Hunting Tours in Pakistan

Blue Sheep Hunt in Shimshal Valley

The domain of one of the largest glaciated regions on Earth with the greatest geological upheavals steeped in the myth of spiritualism seems no way of this world. Located not far from the Chinese border on the northern edge of the range, the inhabitants of this mystic valley still retain many of their traditional customs and rituals which are fast disappearing elsewhere in the region.

Since Shimshal is the remotest and the most isolated region, the criminals sentenced to rigorous punishment by the rulers of the state used to be marooned in Shimshal Valley - only the fittest could survive and lived here. The descendants, however, are unbelievably friendly, honest and hospitable. Their disciplined life and cultured civilization bewitch and enthrall the visitors (very few) from the outer world.

Geologically, Shimshal reveals, great upheavals in its natural history. With a unique cluster of the world's many highest peaks , creeping crevassed glaciers, massive lackostrine deposits, gigantic scree eroding mountains, greens meadows, fertile alluvial fans and stark rigid gorges; Shimshal domains the largest glaciated region on Earth outside the polar regions.
Shimshal's extreme isolation thus imposed by the unbelievably steep gorges of the Karakoram, rise to a long standing, wholly indigenous & pure diet consisting almost entirely of apricots, wheat and Hunza Water, a locally brewed wine, & hence the long living inhabitants.

The society is co-operative rather than competitive. Each family grows enough food for its own use. As the Shimshalis lived aloof from the outer world, each citizen was self sufficient in making his own shoes, clothes & bowls, until, the perilous jeep track linked them with the world.

The society is co-operative rather than competitive. Each family grows enough food for its own use. As the Shimshalis lived aloof from the outer world, each citizen was self sufficient in making his own shoes, clothes & bowls, until, the perilous jeep track linked them with the world.

Shimshal is a farming & herding community of 3000 people, situated at north-eastern extreme of the former state of Hunza. The settlement occupies the upper portion of a valley of the same name, which descends west into the Hunza River valley at Passu and separates the Ghujerab and Hispar Mustagh ranges of the Karakoram mountains. Shimshal is also famous for the longevity of its people.

The people of Shimshal are cheerful & friendly. The entire population belongs to the Ismaili Shias sect headed by Prince Karim Agha Khan. The women wear bright clothes, long shirts over baggy trousers and embroided pillbox hats over which they drape their shawls, whereas, men mostly wear simple dress composed of shalwar (trouser) & kamiz (shirt) or western trousers with a hand woven wool cap.

Shimshal pastures cover about 2700 sq km of the Central Karakoram. Within that area they maintain their three dozen individual pastures, including three large and highly productive alpine areas. Also within Shimshal territory are innumerable peaks, glaciers and trekking routes, including nine peaks above 7,000 meters. Yukshin Gardan, Yazghil Dome, Dataghil Sar, Malangutti, Karoon Koh are the famous ones.

Shimshal’s villages are situated on a series of glacial and alluvial deposits that form a broad strip between the river's floodplain and steep mountain slopes to the south. These deposits have been terraced for several hundred years. They are irrigated by glacier melt water which currently dissect them. Shimshalis grow wheat & barley, potatoes, peas, beans, apricots and apples. Small quantities of garden vegetables are also grown. Shimshalis are one of the few communities in Pakistan's Northern Areas that grows enough agricultural produce to feed itself.

Shimshalis complement their irrigated agriculture with extensive herding of sheep, goats, cattle & yaks. They own more livestock per capita than any other Hunza community & earn more by selling dairy produce, yaks and yak hair carpets. This is due, in part, to the community's exclusive control of vast areas of high altitude land. Serving tourists as porters, guides, drivers & cooks is another source of income.

Shimshal is rich in fauna & many threatened wildlife species are found here. It is the only place where Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus bemionus kiang), & Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur) are found. Snow leopard (Uncia uncia), Himalayan ibex (Capra Ibex Sibirica Hemalayanus) and, Golden Marmots (Marmota caudate) are also found in Shimshal. Migratory birds like ducks & cranes also enroute Shimshal Valley.

As per many popular tales of community, Shimshal was founded four centuries ago by Mamu Singh, a Burusho from Baltit (Hunza), and a member of the ruler's family. Mamu Singh was sent to Sarikol, Central Asia, as ambassador, but later fled with his Wakhi wife Khodija, when relations with Hunza deteriorated. They were pursued into the Upper Hunza River Valley, as far as Avgarch Pasture on the slopes of Qarun Pir, where they made their home for several years before migrating into the lower reaches of the Shimshal Valley..

