Blue sheep are found in Shimshal Valley and Khunjerab in the province of Gilgit-Baltistan. This is the domain of one of the largest glaciated regions on Earth with the greatest geological upheavals steeped in the myth of spiritualism, and seems to be no way out 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 quickly disappearing elsewhere in the region.
This graceful animal is listed as Least Concern because of its wide distribution and large population. The short, dense coat is slate grey, sometimes with a bluish sheen. The underparts and backs of the legs are white, while the chest and fronts of the legs are black. Separating the grey back and white belly is a charcoal-colored stripe. The ears are small, and the bridge of the nose is dark. The horns are found in both sexes and are ridged on the upper surface. In males, they grow upwards, then turn sideways and curve backward, looking somewhat like an upside-down mustache.
Shimshal is rich in fauna and has many rare wildlife species. 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 are also en route to Shimshal Valley.
Geologically, Shimshal reveals great upheavals in its natural history. With a unique cluster of the world’s many highest peaks, creeping crevassed glaciers, massive lacustrine deposits, gigantic scree eroding mountains, green meadows, fertile alluvial fans, and stark rigid gorges, Shimshal domains, the largest glaciated region on Earth outside the polar regions. That’s why the famous travel writer Hugh Swift reckoned Shimshal as” the epitome of the remotest inhabited areas on Earth.”
However, the walk into and across Shimshal is not a task to be undertaken lightly. It’s a challenging walk up and down the gorges, across rushing icy torrents, along steep, narrow trails, splintered rocks, wire-rope bridges, and many crevassed glaciers.
All permits are auctioned by the Provincial Wild Life Department of Gilgit-Baltistan and given to the highest bidders (Pakistani Outfitters Only). There are only 14 Hunting Permits, so one must book the hunts well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Taxonomy & Game Profile
Biological Name : Pseudois Nayaur
Local names: Bharal, Blue Sheep & Shape
Shoulder Height: 69 -to 91 cm (27 -to 36 inches)
Body Length: 115 -to 165 cm (45 -to 65 inches)
Weight: 35 -to 75 kg (77 -to 165 lbs)
Horn Length: 63 -105 cm / 25 -to 41 inch.
About Afghan Urial
The Urial, also known as the Arkars or Shapo, is a subspecies group of wild sheep. Noticeable features include the long reddish-brown fur that fades during winter; males are characterized by a black ruff stretching from the neck to the chest and large horns. Urial males have large horns, curling outwards from the top of the head and turning in to end somewhere behind the head. The males’ horns may be up to 100 cm (39 in) long. The shoulder height of an adult male Urial is between 80 and 90 cm (31 and 35 in). Females have slender upward curving horns about 12.7cm(5in) long.
Similar to the Marco Polo Sheep in general body proportions and coloring but averaging considerably smaller in size with shorter, less massive horns. The face is generally grayish, the long, slender legs and belly are creamy-white, and the body fur is reddish-grey. There is no extensive white area in the caudal region. The tail is always the same color as the dorsal hair and lacks a longer or terminal tuft. The sub-orbital glands are deep and conspicuous, often exuding a viscous substance that mats the hair. The iris is pale yellowish-grey, with the retina contracting to a horizontal slot.
Ontogeny & Reproduction
Mating occurs between October & January, followed by a 160-day gestation. Single lambs (rarely twins) are born in early summer (May-June). Weaning occurs in six months & young reach maturity at 1.5 years, though males are not fully sexually active until seven years. They can live from 12-15 years.
