It Takes a Village

When it comes to hunting Blue Sheep in the Himalayas of Pakistan, no truer words apply. A hunter needs a uniquely resolute team to help reach the high-altitude realm of these majestic sheep. And while it is normal to utilize local guiding teams for hunting remote areas, the Blue Sheep crews have a unique, personal stake in the long-term success of these hunts. Besides the wages and tips that they personally earn for each hunt, the bigger payoff is the financial benefit that their village communities receive.

It is well known in mountain hunting circles that local communities saved many species. They evolved from uncontested subsistence poaching to managing game as a renewable resource. In doing so, they have enabled modern day hunting.

Visionaries among village elders realized the value of hunting dating back to the nineties and embarked on campaigns to enlighten their communities about the financial rewards of conservation. Most communities eventually recognized that the Blue Sheep, Markhor, and Himalayan Ibex were income-producing assets worthy of diligent stewardship. Poaching was drastically reduced and the money hunters paid for hunting permits contributed to financing better lifestyles for their communities. Today, guiding teams perform a valuable community service for each mountain hunt.

But other things have not changed in Paksitan’s mountain communities. Blue Sheep hunts are conducted by traditional methods and exemplify adventure. This is old school hunting like the classic portered safaris conducted in Africa decades ago. Ten to twenty villagers lead the assent to Blue Sheep territory, carrying your camp and necessary provisions with strength and stamina exceeding what their age and lean builds suggest.

Each weathered member of the team is happy to be there and contribute his craft. Each has a role that they have carried out for years. Mountains are their home. These teams are like ironworkers building a skyscraper; heights and drop-offs do not phase them.

They may not be dressed in Kuiu clothing, but they are some of the hardest working and most highly skilled people in the world of mountain hunting. They are professionals in every sense.

You will kill a Blue Sheep with your feet. Over a 2 to 3-day trek from the base of the Shimshal Valley, you will stop on the way up for overnights and continue the journey until base camp is reached. Yaks might be useful for part of the trek, but these ancient rocky trails will narrow down to footpaths in spots. You’ll hoof it as needed but always with the watchful eyes of your trusted hosts.

If you are heading to the right conservancy (hunting block), you will see Blue Sheep in strong numbers from base camp and further upward. Most hunters are successful in 1-3 days.

Short clip of lone ram

The trek down is just as classic of an adventure as the way up, joyful instead of hopeful. At journey’s end is a festival-like welcome by a larger contingent of the local village. This is a moment of pride for them and congratulations for the hunter. Young and old come to celebrate and express their appreciation for their trust before a more formal ceremony takes place with the village council members.

Village Celebration

All this makes a hunt for Blue Sheep extraordinary. Put yourself in this picture. Imagine a timeless culture living in the majesty of the rugged Himalayas. Imagine looking down at the world from its crags—which act out as merciless arbiters of a hunter’s will—and you, going toe-to-toe with nature’s indifference. Feel the soul and joy shared with new brothers from a land you did not understand until you are in the moment with them. And then try to find words that aptly describe an out-of-body experience—an ancient ritual, far more seismic and experiential than "a hunting trip"—where you walk away stronger, wiser, and deeply respectful of mountains and humanity.