Ibex Distribution

Both the European or Alpine population, and Himalayan population of Ibex share common certain distinguishing features. The Himalayan Ibex can be separated from the Alpine population by the horn shape which, in adult males, grows much longer, curving round to form 3/4 of a complete arc and tapering to relatively slender points.

The record horn from Pakistan measured 140cm (55 inches) and came from Gilgit. It had a basal girth of 26.5cm (10.5 inches) and a gap of 63.5cm (25 inches) between tips and certainly in Gilgit a head with horns over this length would be considered an exceptionally good trophy.

Confined to relatively arid mountain ranges of the inner Himalyas, living well above the tree line only in the higher more precipitous regions. They occur from about 3660m (12,000 feet) to over 5000m (16400 feet) in Pakistan, though they sometimes migrate from one mountain range to another in winter and in so doing have been seen crossing valleys below 2135m (7000feet.

They are fairly wide spread through the higher mountain ranges of Baltistan in the Karakoram Range, the Haramosh range, and the probably the highest population of Ibex now survives in Northern Hunza, specially in the water shed of Khunjerab, and to the east of Khunjerab. In Gilgit, they are still fairly plentiful in Ishkoman, Yasin and Hunza. Further west they occur in the Hindukush range of mountains and throughout Northern Chitral down to about 32 kilometers north of Chitral and in the higher mountain regions of Chilas and on the slopes of Malika Parbat. Saphaid Koh range in the North West Frontier Province and this is the southern most limit of its range. This is a smaller animal than the Himalayan Ibex.

Himalayan Ibex has a wider distribution and is plentiful and its future survival is not so threatened in Pakistan largely due to the inaccessibility of its haitat provided by the very extensive concentration of very high mountain ranges in the extreme north western regions. Baltistan and Hunza are undoubtedly the strong holds of the Himalayan Ibex in the region today. In the early spring the Ibex are half starved and eagerly seek new sprouting grass when it is available at lower milder elevations. This is the only time when they descend as low as 2450m (800 feet) and are thus much easier to hunt.

Things to know
Rifles: Rifles with common hunting caliber are allowed
Ammunition: maximum 100 rounds per hunter
Equipment: normal hunting dress, sleeping bag, portable hunting seat, tough boots, binoculars.
Weather: In the day time its pleasant and at night is very cold

We need at least 6 weeks for clearance of hunters for processing the permission for Ibex hunts.

1. hunting season is from October to March.
2. 100 % guaranteed trophy hunt.
3. Hunting area Northern Areas of Pakistan.
4. Hunters age dose not matter, but good physical and health condition is necessary.
5. Normally hunter can shoot animal in the 4th or 5th day after starting the hunting trek. We are always doing our best try to scout and search for the good trophy by our professional hunting guides before starting the hunting expedition.
6. All the charges and government fee are non refundable after obtaining the hunting permit.
7. Hunter will pay in advance very well in time to book the Ibex hunting permit for the coming season.
8. Only one hunter can join expedition, and no limit for non hunters to join the expedition.
9. Non hunter member will pay only service charge.

Itinerary - IBEX Hunting (12-DAYS)
Day 1	Arrival in Islamabad and transfer to hotel. City sightseeing tour.
Day 2	Drive to hunting area in North of Pakistan, night stay at hotel.
Day 3	Drive to hunting camp.
Day 4	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 5	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 6	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 7	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 8	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 9	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 10	Stalking with expert professional guide for Ibex trophy hunt.
Day 11	Drive back to Islamabad and transfer to airport for departure to hunter destination

Services
Hotel accommodations with breakfast. shooting permit, guide, cook, tents, sleeping mattresses, field camps, kitchen equipments, camp food, all transportation including pickup and drop off from airport upon arrival and departure. Sight seeing in nearest city. Transfer to hunting grounds with air conditioned transport. Temporary import of all the guns. Trophy export expenses.
Services not included
Tips and airport taxes, trophy flushing charges, domestic or international air fares, room services, laundry charges, fax/telephone, or telex expenses. Beverages, mineral water, medical. Trophy fees of animals killed, wounded, and lost. 
Should you need any further information please don't hesitate to contact us.

Ibex Trophy Hunting

The Himalayan Ibex can be separated from the alpine population by the horn shape which, in adult males, grows much longer, curving round to form of a complete arc and tapering to relatively slender points.

The record horn from Pakistan measured 140cm and came from Gilgit. It had a basal girth of 26.5cm and a gap of 63.5cm between tips and certainly in Gilgit a head with horns over this length would be considered an exceptionally good trophy.

Confined to relatively arid mountain ranges of the inner Himalayas, living well above the tree line only in the higher more precipitous regions. They occur from about 3550m to over 5000m in Pakistan, though they sometimes migrate from one mountain range to another in winter and in so doing have been seen crossing valleys below 2135m .

They are fairly wide spread through the higher mountain ranges in Baltistan in the Karakoram Range, the Haramosh Range, and the probably the highest population of Ibex now survives in Northern Hunza, specially in the water shed of Khunjerab, and to the east of Khunjerab. In Gilgit, they are still fairly plentiful in Ishkoman, Yasin and Hunza. Further west they occur in the Hindukush range of mountains and throughout Northern Chitral down to about 32 kilometers north of Chitral and in the higher mountain ranges of Chilas and on the slopes of Malika Parbat Mountain.

Himalayan Ibex has a wider distribution and is plentiful and its future survival is not so threatened in Pakistan largely due to the inaccessibility of its habitat provided by the very extensive concentration of very high mountain ranges in the extreme north western region. Baltistan and Hunza are undoubtedly the strong holds of the Himalayan Ibex in the region today. In the early spring the Ibex are half starved and eagerly seek new sprouting grass when it is available at lower milder elevations. This is the only time when they descend as low as 2450m and are thus much easier to hunt.

Any hunting trip in this inaccessible area needs careful planning. A number of permits from local and federal authorities, specially import and re-export licenses for the firearms as well as permits to carry and use these inside the country are required. These often take several eeks to process and must be obtained before the arrival of hunting party in the country

Itinerary
Note :- Although we try to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, govt. restrictions, & all other unforeseen exigencies.
Day 1	ARRIVAL RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD. Upon arrival met and transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. After a short rest drive to Islamabad, Ministry of Tourism to complete the necessary formalities and obtain permit
Day 2	RAWALPINDI/HUNTING AREA. Drive to hunting area in North of Pakistan. Overnight hotel
Day 3	DAY 03 HUNTING AREA Day at leisure. while staff will make final arrangement for the expedition
Day 4	10 HUNTING AREA Stalking with expert professional guide for ibex trophy hunt. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
Day 11	RAWALPINDI Drive to Rawalpindi. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi.

Items included in our land cost

1. Full board hotel meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner in town and city).
2. Airport transfers on arrival and at the time of return.
3. Transport from Islamabad to Hunting Area for men and material.
4. Transport from Hunting Area to Islamabad on return for men and material.
5. Jeeps where require for men and material.
6. Wages of porters, scouts and their food and insurance.
7. Wages of porters, scouts and their food and insurance.
8. Kitchen equipment for the expedition until base camp only.
9. Two person tent for all climbing members until base camp only.
10. Sleeping mattresses for all members until base camp only.
11. Camping fees, road taxes, parking fees.
12. Camping fees, road taxes, parking fees.
13. Procurement of Helicopter Rescue Bond from Ministry of Tourism against expeditions actual deposit (6000 US Dollars) if require.
14. Permit cost: The government fee is US dollars 4000 for each ibex. All the charges and fee is non refundable after obtaining the hunting permit. It includes one hunter to shoot one ibex during the winter hunting season. The amount is deposited well before the arrival of hunting party in Pakistan. Only one hunter can join under one permit and there is no limit for non hunting members to join the expedition. Non hunting member will only pay for service charges.
15. Local community Fee: The local community incharge of the area where the hunt is conducted is authorized to charge a fee from US dollars 4000 to US dollars 6000 per hunter to allow access to their hunting grounds.
16. Insurance for Arms and Animation.
17. Government documents process fee US dollars 100 per hunter

Items not included
Personal equipment / clothing for the scouts.

1. International Air tickets
2. Climbing gear.
3. High altitude food.
4. High altitude tents.
5. Camping Gas.
6. Personal equipment.
7. Transportation or porter age of excess baggage.
8. Sleeping bags.
9. Sleeping bags.
10. Emergency rescues. Any expedition member/s want to include Emergency Helicopter Rescue in their program must notify us in advance. A deposit of US Dollars 6000 (Six Thousand US Dollars) in CASH is require for this arrangement. The amount is REFUNDABLE in case no such facility has been used during the holiday. You are requested to please insure yourself for emergency air rescue if require.
11. Medications.
12. Insurance (All expedition members must be protected by insurance that covers cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to baggage and personal effects).
13. Room services.
14. Laundry charges and other items of personal nature.

Wild Boar Distrubation

The Wild Boar is found up to 900m (3.000ft) elevation in the Margalla Hills and around Kahuta and in the Murree foothills and throughout the Punjab and Sind down to the Indus mouth. It occurs west of the Indus around Peshawar, Mardan, Banu, & Dera Ismail Khan and the increase in sugar cane cultivation has favored the species in all these latter regions, wild boars of all ages finding shelter in the standing crops. Wild boars are also found in very large numbers in Salt Range, Kala Chitta Hills and Attock district.

