Marco Polo Argali - Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan?

pantheonhunters
Nov 23, 2025
10 min read

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Marco Polo Argali

Arguably one of the most sought-after wild sheep in the world, many international sheep hunters regard it as royal game having no equal.

Since the legendary explorer, Marco Polo, discovered his namesake species during journeys along the “Old Silk Road” in the late 1200s, hunters now experience exceptional concentrations of this majestic species in the welcoming, safe, and pro-hunting countries of modern-day Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Beyond the majesty of the trophy, hunts for Marco Polo are adventures in every sense of the word. And now, with the US F&W granting trophy imports again, hunters can hunt with the confidence that their trophies will grace their trophy rooms.

For three decades, we have enabled 100% success on high quality rams. Carefully curated hunting areas, hyper-detailed pre-hunt planning, perpetual scouting, and the exceptional skills and professionalism of our local master guiding teams deliver on expectations ever year.

MARCO POLO ARGALI - TAJIKISTAN & KYRGYZSTAN

General Overview

Hunt Duration

9 to 10-day itinerary for Kyrgyzstan

8 to 9-day itinerary for Tajikistan

+/- 1 day depending on commercial flights, weather

Kyrgyzstan Season: Marco Polo and Ibex seasons have recently been extended from November 30 to December 14 annually.

Tajikistan Season: Hunts are conducted from September through February annually.

Hunt Timing

September/October Hunts: Rams are more spread out and nomadic in late summer/early fall (pre-rut and pre-snow) as they wander the higher plateaus searching for fresh grass. Finding them could mean traveling 5–15 miles daily. 2 to 3-day spike-outs could be necessary to hunt the active periods of dawn and dusk.

November-February Hunts: Later in the season, snow and the rut push rams lower and they congregate. The rut extends from roughly mid-November through mid-December – a time when many more rams appear. It’s common to see large numbers of rams each day as they traverse the high valleys in Tajikistan. Although smaller bands of rams are encountered in Kyrgyzstan, they are just as highly active and mobile during this period. There generally are more opportunities to look over more rams. Hunts are conducted from heated base camps.

WEATHER COMPARISONS

Month	Tajikistan (Pamir Mountains)	Kyrgystan (Tian Shan Mountains)
September/October	Weather is milder in both countries (warm to cool days, 40-65°F, with less risk of snow)	Weather is milder in both countries (warm to cool days, 40-65°F, with less risk of snow)
November	Daytime: 30–50°F Nighttime: 5–14°F (Averages around 46°F daytime early in the month; sub-zero possible late. Expect frost, wind, and light snow)	Daytime: 5–14°F Nighttime: -4–5°F (Very cold with hard morning frost; wind and occasional deep snow. Mountain averages: -5–2°F overall.)
December	Daytime: 20–40°F Nighttime: -5–10°F (Progressively colder; sub-zero widespread, with lows to -10°F or below in storms. Heavy snow possible, aiding sheep visibility.)	Daytime: 0–10°F Nighttime: -10–0°F (Full winter conditions; frequent snowfall and wind chill below -10°F. Mountain averages: -10–0°F overall.)
January/February	5–10°F Colder	Hunting season is closed

Hunting Method - Tajikistan: Vehicle-assisted spot & stalk hunting. Specially equipped SUVs can penetrate vast reaches of the hunting areas, typically over snow-covered ground, stopping often at promising points to glass. Once a mature trophy ram is selected, the approach and getting into shooting position is done on foot but sometimes hunters will be able to shoot from glassing positions.

Hunting Method - Kyrgyzstan: Spot & stalk hunting by horseback led by highly experienced horsemen and hunting guides—similar to high-mountain elk hunting.

Altitudes: In Tajikistan, base camps range from 12,000-13,000 ft. Most sheep are taken between 13,500 and 15,500 feet. Ibex can range 500 feet higher. In Kyrgyzstan, base and spike camps range from 8,500 to 11,500 feet. Most sheep and Ibex are taken between 11,500 to 13,500 ft. Acetazolamide (Diamox) helps hunters cope with high altitude.

Terrain: Generally wide-open high valleys, undulating hills and high plateaus mixed with or surrounded by rocky outcroppings. The Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan are generally more open than the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

Average Shot Distance: 400-600 yards. While every effort is expended to get as close as possible, prepare to shoot 500-600 yards as a baseline. Most 7mm and .300 magnums, and the .338 Lapua, are proven to be effective at average shot distances. They also buck crosswind better than lighter calibers. Marco Polo are hearty animals and can range in weight up to 400 pounds. We can recommend long-range custom and semi-custom gun builders who precisely understand the mountain hunting craft. Call Mark for details.

Accommodations: Early hunts (September and sometimes October) could utilize tented camps due to rams being more scattered. November/December/January/February hunts are usually conducted from comfortable permanent base camp structures with meals prepared by dedicated cooks. But we sometimes use rustic, semi-permanent structures in the remotest parts of the hunting area depending on scouting reports.

