Karakoram Highway Bike Tour

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Duration

8 Days 7 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

Conquer the Roof of the World on a Karakoram Highway Bike Tour

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is more than just a road; it’s a legendary route carved through the heart of the Himalayas, connecting Pakistan and China. Embark on an epic cycling adventure on the Karakoram Highway Bike Tour, pedaling through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.

Challenge Yourself:

Conquer high-altitude climbs with stunning mountain vistas as your reward.
Navigate switchbacks and scenic valleys, testing your endurance and skills.
Experience the thrill of cycling alongside the roaring Indus River.

Immerse Yourself:

Cycle through charming villages steeped in tradition and local culture.
Sample regional specialties and experience the warm hospitality of the Pakistani people.
Explore historical landmarks like ancient forts and Silk Road trading posts.

Unforgettable Sights:

Witness the colossal peaks of the Karakoram mountains, including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
Capture breathtaking panoramas of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and rugged valleys.
Cycle through fertile valleys and alongside serene glacial lakes.

The Karakoram Highway Bike Tour is an adventure for seasoned cyclists seeking a unique challenge and a taste of Pakistani culture.

This is your chance to:

Conquer a legendary route.
Experience the beauty of the Himalayas on two wheels.
Create memories that will last a lifetime.

DAY 01: ISLAMABAD to BESHAM

We travel by road out of Islamabad following the Karakoram Highway. These first two days we go by van to avoid the stress of riding in the extremely heavy traffic around Abbottobad and Mashera (motorbikes are not permitted on the motorways). The route follows the Indus river for much of the way along its winding course.

DAY 02: BESHAM to GILGIT

Travelling by road further towards the mountains we continue on straight to Gilgit passing through the winding river gorge past Besham and then the dusty desert areas. As Babusar Pass is not open in Spring and Autumn due to heavy snow we take the classic Karakoram Highway route through Besham and Chilas. Arriving in Gilgit we spend the night in our homestay in Danyor and meeting the bikes.

DAY 03: GILGIT to KARIMABAD

Today we are back on the Karakoram Highway for an easy yet spectacualr ride to the old hillside town of Karimabad. It's a great start to get familiar with the bikes. Stopping at Rakaposhi view and the old silk route along the way. We have the option to meander through villages, across fascinating bridges and ride sections of the pathway that is the old silk route. In the late afternoon we head to Altit Fort and then Duikar/Eagle's Nest to watch the sun go down over Hunza Valley. The 360 degree views from this point are amazing.

DAY 04: KARIMABAD/HOPAR

After a delicious local breakfast we explore the market as we walk up to Baltit Fort, perched high upon the hill overlooking the valley and town. Delving into the ancient history of the silk route and the Mogul empire as well as the strong cultural and ethnic relations with Ladakh and Tibet. This region is steeped in rich cutural heritage with a diverse ethnicity over the entire Kashmiri Hunza Kingdom. Burusho, Xik, Tajik, Hunzakuts and Wakhi people all call this area home. You will likely pick up mutliple languages being spoken aside from the common Urdu. Our Hunza team speak Burushaski when conversing with each other, not Urdu but others who help and support our trips also speak Wakhi and Shina. We explore Baltit Fort gaining a greater understanding of the area and its historical place as a centre point of the region.

We then take an afternoon ride to Hopar Valley visiting rural villages and massive glaciers, the glaciers are the life force of this arid landscape, crucial to the surival of the people.

DAY 05: PASSU

Today we leave Karimabad area and begin riding further north through the rugged peaks towards the spires of Passu Cones. Break points on our route are Attobad Lake, and Hussaini Bridge. We have the chance to test our fear of heights on the wobbly wooden planks of Hussaini suspension bridge and be mesmerised by the fast flowing waters below. Attabad Lake is deep and vast with vivid azure/turquoise waters. It was formed via a massive landslide, where many lives were lost. Some say there is an eerie sadness lingering in the air. But the towering mountains stand like sentinels around the lakes shores, watching over in Peace.

DAY 06: KHUNJERAB PASS - PASSU

We ride to Khunjerab Pass, the China/Pakistan border and the highest border crossing in the world, surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers around every turn! The silence and aura of this place is in a whole other world... we may be lucky to hear the roar of a Snowleopard across the valley. After visitng the border we retrun to Passu. We do our best to access all the way to the border pass, if there is snowfall or adverse wether conditions we may go via 4x4 instead of riding. Alternatively a ride exploring the area and specatular surrounds.

DAY 08: PASSU

Today we have multiple options for exploring the local area, hiking around the area, visiting glaciers and lakes or an off road ride on Charpursan or Shimshal roads. Or simply take a rest with the mesmerising views.

DAY 08: PASSU to GILGIT

Today we return to Gilgit and to our Danyor homestay. Afternoon/evening rest or market visit.

DAY 09: FLY to ISLAMABAD or if flight is cancelled reach BESHAM

Return to Islamabad via flight or if flight is cancelled we go by road in van.

DAY 10: EXPLORE ISLAMABAD or reach ISLAMBAD

This is a buffer day, essential to allow for flight cancellations or road landslides.