Astor Markhor in Pakistan
Astor Markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri) a large markhor. Shoulder height as much as 42 inches/107 cm, weight 200-225 pounds/92-102 kg. This is typical race from which the species was first described. The coat is long and coarse in winter, though with very little underwool, and is much shorter in summer. The male’s ruff is long and flowing. Typically, the horns of Astor Markhor flare very widely just above the base and have one to 1-1/2 twists, with the first turn being very large. They are massive and spectacular, though usually not as long as those of the Kashmir Markhor. Most horns within the distribution range of the Astor Markhor are of this type; however, horns of the Kashmir type with less flare and more twists are also seen. The best horns of record were 60-3/4 inches/154 cm. Area of distribution is Gilgit region of northern Pakistan on the slopes of Nanga Parbat and along the Indus River and its tributaries, among them the Gilgit, Astor and Hunza rivers. Along both banks of the Indus from Jalkot upstream to about Tungas near Skardu. Along the Gilgit as far upstream as Gakuch. Along the Astor as far as the Parashing Valley. Along the Hunza as far as Chalt.
Area
Astor Markhor and Kashmir Markhor are found in the northwest part of Pakistan, province Gilgit-Baltistan and Khybar-Pakhtunkwa .
Hunting season
The hunting season for Astor Markhor and Kashmir Markhor start from October 1 till April 30. The best time for Astor and Kashmir Markhor is mid December - end January due to rutting time. Sulaiman Markhor mating season is in the end of October - November.
Route
You can fly to Islamabad via many European cities. There are daily direct flights to Islamabad, for example from Frankfurt and London. The hunter will be met in Islamabad by our representative and accompanying whole trip. After arrival in Islamabad you will : Astor Markhor area - fly by domestic airlines to Gilgit (app. 45 min). Sometimes it is necessary to take a long ride up to the Northern Areas of Pakistan when the flights do not operate due to bad weather conditions (14-16 hours).
Camp & Accommodation
Hunters are accommodated in very comfortable mountain village guest houses with basic facilities, motels or tented camps. Food on all trips is plentiful, healthy, wholesome and varied prepared by high experienced cook. You will find a very good food and a quality service.
Hunting
Hunting usually starts from the village houses where hunters are staying. In order to have a good hunt and to obtain a respectable size trophy, one needs to be in good physical shape. Be prepared for long hikes starting from early morning. In some areas a short drive may be needed (30-45 min.). They are easily accessible by 4x4 jeeps and we have to stalk a short distance, as in winters, animals come down to the meadows near the villages where they can be seen and hunted easily. Long range shooting, 320-380 yards is normally, we recommend caliber 7mm Rem. Mag, 300 Win Mag., 300 Weath. Mag. Astor and Kashmir Markhor hunts organized between 8200-9800 feet/2500-3000 m.
Climate
Mountain weather conditions is variety from year to year. During the winter the temperature can be 35-42 oF/+2+5 oC on a sunny days with lows of 32 oF/0 oC. In the Kashmir Markhor area in winter time the temperature will be as low as 5-14 oF/- 10 - 15 oC with possibility of snow and rain.
Schedule
Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad, fight to Gilgit or drive to Peshawar and fly to Chitral or fly to Quetta (depend from your destination), overnight in the hotel.
Day 2 Transfer to the hunting area by car.
Day 3-7 Hunting 4-5 days.
Day 8 Back to Gilgit, Peshawar, Quetta
Day 9 Flight or drive back to Islamabad, overnight or departure.
Day 10 Departure from Islamabad.