
A 10-day itinerary is usually sufficient, with hunts typically completed in just a few days due to pre-scouting efforts by local communities. These efforts ensure that the markhor are located before the hunters arrive, maximizing the efficiency of the hunt.