Legends of the Karakoram, Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass
Eleven days on the Karakoram Highway, from the flight into Skardu to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass, with Hunza, the Hopar glacier and the Passu Cones in between.
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The route
The Karakoram Highway climbs from the plains of Punjab to the Chinese border at 4,693 metres, and this eleven day tour rides the best of it. Pakistan Bikers run it as a fixed departure for a maximum of ten riders, with a lead rider, a mechanic and a backup vehicle out on every day.
It opens with the flight from Islamabad to Skardu, one of the more spectacular approaches in commercial aviation, and the riding starts the same afternoon at Upper Kachura Lake. The early days work through the Shigar valley, the Manthoka waterfall and the Sarfranga cold desert before the route turns north along the Indus towards Nomal and the pine forest at Naltar.
Hunza is the centre of the second half. Altit fort, the bazaar at Karimabad and sunset from the Eagle’s Nest, then Hopar valley for a glacier walk and food cooked in stone pots. The road carries on past Attabad Lake and the Hussaini suspension bridge to Passu, where the Cones rise straight out of the valley floor. The run up to Khunjerab Pass and back is the high point in both senses, and the return south covers the same great river road in the opposite direction.
A 150cc motorbike, fuel and oil are included, along with ten nights twin share, all meals, both domestic flights, visa assistance, a mechanic and spare parts throughout, and a videographer who puts together a film of the trip. A 250cc machine can be requested instead. Riders arrange their own travel insurance.
Photography and film: the operator
Legends of the Karakoram, Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass
Arrive in Islamabad
Riders arrive and check in, and the tour opens with a briefing covering the route, the bikes and the days ahead.
Fly to Skardu, and the first ride
A scenic flight north to Skardu, bike inspection on arrival, then straight out to Upper Kachura Lake and the Soq valley for lunch before returning to Skardu for the night.
Skardu, Shigar and the Manthoka waterfall
Into the Shigar valley, with an optional stop at the Sarfranga cold desert for gliding, a desert safari, quad bikes or horse riding. Shigar fort, now a heritage hotel, then on to the Manthoka waterfall for lunch and back to Skardu.
Skardu to Nomal
The Jaglot to Skardu road along the Indus, one of the great river roads, to Nomal, with free time on arrival.
Nomal, Naltar and Minapin
A detour into the Naltar area for clear streams and pine forest, then down to the village of Minapin for the night, with a ride out to the Pissan cricket ground in the evening.
Minapin to Hunza
A short run into Hunza. Altit fort in the afternoon, time in the Karimabad bazaar, and sunset from the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint.
Hunza, Hopar and Passu
Hopar valley for a glacier walk and food cooked in stone pots, then north past Attabad Lake, the carpet weaving centre at Gulmit and the Hussaini suspension bridge to Passu, under the Cones. Bonfire and music in the evening.
Khunjerab Pass and the Chinese border
The ride to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 metres, the highest paved border crossing in the world. Lunch may not be possible, so riders carry snacks and water. Back down to Passu to collect bags and on towards Minapin.
Passu to Skardu
A long day back south along the Karakoram Highway and the Indus to Skardu.
Skardu to Islamabad
The scenic flight back to Islamabad, then a half day tour of the city and a farewell dinner.
Islamabad and departure
A last look at Islamabad, then airport transfers and the end of the tour.
What's included
- Pakistan visa assistance
- Two domestic flights, Islamabad to Skardu and back
- Ten nights' accommodation, twin share
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout
- 150cc motorbike, fuel and engine oil
- Mechanic throughout the tour, and motorbike spare parts
- Tour guide
- Videographer, and a film of the trip afterwards
- Backup vehicle on every day
- Entry tickets for the Golra museum, Altit fort and Khunjerab Pass
- Attabad Lake boating charge
- First aid kit, rider certificates and rider shirts
- All road tolls and parking charges
- Tips for the tour guide
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Damage or repair costs arising from an accident or rider error
- Spare parts needed because of damage to the bike
- Travel insurance, which riders must arrange themselves
- Beverages, including tea and coffee
- Costs arising from natural events or emergencies
Ready to drive it?
11 days, from £2,944pp