Guiding Teams: Our guides know sheep behavior and their hangouts during every phase of the season and utilize hunt strategies tailored for each time period. They are professional trophy hunters, highly skilled at judging sheep at distance. Guiding hunters to high quality rams is a point of national and personal pride for them.

TAJIKISTAN

Getting There and Back

Turkish Airlines is a gun-friendly airline servicing many major airports in North America. Hunters fly to Istanbul and connect to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. If an overnight in Istanbul is required or desired before the hunt, our team will meet you in baggage claim, facilitate gun storage, make hotel and dining reservations, provide private van transport to hotels, and provide optional touring services. They provide the same services if a stopover in Istanbul is desired after the hunt. The fees are reasonable.

V.I.P. Services in Dushanbe

Once you arrive in Dushanbe, a member of our local team will meet you on arrival and take charge of firearms clearance in the VIP Lounge. Flights arrive in the early hours of the morning. Once formalities are completed, you will travel by comfortable SUV to Khorog (11 hours) and overnight in a comfortable hotel. The next morning you will resume driving 6-7 hours or more depending on the camp selected, rest-up, check your rifle, and begin hunting the next day. You may also choose to plan an overnight in Dushanbe and begin the journey to camp the next morning.

Hunt Cost

Marco Polo only:

$58,000 (2026)

$60,000 (2027)

Marco Polo & Ibex Combination:

$66,000 (2026)

$69,500 (2027)

Deposit Terms – Usually 50% of the hunt cost secures dates and locks in pricing. However, we can also help hunters with easy payment terms, if desired.

The remaining balance will be due 90 days prior to hunt.

Please note: Deposits are non-refundable unless another hunter can fill in at the same price.

We can advise on hunt cancellation and interruption insurance options.

Included

Complete end-to-end hunt planning consultation and gear recommendations; V.I.P. reception & departure assistance at Customs in Dushanbe; round-trip road transfer and hotel in Khorog on the way to and back from camp; full accommodation in camps with meals, non-alcoholic drinks, & bottled water; hunting licenses and species permits, rifle permit, veterinary inspection certificate; professional outfitting with a 1 to 2 experienced personal guides per hunter; field preparation of trophies and trophy handling for export.

Not Included

Any airfare and baggage charges, hotels if needed before or after the hunt; driver and staff gratuities, trophy packing, shipping, US F&W & CITES import permit, brokerage clearance charges, any services in Turkey (quotations will be provided based on flight itinerary and optional sightseeing stop-overs in Istanbul).

We assist with all permits and logistics planning.

KYRGYZSTAN

Getting There and Back

As with travel to Tajikistan, gun-friendly Turkish Airlines services many major airports in North America. Hunters fly to Istanbul and connect to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. If an overnight in Istanbul is required or desired before and/or after the hunt, our team will facilitate gun storage, provide private van transport to hotels, make hotel reservations, arrange optional touring services, and do the reverse when it’s time to leave. Our team assists with baggage claim upon arrival and check-in when departing.

V.I.P. Services in Bishkek

Once you arrive in Bishkek, a member of our team will meet hunters on arrival and take charge with firearms clearance. Once formalities are completed, you will travel by comfortable SUV for 6-14 hours depending on the camp selected, rest-up, check your rifle, and begin hunting the next day. In rare instances, you may make the final leg to camp by horseback. You may also choose to plan an overnight in Bishkek upon arrival and make the journey to camp the following morning.

2026 Hunt Cost

Marco Polo only:

$39,000 (2026)

$42,500 (2027)

Marco Polo & Ibex Combination:

$47,000 (2026)

$52,000 (2027)

Deposit Terms – Usually 50% of the hunt cost secures dates and locks in pricing. However, we can also help hunters with easy payment terms, if desired.

The remaining balance will be due 90 days prior to hunt.

Please note: Deposits are non-refundable unless another hunter can fill in at the same price.

We can advise on hunt cancellation and interruption insurance options.

Included

Complete end-to-end hunt planning consultation and gear recommendations; V.I.P. reception & departure assistance at Customs in Bishkek; round-trip road transfer to and back from camp; full accommodation in camps with meals, non-alcoholic drinks, & bottled water; hunting licenses and species permits, rifle permit, veterinary inspection certificate; professional outfitting with a minimum of 2 experienced guides per hunter; field preparation of trophies and trophy handling for export.

Not Included

We assist with all permits and logistics planning.

MARCO POLO ARGALI - TAJIKISTAN & KYRGYZSTAN

Trophy Size Comparison

TAJIKISTAN MARCO POLO:

About 80% of the rams will tape 53-57” with the remainder ranging 58-60” or greater. Several have been taken between 60-65” over our 20+ year history of outfitting there.

