Trophy Hunting Tour — Himalayan Ibex (Official Permit)
Overview
Pakistan runs one of the world's most respected community-based trophy hunting programmes: a limited number of government permits are issued each season, roughly 80% of fees go directly to the local conservancies, and populations of ibex and markhor have grown measurably since it began. We operate fully within this system — official Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department permits, designated community hunting areas in upper Hunza and Nagar, experienced local guides and spotters who know every ridge, and complete trophy documentation for export.
Trip Highlights
- Official GB Wildlife Department permit included
- Community conservancy hunt areas (Hunza / Nagar / Shimshal)
- Himalayan Ibex — season November to April
- Professional guides, spotters and field crew
- Trophy field preparation and export documentation support
- Blue Sheep and Astore Markhor (auction permit) on request
- Non-hunting companions welcome on the same trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Islamabad
Pickup, permit formalities, firearms clearance assistance (or outfitter rifle arrangement).
⛰ 540 m
Islamabad → Chilas / Gilgit
Travel north; permits verified with the department.
⛰ 1,500 m
Arrive conservancy area
Meet community guides; glassing from the road; camp or lodge setup.
⛰ 3,000 m
Hunting days (3–4 days)
Dawn spotting, stalks judged by your guide team; evenings reviewing trophies spotted.
⛰ 4,000 m+
Trophy preparation day
Field prep, measurements, community ceremony where offered; documentation begins.
⛰ 3,000 m
Return leg + Hunza sightseeing
Descend via Karimabad — forts and Attabad for companions.
⛰ 2,438 m
Islamabad — export paperwork
Trophy export documentation support; departure transfers.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
- Government hunting permit & conservancy fees (Ibex)
- Professional hunting guides & spotters
- Trophy field preparation
- Firearms permit assistance / outfitter rifle
- Airport transfers & visa support
✖ Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
- International flights
- Taxidermy & shipping (arranged at cost)
- Markhor/Blue Sheep permit surcharges (quoted per season)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this legal and ethical?
Fully — hunts run only on official permits under the government's community conservation programme; quotas are science-based, ~80% of fees fund the local conservancies, and the model is credited with recovering ibex and markhor populations.
When is the season?
November to April, with December–February offering the best trophy visibility on the winter ranges.
Can I bring my own rifle?
Yes with advance temporary import permits, which we arrange — or hunt with quality outfitter rifles available locally.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan — this itinerary focuses elsewhere — but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May–Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Not for young children — this is a demanding route; we advise 16+ with genuine trekking fitness.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
This route’s altitude and daily effort make it unsuitable for most senior travellers; see our Luxury or By-Air plans instead.