A once-in-a-lifetime 14-day motorcycle journey through Pakistan’s highest mountain ranges. Ride from Skardu across vast high plains, alpine meadows, dramatic passes, remote valleys, and legendary roads, combining thrilling riding, breathtaking scenery, and rich local traditions.
Overview
This 14-day Northern Pakistan Motorcycle Adventure by South Asia Travel takes riders deep into the majestic landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan and beyond. Begin in Islamabad, then fly or ride to the mountain city of Skardu and explore high alpine plains in Deosai National Park — known as the “Land of Giants.” Ride to Fairy Meadows to trek toward Nanga Parbat Base Camp, explore the lush Hunza Valley, venture into Shimshal Valley, and tackle the legendary Karakoram Highway up to Khunjerab Pass — the world’s highest paved border crossing. Discover ancient villages, high-altitude deserts, emerald lakes, and unforgettable cultural moments along the way.
Highlights
- Deosai National Park — High alpine plains & wildflowers
- Sadpara Lake & Sheosar Lake — Scenic natural lakes
- Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat — Alpine meadows and mountain views
- Hunza Valley — Historic forts & panoramic roads
- Shimshal Valley — Remote high mountain adventure
- Passu Cones — Dramatic Karakoram peaks
- Khunjerab Pass — World’s highest paved border crossing
- Hopar Glacier & Attabad Lake — Natural wonders
- Indus River Viewpoints, Upper Kachura & Shangrila Lake — Breathtaking scenic stops
Itinerary
Warm welcome at Islamabad International Airport by the South Asia Travel team.
Transfer to hotel (approx. 30 min).
Dinner in the city.
Overnight: Islamabad.
Distance: ~25 km. • Time: ~30 min.
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu (approx. 45 min).
Arrive and enjoy lunch locally.
Ride to Chunda Valley for gentle mountain views.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Skardu.
Distance: ~25 km. • Time: ~1 hr.
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride to Khaplu Valley (approx. 3 hrs).
Visit scenic spots including Menthokha Waterfall, Gowarri Garden, Royal Khaplu Fort, Yogu Bridge, and Barah Village.
Dinner and overnight in Khaplu.
Distance: ~115 km. • Time: ~3 hrs.
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride back to Skardu.
Visit Sarfaranga Cold Desert, Blind Lake, and optional zigzag off-road routes (time permitting).
Dinner at hotel.
Overnight: Skardu.
Distance: ~120 km. • Time: ~4–5 hrs.
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride into Deosai National Park — one of the highest alpine plateaus on Earth.
Stop at Sadpara Lake for photos.
Explore Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and Sheosar Lake.
Dinner & overnight near Astore.
Distance: ~150 km. • Time: ~6 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride to Raikot Bridge.
Park bikes and transfer by jeep to Tattu Village.
Hike or ride a horse to Fairy Meadows.
Dinner & overnight in Fairy Meadows.
Mixed Ride: Bike + Jeep + Hike.
- Breakfast at guesthouse.
- Trek (~6 hrs) toward Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
- Explore Bayal Camp and scenic viewpoints.
- Dinner & overnight back in Fairy Meadows.
Breakfast.
Hike down to Tattu Village, jeep back to Raikot.
Restart bikes and ride to Hunza Valley (approx. 5–6 hrs).
Visit World Three Mountain Junction Point, Nanga Parbat Viewpoint, Rakaposhi Viewpoint.
Dinner & overnight in Hunza.
Distance: ~200 km. • Time: ~5–6 hrs.
Breakfast.
Ride toward Shimshal Valley — dramatic off-road scenic route.
Lunch en route.
Dinner & overnight stay in Passu.
Distance: ~120 km. • Time: ~7 hrs
Breakfast.
Ride toward Gilgit via Hopar Glacier, Attabad Lake, Pak-China Friendship Tunnel, and Karimabad.
Dinner & overnight in Gilgit.
Distance: ~160 km. • Time: ~3–4 hrs.
Breakfast.
Ride back toward Skardu, enjoying Indus River Viewpoint, Sarfaranga Cold Desert, Upper Kachura Lake, and Shangrila Lake.
Dinner & overnight in Skardu.
Distance: ~330 km. • Time: ~6–7 hrs
Breakfast.
Take a domestic flight from Skardu to Islamabad (approx. 1 hr).
Lunch & sightseeing (e.g., Lok Virsa Museum, Centaurus Mall, Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque).
Dinner & overnight in Islamabad.
Breakfast.
Free time for packing or last-minute shopping.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure.
