Free-ranging ibex above 4,000 metres
The Himalayan ibex (Capra sibirica) is the great mountain quarry of northern Pakistan, a heavy-horned wild goat that winters on the wind-scoured slopes where the Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalaya meet. This is fair chase on foot: you glass from the valley at first light, pick a bull out of a herd that's almost invisible against the rock, and climb to him.
We work inside Gilgit-Baltistan's community-managed conservancies, where the wildlife department sets trophy quotas each year and most of every permit fee goes back to the villages that protect the herds. Forty years of that arrangement is why ibex numbers here are healthy enough to hunt at all.
The package covers one hunter for nine days, with a professional hunter, local trackers and spotters, all camp logistics, the hunting licence and gun permits. You sleep in shepherd huts on the valley floor, with high-altitude tents carried for spike camps when the herds move up. It's demanding, with long days on steep ground between 3,000 and 4,500 metres in deep winter, but there's no technical climbing.
- Fair-chase stalk for a mature, free-ranging Himalayan ibex bull.
- One hunter per package, with a dedicated professional hunter and trackers.
- Community conservancies where permit fees fund the villages protecting the herds.
- Hunting licence, gun permits and field trophy preparation included.
Standard itinerary
Hunting days are weather-dependent; the itinerary flexes around the herds.
- DAY01
Arrive Islamabad
540 mMet on arrival at Islamabad airport and transferred to your hotel. Evening briefing on the conservancy, the quota and the week ahead.
- DAY02
Islamabad → Gilgit → Conservancy
2,400 mA one-hour morning flight to Gilgit, then about five hours by 4x4 up the valley to the conservancy base. Rifle check and zeroing on arrival.
- DAY03
Glassing & Acclimatisation
3,000 mA first full day on the glass with the spotters, finding herds and reading the ground. Short walks to settle into the altitude.
- DAY04
Hunting Day 1
3,600 mOut before dawn to glass the winter feeding slopes. Once a mature bull is spotted, the stalk begins, often several hours of climbing on scree and snow.
- DAY05
Hunting Day 2
4,000 mWork a second drainage, moving higher as the herds shift with the sun. A spike camp is pitched if the ground demands it.
- DAY06
Hunting Day 3
4,200 mA full day in the high basins. Your professional hunter judges horn length and age before any shot is offered.
- DAY07
Hunting Day 4
4,500 mThe last of the high days, held in reserve for weather or for a bull already located and worth returning to.
- DAY08
Conservancy → Gilgit
1,500 mField preparation and measurement of the trophy, farewells in the village, then the drive back down to Gilgit for the night.
- DAY09
Gilgit → Islamabad · Departure
540 mMorning flight to Islamabad and transfer for your onward international connection.
Dates for 2026 / 27
| Ex-Islamabad | From | To | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Slot | 05 Oct 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 | 9d / 8n |
| 2nd Slot | 09 Nov 2026 | 17 Nov 2026 | 9d / 8n |
| 3rd Slot — Prime | 14 Dec 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 | 9d / 8n |
| 4th Slot — Prime | 28 Dec 2026 | 05 Jan 2027 | 9d / 8n |
| 5th Slot — Prime | 07 Jan 2027 | 15 Jan 2027 | 9d / 8n |
| 6th Slot | 15 Feb 2027 | 23 Feb 2027 | 9d / 8n |
| 7th Slot | 12 Apr 2027 | 20 Apr 2027 | 9d / 8n |
Additional information
USD 16,000 covers one hunter for nine days: the hunting licence and gun permits, all accommodation and meals including snacks and drinks, airport meet-and-greet and transfers, all ground transport within the territory, your professional hunter, trackers and spotters, and field preparation and measurement of the trophy.
International airfare, Pakistan visa fees and the domestic flights to and from Gilgit; travel and evacuation insurance; pre- and post-hunt hotel nights; gratuities; trophy courier and shipping (USD 800); and any additional trophies, observer fees or sightseeing extensions.
Himalayan ibex is hunted on an annual quota issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department under the community trophy-hunting programme, with most of each permit fee paid directly to the conservancy village. Your licence and permits are arranged by us and included in the package price.
Gun import permits are included and arranged in advance; send us your rifle make, calibre and serial number at least 60 days before arrival. A flat-shooting centrefire of .270 or larger with quality glass is recommended, along with 40 rounds of ammunition. Rental rifles can be arranged on request.
All nationalities need a valid passport with six months remaining and a Pakistan visa, applied for online at the Pakistan Visa Portal. We provide a Letter of Invitation with our licence copy and the host's National Identity Card. Apply at least 60 days ahead so the visa and firearm permits clear together.
Hotels in Islamabad and Gilgit; in the conservancy you stay in shepherd huts on the valley floor, with insulated high-altitude tents carried for spike camps. Three cooked meals a day throughout, plus snacks and hot drinks in the field. Halal, vegetarian and allergy needs are catered for with advance notice.
The prime season is deep winter, with days spent between 3,000 and 4,500 metres on steep scree and snow, so good hill fitness is essential. Bring insulated waterproof boots, gaiters, a heavy down jacket, a Gore-Tex shell, thermals, a -20°C sleeping bag, quality binoculars, trekking poles and full sun protection. Nights routinely drop well below zero.
Insurance covering accidents, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation for at least USD 50,000 is mandatory, and proof is required before departure. You may use any provider.
The cape and horns are prepared and measured in the field, then dipped, packed and documented for export on your behalf. Courier charges of USD 800 are payable separately. CITES and country-of-import paperwork is handled before shipping; allow several months for delivery.
A 25% deposit is due within five days of confirming your slot, with the balance payable 60 days before arrival. Deposits are non-refundable, as the quota permit is bought in your name at the time of booking. Payment is by bank transfer only.
Scenes from the trail
