Ride through the heart of northern Pakistan on this 11-day motorcycle journey. Experience high mountain roads, deep valleys, alpine plains, and legendary passes including Khunjerab Pass. Explore Deosai, Hunza, Passu, Shimshal, Chapursan, and Skardu on an unforgettable adventure.
Overview
This 11-day ride from South Asia Travel will take you on a stunning journey through some of the highest and most breathtaking regions of Pakistan. Ride from the mountain city of Skardu into the vast plains of Deosai National Park and onward through mountain valleys of Hunza, Passu, Shimshal, and Chapursan. Conquer the world-famous Khunjerab Pass and take in views of snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and unique local cultures as you go.
Highlights
- Deosai National Park (High alpine plains)
- Sadpara Lake & Sheosar Lake
- Hunza Valley & Altit Fort
- Hopper Valley & Glacier
- Attabad Lake & Passu Cones
- Shimshal Valley (Adventure off-road)
- Chapursan Valley & Sost Town
- Khunjerab Pass — World’s Highest Border
- Minapin Village in Nagar Valley
- Astak Nala & Shangrila Lake en route to Skardu
Itinerary
Warm welcome at Skardu Airport by the South Asia Travel team.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Motorcycle handover and short test ride around the city.
Ride to Chunda Valley with its green fields and mountain views.
Dinner and overnight in Skardu.
Start: Skardu Airport • Distance: ~25 km • Time: ~3 hours
End: Skardu
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride to Shigarthang Valley, following the Lungma River.
Visit Sok Village and Boolcho Village for local culture and scenery.
Lunch at a local spot.
Return to Skardu for dinner and overnight.
Distance: ~100 km • Time: ~7 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Deosai National Park — the world’s second highest plateau.
Stop at Sadpara Lake for photos.
Ride deep into Deosai to Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and Sheosar Lake.
Dinner and overnight stay in Astore.
Distance: ~200 km • Time: 7–8 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride through scenic valleys toward Hunza Valley.
Visit the junction of the world’s three highest mountain ranges, Nanga Parbat Viewpoint, Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Altit Fort, and stroll Karimabad Bazaar.
Dinner and overnight in Hunza.
Distance: ~200 km • Time: ~5 hours
Early breakfast and ride to Hopper Valley & Glacier.
Continue to Attabad Lake and pass through the Pak-China Friendship Tunnels.
Ride to Passu and enjoy views of the famous Passu Cones.
Dinner and overnight in Passu.
Distance: ~80 km • Time: ~5 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride the dramatic roads to Shimshal Valley (one of the most remote valleys).
Visit Shimshal Village, off-road cliffs and high pastures.
Lunch and return to Passu.
Dinner and overnight stay in Passu.
Distance: ~120 km • Time: ~7 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Chapursan Valley via Sost Town.
Visit Baba Ghundi Ziarat, Chapursan Valley’s last settlement in the Karakoram.
Lunch and return to Passu.
Dinner and overnight in Passu.
Distance: ~160 km • Time: ~7 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride to Khunjerab Pass — the world’s highest paved international border crossing (Pakistan-China).
Visit Khunjerab National Park, highest ATM, and scenic viewpoints.
Lunch on the way.
Return to Passu for dinner and overnight.
Distance: ~240 km • Time: ~7 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride along the Karakoram Highway toward Minapin Village in Nagar Valley.
Views of Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Rakaposhi Peak from riverside roads.
Dinner and overnight in Minapin.
Distance: ~80 km • Time: ~4 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride back toward Skardu via the Karakoram Highway.
Enjoy scenic stops at Astak Nala and Shangrila Lake.
Dinner and overnight stay in Skardu.
Distance: ~270 km • Time: ~5–6 hours
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time to relax, pack, or explore areas like Kharpocho Fort or Sarfaranga Cold Desert (time permitting).
Transfer to Skardu Airport for departure.
End: Skardu Airport
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up & drop
- Motorcycles & backup transport
- Basic spare parts & support mechanic
- Professional and experienced ride leader
- Hotel accommodation (twin-sharing)
- All three meals daily
- Crew food & accommodation for support staff
- Optional pillion transport
- Campfire, music night, BBQ (as available)
What’s Not Included
- Motorcycle petrol
- Sightseeing entrance tickets
- Tips for guide/driver
- Personal expenses
- Extra due to roadblocks or natural events
- Optional activities (rafting, boating, horse riding)
- Personal insurance
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.
