Our premier Marco Polo and Pamir Ibex hunts take place in Tajikistan’s spectacular Wakhan Corridor, a region steeped in history and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes on Earth. Spanning a vast 208,000 hectares, this exclusive concession is home to thriving populations of Marco Polo sheep and Pamir ibex.
Herds of these magnificent animals can often be seen traversing ridgelines and feeding on the rocky hillsides and grass-filled pockets scattered throughout the terrain. During the rut, large bands of sheep and ibex gather, while bachelor herds are commonly observed year-round.
The hunt’s difficulty ranges from low to moderate, depending on the season and snowfall, which influence animal behavior and accessibility. Whether you’re pursuing the legendary Marco Polo ram or the agile Pamir ibex, this experience promises an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most remote and pristine big game hunting destinations.
The early season in Tajikistan runs from September through October. On these early season hunts you will spike out to give you the best opportunity to get on trophy rams. Throughout the autumn months of September and October, temperatures in the Pamir Mountains typically fluctuate between the mid-20s and mid-40s Fahrenheit, intermittently accompanied by snowfall and freezing temperatures. In November, temperatures plunge further, with average lows settling in the mid-teens Fahrenheit.
The Marco Polo rut in Tajikistan runs Mid-November through December. The latter half of January also presents favorable conditions. During this time, the arrival of snow urges the sheep to descend, enhancing the prospects of glassing up a trophy ram. Although the rut subsides by then, it is common for previously unseen sheep to emerge during this period.
Marco Polo hunting Tajikistan winds down with the late hunt, which runs January 1 through March 1. On the late hunts you will usually return to base camp each night as the temperatures get quite cold. Typically you will travel to and from camp by either vehicle or foot.
At Outdoors International, we understand the importance of meticulous planning and seamless logistics for a successful and stress-free hunt. Our fully vetted outfitters will do their best to help take care of every detail, allowing you to focus on your adventure.
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Hunters with an American passport do not require a visa for travel to Tajikistan at least 30 days prior to departure for your hunt. Hunters from countries other than the United States must confirm visa requirements with their local authorities. A staff member will ensure all visas and permits are in place prior to departure.
Any firearms will need to be accounted for with the hunter’s airline and attached to the itinerary in the system of all airlines on the itinerary of the hunter. We strongly recommend booking with PWP Travel on Turkish Airlines unless otherwise recommended by PWP Travel. Hunters may bring up to 100 rounds of ammunition.
Someone from the outfitter team meets all hunters at the airport upon arrival in Dushanbe to assist with customs clearance and firearms declaration. Hunters carrying firearms into Tajikistan must have ammunition stored in a hard-sided locked container separate from the rifle case.
Upon arrival in Dushanbe and clearance of customs and rifle declaration, hunters will immediately begin the drive to Khorog in a very comfortable SUV. Stops will be made for meals and refreshments over the course of the 12-hour drive to the Khorog.
After your 1-night stay in Khorog, hunters will make the 6-hour drive to the luxury hunting lodge in the Wakhan Valley.
Hunters coming to Tajikistan want to make sure they are in good physical condition for hiking steep hills and mountains at altitudes between 14,000-16,000 feet. The lodge is at 12,000 feet. The hunt is conducted by spot and stalk. You will not shoot from a vehicle. Medications such as Diamox are recommended to avoid and treat altitude sickness.
You and your guides may spike camp during September and October when high quality rams are spotted and the best chances are first thing in the morning. You will be responsible for bringing your own water filter, personal camp stove and meals for spike camp. Personal rangefinder, spotting scope and binoculars are also recommended.
Your guides will have their own spotting scopes, binoculars and rangefinders. Every hunt is pre-scouted by their most experienced guides. Shots on Marco Polo are typically taken between 300-600 yards. Hunters are encouraged to bring a long-range rifle that is capable of making accurate shots to at least 600 yards.
Your guide will manage the skinning, trophy preparation, permitting and shipping of your trophy until it reaches your taxidermist of choice. Marco Polo trophies will ship once US CITES permit is obtained. During this time, the outfitter coordinate with your taxidermist to ensure the proper handling and routing of your trophy. They use fresh salt for every cape of our hunted rams. Your cape will be salted 3 times to ensure the highest quality trophy.
There is no additional charge for hunters who are successful early and would like to leave camp before the end of the planned hunting period. If hunters are traveling back through Istanbul, they happy to arrange for a few extra days to enjoy this iconic Eurasian city. Weapons storage and professional guided tours of the city are available upon request.
Whether you are headed straight back home or choose to enjoy some time in Dushanbe or Istanbul after your hunt, your outfitter will manage your trip until your safe return to the United States.
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The lodge comfortably sleeps eight guests, but we only plan for two hunters at a time unless otherwise requested. The outfitter owns the lodge and does not share tags or accommodations with other outfitters.
With heated floors, 3 full bathrooms, a fireplace, modern western bedding, a sauna and a full kitchen with a dedicated chef, the lodge offers uncommon comfort for hunters in Tajikistan.
This incredible hunting concession boasts over 500,000 acres of prime Marco Polo and Pamir Ibex hunting grounds, with considerable accessibility by Land Cruiser and on foot.
Please note that reservations are not considered finalized until agreed upon deposit is received. This ensures agreed upon dates and current pricing.
Quality outfitters are in high demand so let us know right away, as some trips do book years in advance.
