Ten Days Riding Real Pakistan, Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass
A ten day loop north from Islamabad over the Babusar Pass, along the Karakoram Highway and up to the Chinese border at Khunjerab.
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The route
Ten days riding a loop north from Islamabad to the Chinese border and back, over the Babusar Pass, along the Karakoram Highway and up to Khunjerab at roughly 4,700 metres. Pakistan Bikers cap it at ten riders and run it as a fixed departure with an English speaking guide.
The route climbs gradually rather than all at once. Balakot on the first riding day, then the Kunhar river up into the Kaghan valley to Naran, with the Kewai waterfall and the Kaghan dam on the way. The fourth day is the one that changes the scale of things, over Lulusar Lake and the Babusar Pass to the viewpoint where Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain on earth, comes into view.
From Gilgit the road becomes the Karakoram Highway proper. The Old Silk Road viewpoint, Rakaposhi, a photo stop at Attabad Lake and two nights at Passu with the run up to Khunjerab in between. The return adds the Hussaini suspension bridge and boating on Attabad before the long ride south to Naran and Islamabad, finishing with a day in the capital on the bus.
The price covers a 150cc motorbike with fuel, nine nights twin share in named hotels, breakfast and dinner, a guide, entry tickets, tolls and parking, and visa assistance. Lunches, drinks and travel insurance are not. The operator advises bringing altitude tablets, which are hard to find locally, and buying supplies at Sost before Khunjerab National Park. The bikes are small by the standards of most European tours, which suits roads where the surface changes without warning and the altitude takes the edge off any engine.
Photography and film: the operator
Ten Days Riding Real Pakistan, Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass
Arrive in Islamabad
Arrival and check in at the Grand Islamabad Hotel, with a meeting to run through the following day.
Islamabad to Balakot
Bike inspection and briefing, then the first ride north out of the city to Balakot.
Balakot to Naran
Alongside the Kunhar river into the Kaghan valley, with stops at the Kewai waterfall and the Kaghan dam.
Naran to Gilgit over the Babusar Pass
The big day. Lulusar Lake, then over the Babusar Pass and down to the viewpoint for Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain on earth, before continuing to Gilgit.
Gilgit to Passu
Onto the Karakoram Highway proper, with the Old Silk Road viewpoint, Rakaposhi and a photo stop at Attabad Lake on the way to Passu.
Khunjerab Pass and back
Up to Khunjerab Pass at roughly 4,700 metres, one of the highest road crossings anywhere, and back down to Passu for a second night.
Passu to Gilgit
The Hussaini suspension bridge, boating on Attabad Lake and another stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint on the way south.
Gilgit to Naran
Past the junction of the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges, a second look at Nanga Parbat, lunch at Babusar and down into Naran.
Naran to Islamabad
The long ride back to the capital, with lunch at Balakot and tea at Haripur.
Islamabad and departure
A city tour by bus taking in the Faisal mosque and the Pakistan Monument, a farewell dinner, then airport transfers.
What's included
- Visa assistance
- 150cc motorbike with fuel
- English speaking tour guide
- Nine nights' accommodation, twin share
- Breakfast and dinner
- All entry tickets
- Rider shirts
- All road tolls and parking charges
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Damage and repair costs arising from an accident or rider error
- Travel insurance, which riders must arrange themselves
- Beverages, including tea and coffee
- Lunches
- Costs arising from natural events or emergencies
Ready to drive it?
10 days, from £2,000pp