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (Islamabad)
- Domestic flights (Skardu ↔ Islamabad)
- Motorcycles + backup 4×4 support jeeps
- Mechanic + spare parts support
- Professional ride leader
- Twin-sharing hotel accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Jeep transport to Fairy Meadows
- National park & entry fees
- Optional pillion transport
What’s Not Included
- Motorcycle petrol/fuel Spantik Tours
- Tips for guide/driver/support staff Spantik Tours
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, extra meals) Spantik Tours
- Sightseeing tickets not listed Spantik Tours
- Optional activities (rafting/boating/horse riding) Spantik Tours
- Personal insurance & evacuation costs Spantik Tours
- Costs due to weather/road closures beyond control
Need to know
➔ The road journey between Gilgit and Besham is quite lengthy and the road
condition is not optimal.
➔ In the event that Babusar Top is open and the route through Naran-Kaghan valley
is taken, the road condition is improved.
➔ There are three hours set aside in the evening (6:00 pm-9:00 pm) and three hours
in the morning (7:00 am-10:00 am) for your convenience.
➔ In the North, many hotels do not have heaters, but you can request double
blankets if needed. Some hotels may also provide heating mattresses.
➔ There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Pakistan. However, if you are
taking medication for conditions like diabetes or heart problems, it is recommended
that you carry the necessary medicines in your carry-on luggage to ensure that you
have them with you in case your main luggage is delayed.
➔ During the spring and autumn seasons, the average daytime temperature in
Northern Pakistan is around 15-20 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature
is around 10-15 Celsius. In the summer, the average daytime temperature in
Northern Pakistan is around 20-30 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature
is around 15-25 Celsius. In Islamabad, the average daytime temperature during
spring and autumn can be 25-30 Celsius, while the nighttime temperature is around
15-25 Celsius.
➔ Islamabad accepts credit cards such as Visa and Master Card, but it’s advisable
to carry cash in Pakistani Rupee while traveling outside the capital. The official
currency in Pakistan is Pakistani Rupees (PKR), and carrying a small amount of
cash can come in handy while buying snacks, fruits, drinks, or souvenirs on the way.
If you need to convert foreign currency, you can do so in Pakistan. However, it’s
important to note that any US dollars issued earlier than 1996-2009 will be
considered 15% less than their actual value. Also, torn, dirty, or stamped notes can
decrease their value by at least 10%. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring US
dollars issued after 2009 to avoid any inconvenience.
➔ When it comes to tipping, it is customary to give 4-5 USD per day to your local
guide and driver in Pakistan. However, you are free to give more based on the
quality of their service. Keep in mind that this amount may seem small to you, but it
is highly valued by the locals. As for tipping hotel and restaurant staff, it is
recommended to give at least 100 PKR directly to them if they have provided you
with any additional services that have made your stay more enjoyable. Other tipping
is at your discretion.
➔ Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the diverse and delicious
food that the region has to offer. We provide breakfast and dinner during the tour,
and the food menu is mostly similar to Indian cuisine. We offer a rotation of chicken,
beef, mutton, vegetables, rice, and soups every day. We also provide local and
Western breakfast options, along with tea. However, if you have a preference for
certain foods or get tired of the same menu every day, we recommend bringing your
comfort food such as sambal, canned food, or instant noodles.
➔ In the region, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C (2
round pin) and type D (3 round pin) plugs are commonly used for electronic devices.
It is recommended to bring appropriate adapters for your devices if they are not
compatible with these plug types.
➔ You can find laundry facilities in many hotels and towns during the trip. However,
it’s recommended to plan ahead and choose a two-night stop to ensure you have
enough time to get your laundry done and returned to you in time.
➔ The guided tour will take you to the highest altitude of approximately 4793 meters
at the Khunjerab Pass – the border between Pakistan and China. The visit to this
place will be limited to a maximum of one hour for photography. The average
elevation in Northern Pakistan during the tour will be between 1000-2000 meters.
The highest altitude during a Trekking Tour, on the other hand, will depend on the
itinerary decided for the tour.
➔ We suggest bringing a small or medium-sized suitcase with wheels. For weight
restrictions, if you are flying with Thai Airways for your international flight, you are
allowed one checked bag of up to 25 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg. For
domestic flights with PIA Pakistan Airlines, you are allowed one checked bag
weighing up to 20 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg.
➔ It’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good support,
particularly if you’re planning to explore the Northern regions of Pakistan. If you’re
traveling during the spring, it’s advisable to bring along a windproof jacket, sweater,
jeans, rain jacket, scarf, cotton socks, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s also
recommended to pack some T-shirts with both long and short sleeves to protect
yourself from the strong UV rays, as well as lightweight cotton trousers.