Habitat, Ecology & Behaviour
Blue Sheep occupy a variety of habitats across the region. Blue Sheep inhabit open grassy slopes in high mountains from 2,500-5,500 m. They are usually found near cliffs and similar escape cover but generally avoid entering forested areas. This species can often maintain locally high densities in habitats otherwise inhospitable to other wild species. They tolerate environmental extremes, from desert mountains in searing heat to windy and cold slopes. Blue sheep generally live in large groups, but males sometimes form all-male herds & sometimes mix with family aggregations. Small groups (less than 5) are sometimes encountered, particularly where topography or vegetation is complex, but more often, blue sheep form larger groups. Bharal are active throughout the day, feeding on grass, alpine herbs, lichens, herbaceous plants, mosses & hardy herbaceous plants, alternating between feeding and resting on the grassy mountain slopes. Sentinels watch out for snow leopards, their primary predators. Due to their excellent camouflage and the
absence of cover in their environment, Bharal remains motionless when approached. However, once they have been noticed, they scamper up to the cliffs, where they freeze, ‘melting’ into the rock face.
Trip Summary
Hunting Season: 01 November to 25 April
Hunting Areas: Shimshal or Khunjerab (Gilgit-Baltistan Province) See Area Map
Altitude: 2,500 to 5,500 meters (8,200 to 18,040 ft)
Average Temperature: -10º to +10º Celsius
Fitness Grade Khunjerab: moderate to strenuous … see fitness grades
Fitness Grade Shimshal: strenuous to technical … see fitness grades
Arrival & Departure: Islamabad International Airport
Domestic Flights: Islamabad -to- Gilgit & back (optional)
Long Haul Driving: 12 hours from Islamabad (optional)
Short Haul Driving: 03 to 04 hours for 02 days
Walk To Base Camp: 02 to 03 Days
Walk From Base Camp: 02 to 01 Days
Stay In Pakistan: 14 Days
Hunt Duration: 04 Days (Fixed)
Lodging: Guest House, Motel & Camp
Meals: All Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners
Local Sightseeing: Optional at extra cost.
Sketch Itinerary: (detailed itinerary available)
Day 01: Islamabad
Arrive Islamabad. Fly or drive to Gilgit.
Day 02: Gilgit
Drive to your designated hunting area in Khunjerab or Shimshal.
Day 03 -to Day 05: Base Camp.
Walk to base camp. Overnights in tents. All meals included.
Day 06 -to Day 09: Hunting
04 full days of hunting Blue Sheep with the complete support of our team. All nights in tents. All meals included.
Day 10 -to Day 12: Gilgit
Walk back to the road head. Drive back to Gilgit—end of hunting safari.
Day 13: Islamabad
Fly or drive back to Islamabad.
Day 14: Fly Home
Fly back home—end of hunting safari.
Services Included: (as per agreed terms)
- Cost of hunting permit of Blandford Urial.
- Car from Karachi or Quetta to the hunting area.
- 4WD Jeeps inside hunting Area (03 days)
- 03 Nights in a room or tents in the hunting area.
- Full board meals in the hunting area.
- Soft drinks, tea/coffee in the hunting area.
- PH, game scouts, porters & security guards.
- Wages, meals & accommodation for staff.
- Liaison with Govt offices for issuance of permits.
- Free baggage allowance of 25 Kg on the trip.
- Free sightseeing in Karachi or Islamabad.
Services Not Included:
- Hotels, meals, transport & other services before & after hunting safari.
- Costs for import of hunting rifle & shooting license.
- Charges for skinning, dipping, trophy export, quarantine, packing & shipping.
- International or domestic air tickets & airport taxes for any client or staff.
- Arm, ammunition, tripod, binoculars, scope, clothing & personal gear.
- Portage, cargo, shipment, and transportation of excess baggage.
- Sleeping bag, rucksack, ponchos, umbrellas, rain gear & hunting gear.
- Phone & fax calls, room service, ala carte meals, and special food.
- Costs of medication, hospitalization & services of doctors.
- Charges for evacuation or rescue by ground ambulance, helicopter, or airplane.
- Hard drinks / Alcohol (liquor), room services, and meals on a la carte.
- Any service or product not agreed to or mentioned in our quotation & contract.
- Tips to servers, bellhops, drivers, and porters at airports, hotels, restaurants & sites.
