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KARAKORAM HIGHWAY IN A WEEK

PAKISTAN

Start

Gilgit

Finish

Skardu

Length

5 Day ADV Tour

Distance

±1,100 km

Start

Gilgit

Finish

Skardu
Got a group?
10th Rider is Free

Length

5 Day ADV Tour

Distance

±1,100 km

Explore the diverse set of valleys and cultures off the iconic Karakorum Highway as we travel from Gilgit to China and back

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 Karakorum Mountain Range.

Riding is a 50/50 mixture of good sealed roads and dirt roads, expect some 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.

CHAPURSAN VALLEY ROAD

GALLERY

HIGHLIGHTS

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 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.

Chapusan Valley is one of our favorites, not as spectacular as Shimshal, but dotted with small villages along the way which are populated by the Wakhi people, an ethnic group who speak their own language and originated from across the Pamir Mountains in the North, they have a completely different culture to the rest of Pakistan.


Khunjerab (translates to Blood Creek, or Blood Valley), is the border with China, the highest international border crossing in the world with the world's Highest ATM also. To get here, you ride through the Khunjerab National Park with its wild Yak, Ibis, and Snow Leopards.


Finally, it is time to retrace our steps, head back down the KKH, and complete our ride in Skardu.


HIGHLIGHTS

ROUTE

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ITINERARY

Day 1 - Hunza (~160km)

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 (~160km)

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 1) - Chapursan (~210km)

One of our favourite valleys, whilst not as dramatic at Shimsla, 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.

Chapursan is inhabited by the Wakhi people, who are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. They speak their own Wakhi language and follow the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam.


Day 3 (Option 2) - Kunjerab Pass (~240km)

We ride the sealed Karakorum Highway North, this section is often referred to as the Eight Wonder of the World, offering a scenic and adventurous journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes onto Khunjerab Pass.

Khunjerab Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that forms the border between Pakistan and China (the highest paved international border crossing in the world). It is also one of the most significant and picturesque passes in the world, surrounded by towering and offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and vast high-altitude plateaus.


Day 4 - Hoper Glacier (~175km)

We start to retrace our steps South and, along the way, visit the Hoper Glacier, which is part of the larger Baltoro Glacier system and is surrounded by high peaks such as Spantik (Golden Peak) and Rush Peak. There are also great views back to the peaks of the Hunza Valley.


This is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs of your trip, just don’t try to pick and bring back some of the hemp/cannabis plants that are cultivated extensively in this valley.


We stay overnight in Gilgit, the capital of GIlgit-Baltistan, where you have further opportunity to visit the local bazaar for souvenirs.


Day 5 - Skardu (~210km)

After visiting the exact point where the Hindu Kush, Karakorum and the Himalayas converge, we ride Strategic Highway 1 (S-1) that connects Gilgit with Skardu.

The road offers great views of the Indus River, the surrounding mountains, and picturesque valleys.

The road is winding and, in some places, only wide enough for one vehicle to pass at a time. There are also sections with steep cliffs and no guardrails, making it one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

In the evening, we will have a goodbye feast and reminisce on all the things we have seen and done.

What's 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
What's Not
Alcohol
Entrance fees other than mentioned above
Flights
Petrol
Snacks
Travel Insurance
Visa

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Hunza (~160km)

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 (~160km)

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 1) - Chapursan (~210km)

One of our favourite valleys, whilst not as dramatic at Shimsla, 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.

Chapursan is inhabited by the Wakhi people, who are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. They speak their own Wakhi language and follow the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam.


Day 3 (Option 2) - Kunjerab Pass (~240km)

We ride the sealed Karakorum Highway North, this section is often referred to as the Eight Wonder of the World, offering a scenic and adventurous journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes onto Khunjerab Pass.

Khunjerab Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that forms the border between Pakistan and China (the highest paved international border crossing in the world). It is also one of the most significant and picturesque passes in the world, surrounded by towering and offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and vast high-altitude plateaus.


Day 4 - Hoper Glacier (~175km)

We start to retrace our steps South and, along the way, visit the Hoper Glacier, which is part of the larger Baltoro Glacier system and is surrounded by high peaks such as Spantik (Golden Peak) and Rush Peak. There are also great views back to the peaks of the Hunza Valley.


This is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs of your trip, just don’t try to pick and bring back some of the hemp/cannabis plants that are cultivated extensively in this valley.


We stay overnight in Gilgit, the capital of GIlgit-Baltistan, where you have further opportunity to visit the local bazaar for souvenirs.


Day 5 - Skardu (~210km)

After visiting the exact point where the Hindu Kush, Karakorum and the Himalayas converge, we ride Strategic Highway 1 (S-1) that connects Gilgit with Skardu.

The road offers great views of the Indus River, the surrounding mountains, and picturesque valleys.

The road is winding and, in some places, only wide enough for one vehicle to pass at a time. There are also sections with steep cliffs and no guardrails, making it one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

In the evening, we will have a goodbye feast and reminisce on all the things we have seen and done.

INCLUDED

EXCLUDED

DATES & PRICING

Rider
Additions
Per Person
£
1115
Dates

Want a custom date for your group?

Get in touch

Reserve with a 15% deposit

Dates on request

We can run this tour on any date of your choice, subject to the availability of resources needed (Staff/Bikes/etc).

 

We can adjust the itinerary to your specifications, including changing the number of days, length, road/off-road elements, etc.

 

Pricing for an on-demand tour will be dependent on the number of participants and any changes you wish to make to the itinerary. Get in touch and let's have a chat.

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