

In Pakistan the
Blue Sheep or Bharal (Pseudois nayaur nayaur)
inhabits the remote and inaccesible mountian ranges of the Karakoram in Northern
Pakistan at 3000-5550 m / 10,000-18,500 ft. Blue sheep are not as agile as
ibex,and are typically found on more open and grassy areas. Blue sheep are
found in Chat Pirt and Ghujerav areas of Shimshal in Baltistan (information
by Sher Ali: Shimshal Nature Trust). They are also found in Khunjerab National
Park. Shimshal marks the western most limit of their range in the Himalaya.
It is believed that Bharal are common in the Shimshal area, but overall they
are very local in distribution in Pakistan. Bharal meat is favoured by Shimshalis
and they are hunted quiet often.
The bharal was described by Hodgson in 1833. Bharal is a Hindi name, while
"blue sheep" is a reference to the bluish sheen in the coat. The
short, dense coat is slate grey in colour, sometimes with a bluish sheen.
The underparts and backs of the legs are white, while the chest and fronts
of the legs are black. Separating the grey back and white belly is a charcoal
coloured stripe. The ears are small, and the bridge of the nose is dark. The
horns are found in both sexes, and are ridged on the upper surface. (source:
text&photos wildlifeofpakistan.com)
Itinerary
Day
1 Islamabad - Rawalpindi
Arrive at Islamabad. Transfer to hotel. Evening city tour of Islamabad and
rawalpindi.Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 Islamabad - Besham
Drive on the KKH towards our Besham. This is a wonderful drive on the Karakoram
Highway. Enroute we shall be visiting stone carvings at chilas. Pass by view
points of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi peaks. Overnight at hotel.
Day
3 Besham - Hunza
Continue our drive on to the valley of Hunza. This will be our stop for the
day. Transfer to hotel. evening walks to local bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 Hunza - Shimshal
Early morning visit to Alti and Baltit forts before leaving to Shimshal valley.
The drive takes us on the ancient silk route and into the wonderful valley
of shimshal. We gear for the trek to get closer to the habitat, after the
preparations, leave for the habitat. Spending most of the day trekking. Overnight
in camps.
Day 5 Shimshal
Spend the day in the habitat. Overnight in camps.
Day 6 Shimshal
Same as day 5
Day 7 Shimshal - Karimabad (HUNZA)
Today we decided to leave if we are lucky enough to have done watching the
Blue Sheep in the previous three day. Drive to Hunza. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 Hunza - Chilas
Early morning departure to Chilas. Spend rest of the day visiting Chilas and
ancient stone sciptures of Chilas. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 Chilas - Islamabad
Continue the drive on to Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Islamabad - Destination
Flight to destination.
BICYCLE TOURS |
| Hindukush - Karakoram Pakistan - China Skardu Hunza |
FISHING TOURS |
| Trout Fishing - 1 Trout Fishing - 2 Trout Fishing - 3 |
NATURE WATCH TOURS |
| Blue Sheep Watching Ibex Watching Markhor watching Snow Leopard Watching |
HUNTING TOURS |
OTHER TOURS |