Karakoram Highway in a Week
Explore the diverse set of valleys and cultures off the iconic Karakorum Highway as we travel from Gilgit to China and back
Duration
5 Day ADV Tour
Ride Level
Level 4
Sealed/Dirt
75%/25%
Distance
~1,100km/1,760miles
Start/Finish
Gilgit/Skardu
This tour is for you if you are short on time, but also want to experience some great riding in Northern Pakistan.
This tour takes us from Gilgit in Northern Pakistan and follows the Karakoram Highway to the Chinese Border. Along the way, we visit several offshoot valleys before returning to Gilgit and on to Skardu, the primary gateway town for climbers heading into the Karakoram Mountain Range.
Riding is a 50/50 mixture of good sealed roads and dirt roads, with great scenery, as we explore the stunning Hunza Valley on the first day of riding. Described as one of the most exotic places in Pakistan it is surrounded by majestic mountains, many over 7000m.
Terrain & Riding: Significant stretches of off-road riding, including loose gravel, mud, shallow water crossings, and steep gradients. Longer days in the saddle require higher stamina, good balance, and confident bike handling on uneven or changing surfaces.
Cultural Experience: Immersive remote travel. You may experience distinct cultural norms, limited English proficiency among locals, basic regional sanitation facilities, and rustic accommodations. Flexibility and an open mind toward local customs are usually required.
Highlights
Shimshal Valley Road: Built over 18 years, this thrilling road is a man-made ledge clinging hundreds of feet above the canyon floor.
Chapursan Valley: A remote border valley inhabited by the hospitable Wakhi people, offering untouched cultural heritage and views of Lupghar Sar.
Khunjerab Pass: Marking the border between Pakistan and China, this is the highest paved international border crossing and features the world's highest ATM.
Hoper Glacier: Part of the larger Baltoro Glacier system, this glacier is closely framed by Spantik (Golden Peak) and Rush Peak.
Three Mountain Ranges Convergence Point: Where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges physically meet
What our Customers Say
Who
Testimonial
Price and Options
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
We can run this tour on any date of your choice, subject to the availability of the resources needed (Staff/Bikes/etc). The itinerary can be adjusted, including the number of days, length, road/off-road elements, etc.
The number of participants and itinerary adjustments would detemine the exact pricing per person. Get in touch and let's have a chat.
We can run this with a minimum of and a maximum of riders/participants at the price below
For fewer than the minimum, the price would need to be adjusted
Date Text
A$
Your tour price >
0
Reserve with a xx% deposit
We use live exchange rates; pricing differences are likely when viewed at different times. Conditions of Sale can be viewed here
Itinerary
Day 1 - Hunza
When you land at Gilgit, we will collect you and ride the glorious Karakoram Highway to the Hunza Valley (about 2.5 hours), a breathtakingly beautiful region described as one of the most exotic places in Pakistan, renowned for its stunning landscapes featuring towering mountains, lush green terraces, and sparkling rivers. It is surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks, including Rakaposhi (7,788 meters), Ultar Sar (7,388 meters), and Ladyfinger Peak (6,000 meters)
Along the way, we stop at the remarkable Rakiposhi viewpoint, which offers the closest view of the world's 27th-highest peak, with the world's longest continuous slope (6,000m).
Day 2 - Shimshal
We ride the Shimshal Valley Road, a highlight of the trip; this road is both a remarkable and challenging route that was only completed in 2003 after 18 years of construction, until which Shimshal was inaccessible by motor vehicle, requiring a three-day trek over high passes. The road has been described as a man-made ledge clinging to the side of the mountain hundreds of feet above the river.
Shimshal itself was founded around four centuries ago by Mamu Singh and his wife Khadija. The village has a rich history and is known for its vibrant culture.
The people of Shimshal are primarily Wakhi and speak the Wakhi language. They belong to the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam and follow the spiritual leader Aga Khan.
Day 3 (Option 2) - Chapursan
One of our favourite valleys, whilst not as dramatic as Shimshal, Chapursan, due to its remote location, remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural beauty and cultural integrity. It is a real hidden treasure, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Chapursan is home to the Yazghil Glacier, which offers breathtaking views and Lupghar Sar, standing at 7,200 meters, which provides a stunning backdrop to the valley.
Included
4x4 Support vehicle to carry your luggage
All Meals
Hotel Accommodation
Local Tour Guide
Mechanic
Motorcycle Hire
National Park entry fees
Pakistan Visa Letter & Support
Skardu airport transfers
Not Included
Alcohol
Entrance fees other than mentioned above
Flights
Petrol
Snacks
Travel Insurance
Visa
What to Expect
The Ride
As we travel towards China, we detour through several valleys that run off the KKH, all with their own distinct feel and scenery.
The Hoper Valley is an easy ride with some great views, with Spantik Peak in front of you as you ride the mixed dirt and sealed road to the end of the valley and the Hoper Glacier viewpoint.
We visit the incredible Atabad Lake, created in 2010 by the aftermath of an enormous landslide that blocked the valley.
The road to Shimshal has been described as a man-made ledge clinging to the side of the mountain, single-car width and dirt the whole way, with a water crossing to navigate before reaching the village at the end of the valley.
Route
Accomodation
12 nights of accommodation: All Hotels are the best available.
A flexible attitude is needed, as services will NOT be what you are accustomed to.
Electricity is typically available for around 4 hours a day; diesel generators are used as backups
Hot water is usually available for showers, but cannot be guaranteed at all accommodation options
All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. For solo travellers, we endeavour to pair you with a fellow guest. If you prefer a private room, a single supplement is available.
Dinning
5 Dinners are included, which are varied, from local curries to Chinese-influenced dishes and locally inspired dishes
5 Breakfasts are included, which consist primarily of Eggs, Paratha, Toast, Butter & Jam, occasionally Channa or Aloo Bhujia
The traditional cuisine of Gilgit-Baltistan is shaped entirely by its high-altitude landscape and rugged mountain climate. Unlike the heavily spiced, oil-rich dishes found in central Pakistan, traditional food here is subtle, organic, and deeply comforting.
The cooking focuses on preserving natural flavours using local mountain herbs, whole wheat, barley, dairy products, and mountain-grown fruits like apricots and walnuts.
Because winters in the region are long and severe, many traditional dishes are designed to be nutrient-dense, warming, and packed with energy.
News
We periodically send out a newsletter, maybe 2 to 4 times a year, to share important updates about new tours, dates, service offers, and training/coaching opportunities. Please complete the form on the right if you would like to stay informed.
We assure you that your inbox will not be inundated with daily promotional emails.
Follow Us On: