Biking Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

Cycle the Old Silk Road and absorb ancient cultures while enjoying some of the best biking in the world on this amazing bike tour in Pakistan. Riding on dirt and paved roads through the Karakoram range, the backbone of vast colliding mountains of 7,000-8,000 m peaks, will takes us to the base of some of the longest non-Polar glaciers and along the banks of Pakistan's longest river, the Indus.

After meeting in Rawalpindi we fly to Skardu, the gateway to K2 expeditions. and base ourselves in Khaplu for three nights to acclimatize to the 2,600 m elevation. Our day trips will take us to the stark and striking valleys of Hushe and Thalley. We then cycle along the Shyok River to where it meets the mighty Indus before heading up to the Deosai Plateau. Here we'll be climbing 4,200 m passes and riding by turquoise blue lakes.

We then head north to the Hunza Valley where we'll explore the dramatic 700-year-old Balti and Alti Forts and then ride over to the rival Nagar Valley. These valleys are filled with apricot and almond trees and the sheer ice covered walls of Rakaposhi (7788 m) provides a stunning backdrop.

Two more days of cycling, with some thrilling descents, take us to Gilgit. After a wander through the bazaar to pick up some dried apricots or fresh walnuts we leave this northern province and fly back to Rawalpindi.

Tour Cost	2650 USD	Single Supplement	495 USD
Bike Hire	150 USD	Total Cycling Distance	560 km
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	15 days / 14 nights
Number of Cycling Days	10 full	Tour Meets	Islamabad
Tour Ends	Islamabad/Rawalpindi	Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.
Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

You will be met at the airport for a 30 minute transfer to our hotel in Rawalpindi. The city is rather sprawling with enormous and complicated bazaars where you can easily get lost, but they are great fun to explore and everyone is extremely friendly. We meet up for a trip briefing and then have dinner.

Day 2

We catch a one-hour flight to Skardu. After lunch in town we continue our journey which will take 2 to 3 hours by jeep on a spectacular road beside the Indus to the village of Khaplu. Here we check into our hotel located high above the village with magnificent views over Hushe Valley.

Day 3

Today is an acclimatisation day and we will spend it either going for a short cycle, 16 km, or if we feel strong go for a longer cycle, 50 km, up the Thalley Valley. There will be time to explore the old polo field and the beautiful, 600 year-old Rajah's Palace.

Day 4

Testing out our lungs we will have an undulating ride as we cross a number of ‘nullahs' or small river valleys until we reach the beginning of the Hushe River Valley to the highest village in the area at a height of 3100 metres (10,200 feet). Masherbrum (also known as K1) at 7,821 metres (25,659 ft) dominates the valley.

Day 5

Following the eastern banks of the Shyok River to Kiris, we pass through a succession of small and lush villages. It is a full day's ride to our hotel in Skardu which is the gateway for all expeditions to K2, the second highest mountain in the world.

Day 6

It is a relatively decent tarmac road out of Skardu which climbs steeply to the beautiful Satpara Lake and continues up on to the Deosai Plateau. Our aim is to reach the start of the national park and set up our camp (4100 m) close to a lake.

Day 7

Now on the Deosai Plateau proper it's only a short climb up to the Chachur Pass (4200m / 13,780ft). Beyond Sheosar Lake, our route turns into a downhill blast. Tonight we will camp (4200 m) in the shadow of the mighty Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world.

Day 8

We have time for a short exploration in the morning before a fantastic descent to the small bazaar town of Astor where we leave the Deosai. Depending on our progress we will look for a camp somewhere in the shade around Muskin.

Day 9

More downhill biking into the roaring Indus Valley where we eventually cross the river and climb onto its western bank to reach the Karakoram Highway. It's then a rolling route that winds its way to Gilgit, another fascinating town and our first chance to take in the sights and sounds of Hunza at the bazaar.

Day 10

Today is our first day off the bikes in seven days! We load our bikes onto the support vehicles for a drive up the KKH to the Hunza Valley, a journey of about 4 hours. Once we arrive in Karimbad we will explore this old capital city and the dramatic Balti and Alti Forts.

Day 11

Today we explore Hunza's once rival state of Nagar. We bike down to the Karakoam Highway and cross it for a stunning ride through the Nagar Valley. There we have a well-earned lunch at the "Hopar Hilton", then retrace our tracks to Karimabad, it is downhill with a last short climb which should finish you off nicely!

Day 12

The first section of today's ride is one of the most relaxed and beautiful sections of our trip. We leave the main road and cross the river to join part of the original caravan route of the Silk Road. This evening we celebrate our last night of camping within the gardens of the Mir's house at Chalt.

Day 13

From Chalt, we again join the KKH but only for a short while, as we soon re-cross the river on a wild foot bridge and join the old road to Gilgit from Naltar. There will be plenty of time in the afternoon to do some shopping or simply to relax. We will also pack our bikes for the journey home.

Day 14

After an early breakfast, we will go to Gilgit Airport and catch the flight to Islamabad. The afternoon is free to explore the bustling Raja Bazaar.

Day 15

After breakfast we'll transfer you to the airport for onward travel.

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