HUNTING IN KYRGYZSTAN
High mountains. Wild country. A true Mid-Asian Ibex hunt.
Kyrgyzstan is a destination for hunters looking for a genuine mountain adventure.
Remote valleys, vast mountain ranges and high-altitude hunting grounds provide the setting for one of Asia's classic hunts – the pursuit of the Mid-Asian Ibex.
This is not a hunt where the trophy simply comes to you. Horses take you deep into the mountains, guides search distant ridges and valleys, and once the right ibex is located, the final stalk is yours.
Through our trusted local partners, we currently have access to two different hunting programmes, allowing us to recommend the option that best matches your budget, trophy expectations and the level of adventure you are looking for.
Come for the Ibex. Experience the mountains.
Mid-Asian Ibex · High-Altitude Hunting · Horseback Hunting · Remote Wilderness · Two Hunting Programmes
MID-ASIAN IBEX
One of the great mountain trophies of Asia.
The Mid-Asian Ibex is an impressive mountain animal, recognised by its long sweeping horns and extraordinary ability to move through terrain that can seem almost inaccessible to a hunter.
Kyrgyzstan has a long reputation as one of the classic destinations for this species.
But a Mid-Asian Ibex hunt is about much more than horn length.
It is about finding animals across enormous mountain landscapes, spending time with local guides, travelling on horseback, glassing distant ridges and eventually trying to get within shooting distance of a mature ibex.
The trophy is the goal. The journey to it is what makes the hunt.
SIBERIAN ROE DEER
A distinctive trophy and an excellent addition to a Kyrgyz hunt.
Depending on the hunting area and season, Siberian Roe Deer can also be included in the programme.
Larger in body and typically carrying substantially heavier antlers than the European roe deer familiar to many hunters, the Siberian roe offers a very different trophy and hunting experience.
For hunters travelling a long way to Kyrgyzstan, it can be an interesting species to combine with their main hunt.
MARAL
The great red deer of Central Asia.
Selected hunting opportunities can also include Maral.
For hunters who appreciate red deer hunting but want to experience it in a completely different environment, Maral can add another dimension to a Kyrgyz hunting trip.
Availability depends on the particular hunting area, season and programme, so we will check the current possibilities individually.
BUILD A COMBINATION
You don't necessarily have to travel to Kyrgyzstan for one species only.
Depending on the hunting area, season and current availability, we can explore combinations such as:
Mid-Asian Ibex + Siberian Roe Deer or Mid-Asian Ibex + Maral
and other suitable opportunities available within the programme.
TWO HUNTING PROGRAMMES
Different areas. Different possibilities. The same personal approach.
Through our partners, we currently have access to two different hunting programmes in Kyrgyzstan.
Both offer Mid-Asian Ibex as the main hunting opportunity, while possibilities for additional species such as Siberian Roe Deer or Maral depend on the particular hunting area, season and programme.
This allows us to recommend the hunt according to what matters most to you – budget, trophy expectations, physical challenge, additional species and the type of mountain experience you are looking for.
CLASSIC IBEX HUNT
A more accessible option for hunters whose priority is to experience a genuine Mid-Asian Ibex hunt while keeping the overall budget at a more moderate level.
The exact programme, hunting area and trophy expectations will be explained according to the current offer.
Best for:
Value · First Asian mountain hunt · Mid-Asian Ibex
HIGH-MOUNTAIN IBEX EXPEDITION
For hunters looking for a more extensive and demanding mountain experience with strong trophy potential.
This programme takes place in remote high-altitude country, using horses to reach the hunting areas and camps before searching the mountain slopes for mature ibex.
The programme is built around several days of serious mountain hunting with experienced local guides.
Best for:
Strong trophy potential · High mountains · Remote wilderness · Full expedition experience
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
That depends on more than price.
We will consider your budget, physical condition, mountain-hunting experience, trophy expectations and the type of adventure you want before recommending one of the programmes.
We would rather help you choose the right hunt than simply sell you the more expensive one.
HOW DOES THE HUNT WORK?
From Bishkek to the high mountains.
A Mid-Asian Ibex hunt in Kyrgyzstan is not just a few days of stalking. The journey into the hunting area, life in camp, horses and time spent searching the mountains are all part of the experience.
The exact programme depends on which of our two hunting areas you choose, but the basic principle of the hunt is similar.
1. ARRIVAL IN BISHKEK
Your journey begins in Bishkek, where you will be met by the local team.
The necessary arrival formalities are handled before travelling towards the hunting area.
Depending on the selected programme, reaching the mountains can involve a long drive – this is remote country and getting there is part of the expedition.
2. INTO THE MOUNTAINS
After reaching the hunting area, the base camp becomes your starting point for the hunt.
From here, vehicles and particularly horses are used to travel deeper into the mountains.
