
KARAKORUM HIGHWAY IN A WEEK
PAKISTAN
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


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.
ROUTE

ITINERARY
Day 1 - Gilgit
You will be met at Gilgit Airport where we will transfer you to our Hotel. Here you can get acquainted with the bike you will be calling home for the next week .
Day 2 - Passu
We ride the iconic Karakoram Highway past the stunningly blue waters of Attabad Lake which was created in 2010, as the result of an enormous landslide..
Road: 10/90 Dirt/Asphalt
Day 3 - Shimshal Valley
Today we head into the stunning Shimshal Valley. The road has been described as a man-made ledge clinging to the side of the mountain with a raging torrent of water below.
Road: 99/1 Dirt/Asphalt
Day 4 (Option 1) - Chapursan Valley
One of our favorite valleys, it's not as stunning as Shmishal, but the numerous villages along the way make it a fascinating ride to the army checkpoint at Baba Ghundi.
Road: 10/90 Dirt/Asphalt
Day 4 (Option 2) - Khunjerab Pass
We visit the world's highest international border crossing at 4693m. The road is fully sealed but has many great corners and switchbacks. You may get a chance to see wild Ibex.
Road: 0/100 Dirt/Asphalt
Day 5 - Hopar Valley & Hunza
A short distance today gives us plenty of time to stop at some of the attractions we passed on the way North to Passu with plenty of time to explore the Hopar Valley.
Road: 30/70 Dirt/Asphalt
Day 6 - Naltar Valley & Gilgit
We ride back to Gilgit and explore the Naltar Valley with its high-altitude Blue Lakes and stop along the way at Rakiposhi viewpoint for lunch,
Road: 0/100 Dirt/Asphalt
Day 7 - Skardu
We ride back to Skardu, have a goodbye feast in the evening, and reminisce on all the things we have seen and done..
Road: 10/900 Broken Asphalt/Asphalt
What's Included |
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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 |
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Alcohol |
Entrance fees other than mentioned above |
Flights |
Petrol |
Snacks |
Travel Insurance |
Visa |