Mountain weather can change quickly; conditions shown are planning guidance for the destination area.
The Karakoram Highway is one of the great motorcycle roads on earth, 1,300km from the Punjab plains to the Chinese border at 4,693m, following the Indus gorge between the Himalaya and Karakoram. Ridden with a support vehicle carrying luggage, spares and fuel, a lead guide who knows the road, and enough rest days that it stays a ride rather than an endurance test.
Quick Facts
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Summary:
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, Islamabad, briefing and bike fitting
Airport transfer, machine handover, safety briefing and a short shakedown ride around the Margalla foothills.
Days 2 to 3, Islamabad to Chilas
Ride the KKH north through Besham and into the Indus gorge, with the Nanga Parbat viewpoint on Day 3.
Days 4 to 6, Hunza
Ride to Karimabad and base there. Rest day for the forts and Eagle's Nest, then the upper valley run past Attabad Lake to Passu.
Day 7, Khunjerab Pass
The high point of the trip, Sost to the Chinese border at 4,693m and back. A long, cold, spectacular day in the saddle.
Days 8 to 9, Hunza to Naran via Babusar
South down the KKH and over the 4,173m Babusar Pass into the Kaghan valley, the best sustained riding of the trip.
Days 10 to 12, Naran to Islamabad
Ride down the Kunhar valley with a night at Shogran, returning to Islamabad on Day 12 for bike handover.
Tour Highlights
Khunjerab Pass at 4,693mIndus Gorge & Nanga Parbat ViewpointAttabad Lake & Passu ConesBabusar Pass DescentDeosai Plateau Optional Ride
What's Included
Motorcycle rental (250 to 400cc dual sport)
Support vehicle with luggage, spares and fuel
Lead rider guide and mechanic
Hotel accommodation with breakfast daily
Khunjerab National Park entry and permits
Airport transfers and e visa invitation letter
Not Included
International flights
Pakistan visa fee
Riding gear and helmet (rental available)
Lunches and dinners
Travel insurance including motorcycling cover
Tour Information
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Travel Mode
Motorcycle + support vehicle
Max Altitude
4,693m (Khunjerab Pass)
Group Size
2 to 8 riders
Best Time
June September
Visa Support
Invitation letter provided
Where You'll Stay
Karimabad hotel
4 nights in Hunza with secure parking.
KKH stopovers
5 nights at roadside hotels in Besham, Chilas and Sost.
Naran & Shogran
2 nights in the Kaghan valley.
Questions About This Tour
An International Driving Permit with a motorcycle entitlement, and genuine prior experience on unsealed and mountain roads. The KKH has landslide sections, gravel and heavy truck traffic, this is not a route for a first big trip.
Yes, under a carnet de passage, though the paperwork takes time. Most riders use ours to avoid the shipping and customs. Tell us early either way so we can advise on the carnet process.
The support vehicle carries spares, tools and fuel, and travels with the group. If you would rather not ride a section, Babusar in bad weather, for example, you ride in the vehicle and your bike is transported.