The spread of irrigation in Pakistan and the development of irrigated forest plantations have favored the increase of wild boars in the Punjab, where they became a serious agricultural pest and still are at the present time despite government and farmers efforts to control them. reports in the 1990s indicate their numbers have again increased.

The wild boars population was estimated to be greatest in Mianwali district, probably because of the extensive development of irrigated forest plantations. Same position is also in the oldest forest plantation at Changa Manga. In the sugar cane growing tracts of north-east Punjab, much higher population densities were calculated, based on beating sugar cane crops and conducting surveys within measured areas, reaching 32.2 animals per sq. km. in Mananwala in Sheikupura Dist., in a waterlogged areas with much reed cover and rice cultivation.

Wild boars are fecund animals, as well as being adaptable and resourceful and remain a significant pest especially to growing sugar cane and in any areas adjacent to forest plantations. Since wild boars are abhorrent to Muslims on religious grounds, this adds to the difficulty of conducting any control measures. Wild boars are, forth more, quite fearless in the presence of humans and wild boars have long been recognized as dangerous and aggressive animals worthy of huntsman's skill.

We are organizing day hunt on driven wild boars with well-trained beaters and dogs under the supervision of professional hunters and assistance of hunting guides. Our hunts are arranged in exclusive areas with the special permission from the Punjab government in the open game areas. We can also arrange wild boar hunts in the game reserves with the special permission from wild life department of the Punjab government. The Punjab province is a land of five rivers. There's no place in the world where a hunter can find more wild boars than in the land of five rivers out of which Indus is the biggest.

Wild boar is declared as a pest because it is destroying at least 15% to 20% of the crops. The vast fields of sugar cane give this fast breeding beast enough food and shelter almost around the year except after harvesting. Then the wild boar has to return to its original cover in the grass land jungles near the rivers and the irrigated plantations which are surrounded by agriculture. The best wild boar hideouts even exit in the romantic salt range mountains which are known to us. The best trophy we shot up to now was about 9 and a half inches. More than 18% of all boars are male trophies.

The good hunting spots are endless in our hunting grounds. Come and put your footprints there right next to the footprints of those boars who are roaming around therein. Come and hunt with us. We guarantee you a thrilling and successful hunting adventure with professional hunters. Safe and sure according to the wild boar hunting standard of the world class hunting. In every hunting season, hunters are coming from overseas and successfully hunting in the Wild Boar hunting fields.

Things to know 
Hunting Season: October to March
Special Packages are available for solo hunts.
Guns and Rifles: Shot guns semi automatic and shot guns/rifles, combined rifles and rifle with common hunting caliber are allowed
Ammunition: maximum 100 rounds per hunter
Equipment: normal hunting dress, sleeping bag, portable hunting seat, tough boots, binoculars.
Type of Hunting: Beating with beaters, dogs, and crackers, stalking/spotlight hunt. Hunters don't have to walk much so senior hunters are welcome.
Weather: In the day time its pleasant and at night is cold about 20-25 degrees centigrade.
Hunting Area: Central Punjab. Hunting will be along the rivers' sides, irrigated plantations, forests, cane grass, small hills, moorlands, river islands, sugar cane fields, and mixed good lands.
We need at least 4 weeks for clearance of hunters for processing the permission for wild boar hunts.
Jackal and Indian Porcupine hunts are also available round the year

Itinerary - Wild Boar Day hunt with beaters and dogs (7-Days)
GROUP SIZE - Minimum 4, Maximum 9 members 4 to 7 beats per day SEASON - from October to March
Day 1	Arrival in Islamabad and further transfer to hunting area
Day 2	Hunt from 8.a.m. to 4:30.p.m.
Day 3	Hunt from 8.a.m. to 4:30.p.m
Day 4	Hunt from 8.a.m. to 4:30.p.m.
Day 5	Hunt from 8.a.m. to 4:30.p.m
Day 6	Hunt from 8.a.m to 4:30.p.m
Day 7	Transfer to Islamabad for departure to hunter destination

Itinerary -Wild Boar spotlight hunting (6-Days)
GROUP SIZE - Minimum 2, Maximum 3 members Solo Hunting is also possible SEASON - Around the year
Day 1	AArrival in Islamabad and further transfer to hunting area.
Day 2	3 to 4 trips at night with guide and spotlight by jeep
Day 3	3 to 4 trips at night with guide and spotlight by jeep
Day 4	3 to 4 trips at night with guide and spotlight by jeep.
Day 5	3 to 4 trips at night with guide and spotlight by jeep
Day 6	Transfer to Islamabad for departure to hunter destination.

                                      For more details please visit :- www.karakorumexp.com