Markhor Hunting — The Spiral-Horned King of Asia

Among all the world’s mountain game, none carries greater mystique than the Markhor.
Its massive corkscrew horns, lion’s beard, and ability to cling to near-vertical rock faces have made it one of the most coveted trophies in the hunting world.

Ridgewalker Expeditions offers hunts for all major subspecies of the Markhor — from the high Himalayas of Gilgit-Baltistan to the desert cliffs of Baluchistan.
Every hunt is an expedition in the truest sense: remote, physical, and profoundly humbling.

The Subspecies of the Markhor

Astor Markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri)

Found in the northern reaches of Pakistan’s Gilgit region, the Astor is the largest-bodied of all Markhor.
Its horns rise vertically before sweeping into wide, open spirals.

Kashmir or Pir Panjal Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Inhabiting the rugged Pir Panjal range, this subspecies displays tighter, more twisted horns and darker coats.
Their home terrain — steep, forested slopes and rocky ridges — demands precise shooting and exceptional endurance.

Suleiman Markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni)

Native to the arid cliffs of Baluchistan, the Suleiman is known for its dramatic, tight spirals and contrasting coloration.
These hunts combine desert heat, deep canyons, and the challenge of stalking in open terrain.

Kabul Markhor (Capra falconeri megaceros)

From Afghanistan’s rugged frontier ranges, the Kabul Markhor features tall, sweeping horns with elegant flare — a true collector’s dream.

Chiltan Markhor (Capra falconeri chialtanensis)

One of the rarest, confined to isolated ranges in central Pakistan.
A smaller, more compact animal with strikingly tight horn twists, hunted only under strict conservation quotas.

The Experience

Hunting Markhor is as much a pilgrimage as a pursuit. The terrain is punishing vertical rock faces, deep valleys, and thin mountain sir. But the reward is unmatched, to stand on a cliff edge, wind on your face, and watch the world’s most magnificent wild goat.

Each expedition is led by Ridgewalker’s veteran mountain guides who know every fold of the terrain.
Every hunt supports conservation programs that fund anti-poaching and sustain local communities ensuring that the legend of the Markhor endures..