A spectacular 10-day motorcycle journey from Islamabad across Deosai’s high alpine plains into the legendary Silk Road valleys of Northern Pakistan. Riders will explore lakes, mountain passes, cultural villages, and iconic landscapes from Skardu to Gilgit and back.
Overview
This thrilling tour by South Asia Travel takes riders through some of Pakistan’s most dramatic landscapes. Starting in Islamabad, you’ll fly to Skardu to begin your ride toward high alpine Deosai Plains, then wind through the valleys of Hunza and Passu along the historic Silk Road. Expect astonishing mountain views, serene lakes, desert-like high plateaus, cultural villages, and the famous Khunjerab Pass — the highest border crossing in the world. This journey blends adventure, culture, and nature in one unforgettable route.
Highlights
- Deosai National Park — the “Land of Giants”
- Sadpara Lake — peaceful blue waters
- Kala Pani, Bara Pani & Sheosar Lake
- Rakaposhi Viewpoint & Altit Fort
- Karimabad Bazaar (Hunza)
- Hoppar Village & Glacier
- Attabad Lake & Pak-China Friendship Tunnels
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Khunjerab Pass — world’s highest border crossing
- Gilgit towns and riverside rides
- Indus River viewpoints & Shangrila Lake
Itinerary
Warm welcome at Islamabad International Airport by the South Asia Travel team.
Transfer to your hotel (about a 30-minute drive).
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Start: Islamabad Airport → Hotel
Distance: ~25 km • Time: ~30 min
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu (domestic flight).
Arrive in Skardu and enjoy lunch.
Pick up motorcycles and ride to Chunda Valley, known for apricots, apples, and cherry orchards.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Skardu.
Start: Skardu → Chunda Valley • Distance: ~50 km • Time: ~4 hrs
Breakfast at the hotel.
Ride toward Deosai National Park — one of the world’s highest plateaus.
Short break at Sadpara Lake.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Visit Kala Pani, Bara Pani, Sheosar Lake within the plateau.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight stay in Astore.
Start: Skardu → Deosai → Astore
Distance: ~150 km • Time: ~6 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Cross scenic mountain roads as you ride north to Hunza Valley.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Altit Fort, and explore Karimabad Bazaar.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hunza.
Start: Astore → Hunza
Distance: ~200 km • Time: ~7 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride from Hunza toward Passu via Hoppar Village & Glacier.
Lunch en route.
Visit Attabad Lake, Pak-China Friendship Tunnel, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge.
Dinner and overnight stay in Passu.
Start: Hunza → Passu
Distance: ~80 km • Time: ~6 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride to Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing in the world.
Lunch locally.
Visit Passu Cones, Sost Town, Khunjerab National Park, and the world’s highest ATM.
Dinner and overnight stay in Passu.
Start: Passu → Khunjerab Pass → Passu
Distance: ~240 km • Time: ~7 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride from Passu back toward Gilgit, enjoying mountains and river views.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Explore Gilgit Town and its markets.
Dinner at hotel.
Overnight stay in Gilgit.
Start: Passu → Gilgit
Distance: ~150 km • Time: ~5 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride back to Skardu through scenic mountain roads.
Enjoy views of the Indus River, Haramosh Mountains, and surrounding valleys.
Lunch en route.
Visit Astak Nala, Indus River Viewpoint, and Shangrila Lake.
Dinner and overnight in Skardu.
Start: Gilgit → Skardu
Distance: ~200 km • Time: ~5–6 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Fly from Skardu back to Islamabad (approx. 1 hr).
Lunch at local restaurant.
Optional city experience: Lok Virsa Museum, Centaurus Mall, Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Start: Skardu → Islamabad
Flight Time: ~1 hr
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time to relax or shop before departure.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Drop-off at Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Start: Islamabad → Airport
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up & drop (Islamabad)
- Domestic flight (Islamabad ↔ Skardu)
- Motorcycle + support vehicle
- Basic spare parts & backup transport
- Experienced ride leader and mechanic
- Twin-sharing hotel accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Crew food & accommodation costs
- Jeep support where required
- National park or pass entry fees (as per itinerary)
What’s Not Included
- Motorcycle fuel / petrol
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs)
- Tips for guide, driver, or staff
- Optional activities (e.g., rafting, horse-riding)
- Travel insurance or evacuation costs
- Extra costs due to road closures, weather, or natural events
- Sightseeing tickets not listed
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.
