Mid-Asian Ibex Hunting in Kyrgyzstan

Once customs are completed, we immediately leave the airport and drive directly toward our base camp in the Tian Shan mountains. The transfer by Land Cruiser is already an adventure, crossing valleys and high mountain passes. We reach camp in the afternoon, where there is enough daylight to settle into the rooms and prepare gear.

Before dinner, we go to the shooting range to test rifles up to 800 meters. This is not just a routine check but a serious training session to adjust optics, confirm ballistics, and prepare for long-range mountain shots. We strongly suggest completing a professional shooting course to ensure you’re confident with a rifle and turret-equipped scope, which will help reduce the likelihood of missing your shot.

The evening ends with a hearty meal and briefing with the guides about the strategy for the coming days.

Bottled water is usually provided at base camp, but it’s a good idea to bring a filter (Steri-Pen) or purification tablets, especially for the more remote spike-out camps.

The hunt begins early each morning. We ride horses for 3 to 6 hours into the high country to reach hunting areas. If ibex herds are spread out, each hunter is taken to a different valley; if the animals are grouped in large numbers, we adapt the strategy to give everyone an equal chance. Every day is different, depending on weather, snow conditions, and even predator activity – wolves and sometimes snow leopards move through the same ranges.

Hunters must be prepared to sleep in spike camps high in the mountains, close to the herds, when it increases the chances of success. At times we also use nomad shelters if they are conveniently located. The hunt is an expedition in every sense, where unpredictability and raw adventure are part of the experience.

Shot opportunities vary greatly – from 100 meters out to 1000 meters, though most successful shots are taken between 300 to 500 meters. Long-range shooting practice at home, including at different angles, is highly recommended. Over the past 15 years, every hunter has had opportunities, and only four were unsuccessful – all due to shooting or equipment issues, not because of a lack of game.

The terrain is demanding: we hunt at altitudes above 3,500 meters, often climbing to 4,000 to 4,500 meters, where the thin air makes every step and every shot more challenging. Good physical preparation and mental focus are essential.

During the first day or two of your hunt, we keep things relaxed to give your body time to rest and get used to sleeping and moving around at higher altitudes. Typical reactions at this elevation can include faster breathing, higher heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and a general sense of fatigue. After a few days, most hunters acclimate and start feeling a clear boost in energy and performance.

Most people do not get altitude sickness, but a medication called Diamox can be taken to alleviate most symptoms.

After the final hunt day and once trophies are secured, we pack up camp and make our way back to Bishkek. On arrival, we check into a comfortable hotel in the city center, where hot showers, real beds, and excellent restaurants are waiting.

The last days are reserved for relaxation and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Kyrgyzstan’s capital. Bishkek offers steakhouses, traditional Kyrgyz restaurants, lively bars, clubs, and spas. The city is full of life both day and night, and we make sure to try different options while staying there.

For those who prefer a quieter pace, sightseeing, shopping, or simply relaxing in cafés are all possible. A translator/guide is always available to help with logistics and ensure you enjoy the city without any worries.

This balance of high-mountain adventure and cultural city life makes ibex hunting in Kyrgyzstan a truly complete and unforgettable experience.