Kyrgyzstan, high in the Tien Shan Mountains, one of Asia's most imposing ranges, is home to a remarkable population of Central Asian ibex (Capra sibirica alaina), renowned for the quality and size of its trophies. The country also boasts three subspecies of argali (Ovisammon), each associated with different geographical areas:
• South of the Naryn River, near Tajikistan, lies the Marco Polo argali. Between the Naryn and the Fergana Valley lives the Hume argali.
• North of the Naryn, the Tien Shan argali (karelini) dominates, the most abundant species and therefore the most common on expeditions.
• Hunts typically last between seven and nine days, depending on whether the focus is solely on ibex or combined with argali hunting.
The hunt begins in Bishkek, where our partners and outfitters arrange permits and transportation. From there, the expedition departs for hunting grounds located near the borders with China and Kazakhstan. Access involves a long drive, about 10 to 12 hours, with scheduled stops along the way.
These areas are managed by local operators who implement rotational hunting to preserve populations and maintain trophy quality. It is not uncommon to find ibex with antlers over 110 cm long and argali exceeding 50 inches.
Hunting is done on horseback, at altitudes around 3,000 meters. Campsites in the mountains are yurts, trucks, or adapted trailers.
Although the season runs from August to December, it is recommended to go between mid-September and the end of October, when the weather is more stable.