Kashmir Markhor in Pakistan
Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis), shoulder height up to 40 inches/102 cm, weight 225 pounds/102 kg with massive horns that usually are the longest of the species. The coat and ruff are similar to those of the Astor race. Typically, Kashmir Markhor horns have slight to moderate flare with 2-3 spiral twists. Most horns within its distribution range are of this type; however, straighter horns of the Kabul type have occurred in the Chitral District. Trophies average between 38-42 inches/96-106 cm, good ones of up to 45 inches/115 cm. Distribution - Afghanistan: Laghman Province and the Bashgul River area. Pakistan: Chitral District, along the Kunar River from Shogore to Arandu on the west bank and to Drosh on the east bank, and up its tributary the Mastuj River as far as Barenis; Dir District, along the upper Panjkora River; and Swat District on the cliffs east of Mankial. India: the Shamsberi, Kaj-i-Nag, and Pir Panjal range.
Area
Astor Markhor and Kashmir Markhor are found in the northwest part of Pakistan, province Gilgit-Baltistan and Khybar-Pakhtunkwa . Sulaiman Markhor is found in the west central part of Pakistan, province Baluchistan.
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: Kashmir Markhor area - upon arrival to Islamabad you have drive to Peshawar. Next day you will fly by domestic flights to Chitral. Unfortunately the road to Chitral is snowbound in winters.
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. Sulaiman Markhor hunt are organized between 7500-9000 feet/2300-2800 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.
