Pakistan straddles the Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountains in the north and the arid deserts of Sindh and Balochistan in the south. Community‑based conservation programmes channel permit revenue back into local villages, creating thriving populations of wild sheep and goats. Hunts typically take place from late October through April with the rut in December.
From 14 000‑ft peaks to desert foothills, Pakistan offers some of the world’s most challenging mountain hunts.
Northern Mountains The high‑altitude ranges around Gilgit and Hunza host Himalayan ibex and the rare blue sheep. Hunters climb to elevations of 11 000–14 000 ft and must be physically fit. Travel usually involves a flight to Islamabad followed by a domestic flight or long drive and then multiday ascents on foot or horseback.
Markhor Areas Pakistan offers three markhor subspecies—Astor, Kashmir and Sulaiman—found in steep, rocky terrain. Limited permits make these hunts coveted and expensive; accommodations range from village guesthouses to tented camps.
Sindh & Baluchistan At lower elevations near Karachi, hunters pursue Sindh ibex and Blandford urial at around 3 000 ft. These desert hunts are less physically demanding but still require good marksmanship and patience.
Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rolling hills and river valleys support populations of Punjab urial and Afghan urial. These hunts often combine glassing from ridgelines and stalking through scrub.
