Uzbekistan has emerged as a premier mountain‑hunting destination in Central Asia. Located between the desert plateaus and the lofty Tian Shan and Pamir‑Alay ranges, the country offers challenging pursuits for hunters who covet wild sheep and goats. Since regulated trophy hunting reopened in 2015, demand has grown rapidly because Uzbekistan is the only nation where the diminutive Severtsov’s argali can be hunted. Its highland terrain, rising from 6,500 to over 10,000 feet, and the presence of Mid‑Asian ibex, Bukharan urial, Kugitang markhor and wild boar promise a memorable adventure.
Wild mountains and rare trophy sheep in Central Asia
Pskem Valley (Tashkent region) – Mid‑Asian Ibex A four‑hour drive from Tashkent followed by a 2–3‑hour horseback ride leads hunters into the rugged Pskem area. Here Mid‑Asian ibex inhabit high alpine basins. Hunts are open year‑round but the prime period runs October–December. Guides use 4×4 vehicles and horses to reach glassing points, then stalk on foot; shots often exceed 400 yards.
Surxondaryo Region – Bukharan Markhor and Urial In Uzbekistan’s far south, hunters fly to Termez and then travel by car and horse into the foothills of the Hissar range. The Surxondaryo district offers the only hunts for the twisting‑horned Kugitang (Bukharan) markhor and the cinnamon‑coloured Bukharan urial. Recommended seasons are late November–December and March. The terrain is less precipitous than the higher ranges, but stalks still require careful footwork and long‑range marksmanship.