KYRGYZSTAN MARCO POLO:

About 80% of the rams will tape 49-53” with the remainder usually ranging 54-55”. We have taken several in the upper-50s and 5% at 60”.

IBEX

Kyrgyzstan is well known for its big Mid-Asian Ibex. They typically exceed Tajikistan Ibex with mid-to-high 40s taken regularly and a strong number extending close to or better than 50” annually. Some reach 53-56”. The number of 50” Ibex taken annually is increasing.
Tajikistan ibex typically range from 39-43”, but 20% will range 45-46” and greater. Selective hunting for bigger trophies makes a difference.

INSIGHTS ON MARCO POLO TROPHY SIZE

Marco Polo populations are very high in both countries, and the hunting areas remain pristine. Shot opportunities have been 100%. Success has been100%. Even if a hunter misses a ram, the guiding team will simply go to work to find other good rams. Our teams are professionals of high skill who will expend maximum effort to attain the highest quality size regardless of how “trophy quality” may be defined.

The size of trophies taken each year can vary in both countries for a number of logical reasons. Genetics and hunt timing can be a factor. Some hunters are more physically fit and adaptable to altitude. Some are more proficient at shooting well beyond average shooting distances if a colossal trophy can’t be stalked any closer. And some are dedicatedly hunting for the biggest trophy possible and might pass up excellent rams in hope of finding something very exceptional. Sometimes that level of perseverance pays off with a 60+, and more often than not, these bigger rams are taken during the rut. Those hunters get personal satisfaction from hunting selectively. But sometimes the hunter merely locates a bigger trophy serendipitously when exposed to hundreds of rams daily during the rut.

Some hunters view the hunt as a magical journey of personal discovery–not a conquest. They view hunting in the totality of an ultra rare experience. They usually recognize that any Marco Polo that a qualified guide advises be shot is a trophy and are very happy with it. Any Marco Polo that our guides advise shooting will be an imposing focal point in a trophy room, and these hunters are usually the ones who recognize that a ram can be beautiful irrespective of horn length.

Krygystan - How Big Are They?

Tajikistan - How Big Are They?

TAJIKISTAN

MAP • TERRAIN • CAMPS

TWO TROPHY CAMPS IN TAJIKISTAN: ALICHUR & RANGKUL

Tajikistan Terrain & Typical Base Camps

KYRGYZSTAN

MAP • TERRAIN • CAMPS

THREE TROPHY CAMPS IN KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgystan Terrain - Remote & Deluxe Base Camps

Making a Choice of Marco Polo Hunting Destinations

There are many completely logical factors that can influence a hunter’s choice of which country to hunt.

Over the course of two decades, the choice between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan for the majority of hunters has centered on these 4 main considerations:

Preferred hunting strategy, irrespective of the spot & stalk method of hunting used in both countries.Area coverage and penetration is by vehicle in Tajikistan vs. horseback in Kyrgyzstan
Trophy size objectives, irrespective of both countries being capable of producing rams of 60” or greaterBoth the average trophy size and chance for taking rams of 60” or greater favors Tajikistan
Altitude, irrespective of all Marco Polo hunts being considered high-mountain huntsBoth the camps and Marco Polo will be located at lower altitude in Kyrgyzstan
Cost: Kyrgyzstan is less expensive

Let’s discuss the relative importance of these factors to you so we can provide advice and perspectives that are relevant to your requirements and preferences.

Confidence is priceless.

Hunters are constantly having to re-zero their “brand name” rifles. And hunters miss game. It happens.

Why?

Temperature changes will render “sighted-in” rifles out of zero at practical mountain hunting ranges (and possibly materially to cause a miss) when subjected to temperature differences between a rifle range at home and the hunt destination and temperature fluctuations experienced during a hunt.

Let us connect you with gun building experts who have scientifically solved this physics problem with breakthrough stock and barrel materials and a manufacturing process involving tolerances exceeding airline and defense contracting standards.

They build completely tuned rifle systems and ammo for point and squeeze shooting in any temperature and at any angle and altitude. Light in weight and yet less recoil. Precision is fast, so, they build them with benchmark speed.

RE-THINK NORMAL

Our mission isn’t just to achieve excellence—it’s to outperform the best definition of it and forge a legacy of unparalleled impact through everything we say and do. It’s not enough for us to meet the goals of our hunters; we strive to redefine them higher, crafting outcomes that inspire, endure, and transform.

We pursue mastery, infusing every hunting program with a relentless focus on details from end to end. Through a meticulous, tailored process, we ensure every hunter is properly informed and that every hunt aligns with the highest standards of quality and value. We avoid the usual hunting industry hype, and instead, set clear expectations, plan with surgical precision, and communicate honestly and diligently.

Accountability. No excuses. We own it.