In our high-mountain programme, camps are situated at approximately 3,200–3,400 metres, with ibex often found considerably higher.
3. HORSEBACK TO THE HUNTING AREA
The horse gets you there. The hunt still happens on foot.
Horses allow hunters and guides to cover large distances through terrain that would otherwise require many hours of walking.
Depending on the programme and location of the animals, you may hunt from the main camp or establish a spike camp deeper in the mountains.
In the more demanding programme, reaching the spike camp can itself involve several hours on horseback.
4. GLASSING THE MOUNTAINS
Once in the hunting area, patience becomes one of the most important tools.
Hunters and guides spend considerable time using binoculars and spotting scopes to search distant slopes, ridges and valleys.
When ibex are located, the guides assess the animals and decide whether there is a suitable mature trophy worth pursuing.
5. THE FINAL STALK
Once the right animal is selected, the final approach is normally made on foot.
This is where altitude, terrain and physical condition become important.
The mountains are open and shooting distances can be considerably longer than on a typical European woodland hunt. In our high-mountain programme, hunters should be prepared for shooting opportunities at approximately 250–500 metres, with longer distances possible depending on the terrain and conditions.
Good preparation and confidence with your rifle are therefore essential.
6. AFTER YOUR IBEX
Once your priority trophy has been successfully hunted, there may be opportunities to continue hunting.
Depending on the particular area, season, licences and programme, this could mean another Ibex or additional species such as Siberian Roe Deer, Maral or Wolf.
We will discuss these possibilities with you when preparing your individual hunt.
HOW DIFFICULT IS A KYRGYZSTAN HUNT?
Mountain hunting rewards preparation.
You don't need to be a professional athlete, but good physical condition will make your hunt considerably more enjoyable.
The challenge comes from a combination of altitude, steep and uneven terrain, cold weather, time on horseback and the final stalk on foot.
Our two programmes can differ in their physical demands, which is another reason why we want to know something about you before recommending a particular hunting area.
ALTITUDE
In the high-mountain programme, the base camps are already situated at approximately 3,200–3,400 metres, while ibex may be found at significantly higher elevations.
Acclimatisation and sensible pacing therefore matter.
HORSE RIDING
You don't need to be an experienced horseman.
However, being comfortable on a horse will make the experience easier, particularly when several hours of riding are required to reach remote hunting areas.
SHOOTING
This is one area where I would strongly recommend preparation before travelling.
Mountain conditions can require shots at distances considerably longer than many hunters normally encounter.
Practice from realistic field positions – not only from a perfect bench-rest position – and know both your own limits and those of your equipment.
A long journey to Kyrgyzstan is not the place to discover that you are uncomfortable shooting beyond 150 metres.
BE HONEST WITH US
Tell us about your physical condition, riding experience and confidence at longer shooting distances.
This isn't a test.
It helps us recommend the right one of our two programmes and allows the local team to prepare appropriately.
The goal is not to make the hunt as hard as possible. The goal is to give you a realistic opportunity for a successful and memorable mountain hunt.
LIFE IN THE MOUNTAINS
Simple comfort where it matters. Wilderness everywhere else.
A mountain hunt doesn't end when you return from the day's stalking.
Your camp becomes your temporary home – a place to eat, recover, prepare equipment and spend the evening with your guides before heading back into the mountains the next morning.
Accommodation depends on the hunting programme and how deep into the mountains the hunt takes you.
BASE CAMP
Our high-mountain programme uses permanent base camps located at approximately 3,200–3,400 metres above sea level.
Accommodation in the hunting area is arranged in huts, cabins, yurts or tents, depending on the particular camp and programme.
This isn't a luxury hotel – but after a long day in the mountains, warmth, hot food and a place to recover are what really matter.
SPIKE & FLY CAMPS
Sometimes the ibex are simply too far away to return comfortably to the main camp every evening.
When necessary, a temporary spike or fly camp can be used deeper in the mountains, allowing hunters and guides to stay closer to the animals and make better use of the following hunting day.
MEALS
During the hunting day, meals are naturally more practical – typically simple field lunches with cold food and hot tea while hunting in the mountains.
Back at camp, the evening is about eating, warming up, discussing what was seen during the day and preparing for the next morning.
You don't travel to Kyrgyzstan for five-star accommodation. You travel there for five-star mountains.
YOUR KYRGYZSTAN HUNT
The essential logistics are arranged before you arrive.
The exact inclusions depend on which of our two programmes you choose, but a complete Kyrgyz hunting programme can include:
Airport transfers in Bishkek
Transport between Bishkek and the hunting area
Transport within the hunting area by horse and/or vehicle
Accommodation in the hunting area
Meals during the hunting programme
Local hunting guides
Translator where required
Hunting permits and trophy documentation
Initial trophy preparation and packing
YOUR PRIMARY TROPHY
Your individual offer will clearly state which trophy or trophies are included in the agreed hunting programme.
