Ride through the heart of Northern Pakistan on this breathtaking 11-day motorcycle journey. From Islamabad to Skardu, Deosai High Plains, Hunza Valley, Passu Cones, Shimshal Valley and the legendary Khunjerab Pass — this tour offers thrilling roads, dramatic mountains, and unforgettable alpine scenery.
Overview
This 11-day expedition with South Asia Travel explores Northern Pakistan’s most iconic mountain landscapes. Beginning in Islamabad, you fly to Skardu and ride through sweeping valleys, high alpine plains, and along the legendary Karakoram Highway. You’ll pass lakes, rugged passes, and cultural villages before reaching Khunjerab Pass — the highest paved border crossing in the world. Along the way, ride through Shimshal Valley, marvel at Passu Cones, and enjoy a powerful mix of adventure, culture, and unparalleled scenery.
Highlights
- Skardu & Shangrila Lake vistas
- Deosai National Park high plains
- Hunza Valley & Karimabad Bazaar
- Rakaposhi and Altit Fort viewpoints
- Hopper Valley & Glacier
- Attabad Lake & Pak-China Friendship Tunnels
- Passu Cones scenic highway ride
- Khunjerab Pass — world’s highest paved border
- Shimshal Valley off-road thrills
- Astak Nala, Indus River, and dramatic mountain roads
Itinerary
Warm welcome at Islamabad International Airport by the South Asia Travel team.
Transfer to hotel (approx. 30-minute drive).
Check-in, relax, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Start: Islamabad Airport • Distance: 25 km • Time: ~30 min
Early breakfast and domestic flight to Skardu.
Arrival, lunch at a local restaurant.
Pick up motorcycles and enjoy a short scenic ride to Chunda Valley or Kachura Valley, known for meadows, lakes, and mountain views.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Chunda/Kachura.
Start: Skardu • Distance: ~25 km • Time: ~1 hr
Breakfast at your hotel.
Ride toward Deosai National Park — the second-highest plateau on earth.
Stop at Sadpara Lake for photos.
Continue through high alpine plains to Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and Sheosar Lake, surrounded by wildflowers and snow peaks.
Dinner and overnight stay in Astore region.
Start: Chunda/Kachura • Distance: ~150 km • Time: ~6 hrs
Breakfast at the hotel.
Ride toward Hunza Valley via scenic mountain roads following river valleys.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Altit Fort, and walk through Karimabad Bazaar.
Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Hunza.
Start: Astore • Distance: ~195 km • Time: ~5 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Local exploration ride: Hoppar Village & Glacier, Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint, and Karimabad Bazaar.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Enjoy panoramic mountain views and village life.
Dinner at hotel and overnight stay in Hunza.
Start: Hunza • Distance: ~60 km • Time: ~1–2 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride through Hopper Valley, past Attabad Lake and the scenic Pak-China Friendship Tunnels.
Continue toward Passu, home of the jagged Passu Cones.
Dinner and overnight stay in Passu.
Start: Hunza • Distance: ~80 km • Time: ~2–3 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) — the highest paved border in the world, with stunning alpine scenery.
Visit Sost Town, Khunjerab National Park, and the famous high-altitude ATM.
Lunch en route and return to Passu.
Dinner and overnight in Passu.
Start: Passu • Distance: ~120 km • Time: ~6–7 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Shimshal Valley — one of the most remote settlements in the Karakoram, with dramatic cliff roads and rugged scenery.
Lunch at a local cafe/spot.
Return to Passu for dinner and overnight stay.
Start: Passu • Distance: ~150 km • Time: ~4–5 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Long scenic ride through dramatic terrain toward Skardu, following rivers and valleys.
Stop at Astak Nala, Indus River viewpoint, and Shangrila Lake for pictures and lunch.
Dinner and overnight stay in Skardu.
Start: Passu • Distance: ~330 km • Time: ~6 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Domestic flight from Skardu back to Islamabad (approx. 1 hour).
Lunch in Islamabad.
Optional city tour: Faisal Mosque, Centaurus Mall, Daman-e-Koh.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Start: Skardu • Flight: ~1 hr
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time to relax or shop before departure.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
End of tour.
Start: Islamabad • End: Islamabad Airport
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Islamabad)
- Domestic flight (Skardu – Islamabad)
- Motorcycle rental + backup 4×4 support vehicle
- Mechanic & spare parts support
- Experienced ride leader
- Twin-sharing hotel accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Crew food and accommodation
- Pillion/ passenger transport (optional)
- National park/pass entry fees
What’s Not Included
- Motorcycle petrol / fuel
- Sightseeing entrance tickets not listed
- Tips for guides or support staff
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, extra meals)
- Boating, rafting, horse-riding, or optional activities
- Personal insurance or evacuation costs
- Costs due to weather/road closures not in control of organizer
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.