Gilgit-Baltistan to auction trophy hunting permits in September

The Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department has announced the 2026–27 trophy hunting programme, with an auction scheduled for September. The auction will offer permits for several rare mountain species, including three Astore markhors, 14 blue sheep, and 100 Himalayan ibex.

Starting bids for the Astore markhor permits are set at $200,000 (approximately Rs5.5 crore) each. Blue sheep permits will begin at $25,000, while Himalayan ibex permits will start at $11,000. While the export quota for Astore markhors includes four permits, one was carried forward from the previous season, leaving only three new permits available for this upcoming auction.