For example, our current high-mountain programme includes one Mid-Asian Ibex with no trophy-size limit.
Additional species or trophies can be discussed separately according to the selected area, licences and current availability.
WHAT MAY BE EXTRA?
Depending on the programme, additional costs may include:
International flights
Hotel and meals in Bishkek
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Additional trophies
Single-hunter supplements where applicable
Other individually requested services
Before you book, we will clearly explain what is included in your particular programme and what is not.
YOUR RIFLE & SHOOTING PREPARATION
Know your rifle before you come.
You can travel with your own hunting rifle, with the necessary documentation and import arrangements prepared in advance.
In our high-mountain programme, the local team arranges the required rifle permits beforehand and assists with the import procedure on arrival at Manas Airport.
But paperwork is only one part of the preparation.
Know your rifle. Know your ammunition. Know your realistic shooting limit.
Mountain hunting can present shooting opportunities at significantly longer distances than many European hunters normally encounter.
Practise before travelling and be comfortable shooting from realistic field positions.
A trophy of a lifetime deserves preparation before the hunt of a lifetime.
GOOD TO KNOW
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HUNT IN KYRGYZSTAN?
The best period depends on the species you want to hunt, the selected hunting area and the particular programme.
Mid-Asian Ibex is the main focus of our Kyrgyzstan hunts, while combinations with species such as Siberian Roe Deer or Maral require choosing the right period for both species.
Tell us your priorities first and we will recommend the suitable programme and dates.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I PLAN?
A serious mountain hunt needs time.
The exact itinerary depends on the selected hunting area, but you should allow enough time not only for the hunting itself, but also for travelling between Bishkek and the remote mountain camps.
For example, our high-mountain programme includes 5–6 hunting days, with additional days required for transfers into and out of the hunting area.
WHAT TROPHY SIZE CAN I EXPECT?
Kyrgyzstan has an excellent reputation for Mid-Asian Ibex, but this is a wild mountain hunt and a particular trophy size can never be guaranteed.
Trophy expectations also differ between our two hunting areas.
If trophy quality is one of your main priorities, tell us. We will explain the realistic expectations for each programme and recommend the appropriate option.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Altitude, steep terrain and the final stalk on foot can make the hunt demanding. Good physical and mental preparation is strongly recommended for our high-mountain programme.
You don't need to be an extreme athlete, but the better prepared you are, the more options you will have in the mountains.
DO I NEED HORSE-RIDING EXPERIENCE?
You don't need to be an experienced rider, but horses are an important part of these hunts.
They allow the hunting team to cover considerable distances and reach remote areas without exhausting the hunter before the actual stalk begins.
If you have never ridden before or have any limitations, tell us before booking so that we can take this into account when recommending the programme.
HOW FAR SHOULD I BE PREPARED TO SHOOT?
Mountain hunting can require considerably longer shots than woodland stalking in Europe.
In our high-mountain programme, shooting opportunities may occur at approximately 250–500 metres and occasionally farther, depending on the terrain and conditions.
This does not mean you will be expected to take a shot you are not comfortable with.
Practise before travelling, know your equipment and be honest with your guide about your personal shooting limit.
WHAT WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?
Mountain weather can change quickly and conditions vary according to altitude and time of year.
Proper layered clothing, quality footwear and suitable equipment are therefore essential.
Before travelling, we will provide information about the conditions expected during your particular hunt so that you can prepare accordingly.
CAN I ADD SIBERIAN ROE DEER, MARAL OR WOLF?
Potentially, yes.
Opportunities for Siberian Roe Deer and Maral depend on the selected hunting area, season and programme.
Wolf may also be available as an additional trophy in selected programmes, subject to current availability, licences and local conditions.
Tell us which additional species interest you before the trip, so that we can check the possibilities, licences and suitable hunting period.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY TROPHY?
The necessary initial trophy preparation and documentation can be organised locally.
Our high-mountain programme includes trophy preparation and packing, veterinary certificates and the required trophy documentation, including CITES where applicable.
The arrangements for final transport of your trophy will be explained as part of your individual programme.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE MOUNTAINS?
Your Mid-Asian Ibex adventure starts here.
Whether you are looking for your first Asian mountain hunt or a serious high-altitude expedition for a strong Mid-Asian Ibex, we can help you choose between our two hunting programmes.
Tell us your:
Priority species · Trophy expectations · Preferred dates · Physical condition · Mountain-hunting experience · Approximate budget
We will discuss the options honestly and recommend the programme that best matches what you are looking for.
Mid-Asian Ibex. Horses. High mountains. Real wilderness.