10-Day

Pakistan Motorcycle Tour

Karakoram Express

Islamabad – Gilgit – Karimabad – Passu – Hopar Valley – Borith Lake – Khunjerab Pass – Shimshal Valley – Passu – Gilgit – Islamabad

Fly from Islamabad into the northern ranges and ride across high passes, river-cut valleys, and steep mountain corridors. Move through the Karakoram’s raw terrain, trace ancient trade routes, and roll into settlements shaped by altitude and isolation. This is a run straight into Pakistan’s high-country frontier.

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad

Arrive in Islamabad and settle into the capital before meeting the team for a full briefing on the ride ahead. The city offers an easy introduction to Pakistan with time to rest, sample local food, and get familiar with the group. It is a simple first day that sets the pace for the journey north.

Day 2: Islamabad – Gilgit

Fly north into Gilgit with views of vast peaks rising through the clouds. The shift from lowland heat to mountain air is immediate and sharp. If time allows the group warms up the bikes with a short city loop and gets a feel for the terrain ahead.

Day 3: Gilgit – Karimabad

The ride opens with smooth tarmac as the Karakoram Highway follows the river upstream. Long bends carve through steep walls of rock and the air cools as elevation rises. Scenic stops break the day before rolling into Karimabad, a lively town framed by high peaks.

Day 4: Karimabad – Hopar Valley loop – Karimabad

The morning ride heads across the valley into Nagar, climbing toward the Hopar Glacier viewpoint where cold air rolls down from the ice and the glacier drops sharply into the valley below. After returning to Karimabad, the afternoon is kept light, with time to explore local markets and visit the historic Baltit and Altit forts. A short climb to the Duikar or Eagles Nest lookout rounds out the day with wide views over Hunza.

Day 5: Karimabad – Passu

The route continues north along the Karakoram Highway, passing the landslide zone and skirting the edge of Attabad Lake. A series of tunnels cut directly through the mountainside before a stop at the Hussaini Suspension Bridge adds a brief off-bike highlight. Time is set aside to visit Borith Lake and viewpoints over the Passu Glacier before rolling into Passu beneath the sharp skyline of the Passu Cones.

Day 6: Passu – Khunjerab Pass – Passu

A long ascent pushes deep into the mountains and tops out at the border with China. The climb brings fast changes in temperature and scenery as the road rises into thin air. At the top sits Khunjerab Pass surrounded by open plateau and distant peaks, a clear high point in the journey.

Day 7: Passu – Shimshal Valley – Passu

The road to Shimshal is narrow, rough and carved into the cliffs above a fast river. Progress stays measured as the gorge tightens and the track edges along steep walls. The valley eventually opens into a broad basin with small villages set under towering peaks before looping back to Passu.

Day 8: Passu – Gilgit

The run south feels fresh with new angles on the river and shifting light across the peaks. It is a smooth day with time for photo stops or a relaxed cruise back into Gilgit for dinner.

Day 9: Gilgit – Islamabad

The group returns to the capital by flight or by road depending on weather. The transition from high mountains to urban life closes the riding portion of the journey. A farewell dinner rounds out the final evening.

Day 10: Islamabad

A flexible buffer day for rest or sightseeing before departure. Riders can visit landmarks, browse markets, or simply recover after a long loop through Pakistan’s north. It keeps the schedule stable in case of earlier delays.

Motorcycles

Suzuki GS 150

US $235/day

Inclusions/Extras

Karakoram Express FAQ

What riding conditions should I expect on this tour?

Roads vary constantly. Large sections of the Karakoram Highway are smooth and fast, while higher-altitude stretches show frost damage, cracks and ripples. The Shimshal Valley ride is fully unpaved, narrow and exposed, with loose rock, landslide zones and occasional water crossings.

What altitude, temperature, and weather conditions will we ride in?

Riding spans warm spring conditions in the valleys and near-freezing temperatures at altitude. Khunjerab Pass sits at 4,693 metres, where wind, snow and rapid weather changes are common. Riders experience large temperature swings within a single day and must be prepared for cold, rain and sudden weather shifts.

What gear, luggage, and equipment are required or provided?

A Suzuki GN150 is supplied with a top box and a 40-litre soft bag. Helmets are available but fit and comfort cannot be guaranteed, so bringing your own is recommended. Layered riding gear, waterproofs and proper protective equipment are essential due to variable mountain conditions.

How does the tour handle weather disruption, routing, and flight cancellations?

Flights between Islamabad and Gilgit are weather dependent. If cancelled, the group transfers by private minibus via the Karakoram Highway or Babusar Pass. A buffer day is built into the itinerary to absorb delays. Daily routing decisions are made by the guide based on weather, road conditions and group capability.

What languages do the guides speak on this tour?

Guides speak English and Urdu and are able to share insight into local culture, daily life and the regions you ride through. They also handle all communication with hotels, airlines, police and local contacts throughout the tour.

What is the riding pace like on this tour?

The riding pace is relaxed and deliberate. This is not a high-speed or endurance-focused tour. Daily distances are set to allow time for scenery, stops and acclimatisation, with rough or exposed sections ridden steadily rather than aggressively.