Ride through the heart of Northern Pakistan’s Hindukush mountains on this 13-day motorcycle tour by South Asia Travel. From the towering high plains of Deosai to the traditional cultures of Swat, Kalash and Kumrat valleys, this route blends world-class roads, ancient traditions, and scenic landscapes for an unforgettable experience.
Overview
This unique motorcycle journey with South Asia Travel connects Pakistan’s stunning highland landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Ride from the alpine plains of Deosai, through lush valleys, forest roads, and remote villages of the Hindukush range. Experience the celebrated cultures of Kalash and Kumrat, explore high mountain passes like Badgoi and Shandur, and soak up the natural beauty of Swat Valley — often called the “Switzerland of the East.” Every day blends thrilling riding with authentic local experiences.
Highlights
- Deosai National Park (high alpine plains with lakes & flowers)
- Sadpara Lake & Sheosar Lake
- Raikot Bridge & Zero Point Chilas
- Swat Valley & Kalam
- Usho Forest & Mahodand Lake
- Kumrat Valley & Badgoi Pass
- Kalash Valley & Kalasha cultural sites
- Booni & Ayun Valley
- Shandur Pass (world’s highest polo ground)
- Phander Lake & Khalti Lake
- Gupis Valley
- Indus River scenic roads
- Astak Nala & Shangrila Lake on return to Skardu
Itinerary
Warm welcome at Skardu Airport by the South Asia Travel team.
Transfer to your hotel (approx. 30 minutes).
Welcome lunch at hotel.
Pick up motorcycles and enjoy a short test ride.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Skardu.
Distance: ~10km • Time: ~30 minutes • End Point: Skardu
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride into Deosai National Park, the world’s second highest alpine plateau.
Stop at Sadpara Lake for photos and views.
Ride along high plains toward Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and Sheosar Lake.
Lunch en route.
Dinner and overnight stay in Astore.
Distance: ~150km • Time: ~6 hours • End Point: Astore
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride from Astore toward Besham following river roads.
Lunch en route.
Visit Raikot Bridge, Zero Point Chilas, and Indus River Viewpoint.
Dinner and overnight in Besham.
Distance: ~315km • Time: ~10 hours • End Point: Besham
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride towards Swat Valley via scenic roads.
Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
Visit Besham City, Shangla Top, and Bahrain.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kalam Valley.
Distance: ~140km • Time: ~6 hours • End Point: Kalam
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride through Usho Forest toward Matiltan Lake, Saifullah Lake, and Mahodand Lake.
Picnic lunch with mountain views.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kalam.
Distance: ~90km • Time: ~3–4 hours • End Point: Kalam
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Kumrat Valley via Badgoi Pass and Thal Village.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore lush valleys, flowing rivers, and pine forests.
Dinner and overnight in Kumrat Valley.
Distance: ~180km • Time: ~7–8 hours • End Point: Kumrat
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Kalash Valley through scenic valleys and mountain passes.
Lunch en route.
Arrive in Kalash Valley and explore village roads and landscapes.
Dinner and overnight in Kalash Valley.
Distance: ~190km • Time: ~7–8 hours • End Point: Kalash Valley
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day exploring Kalash traditions, including visits to local villages, the Kalash Museum, and cultural sites.
Lunch at a local spot.
Dinner and overnight in Kalash Valley.
Distance: Local adventure / easy ride • End Point: Kalash Valley
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Booni via Ayun Valley and Chitral township.
Lunch en route.
Panoramic views of the Hindukush high peaks and river valleys.
Dinner and overnight stay in Booni.
Distance: ~110km • Time: ~5–6 hours • End Point: Booni
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Shandur Pass (3,700m) — known as the “World’s Highest Polo Ground.”
Lunch with mountain views.
Visit Buni Zom (6,542m), Shandur Lake, and enjoy local scenery.
Dinner and overnight in Phander.
Distance: ~100km • Time: ~7 hours • End Point: Phander
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride toward Gilgit via Gupis Valley with incredible river scenery.
Visit Phander Lake and Khalti Lake.
Lunch en route.
Dinner and overnight in Gilgit City.
Distance: ~170km • Time: ~10 hours • End Point: Gilgit
Breakfast at hotel.
Ride back toward Skardu via mountains and river roads.
Stop at Astak Nala and Indus River viewpoint.
Lunch en route.
Visit Shangrila Lake and other nearby attractions.
Dinner and overnight in Skardu.
Distance: ~200km • Time: ~5–6 hours • End Point: Skardu
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time to shop, relax, or explore small local sites.
Transfer to Skardu Airport for departure.
End Point: Skardu Airport
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (Skardu).
- Motorcycles + backup 4×4 support vehicle.
- Mechanic & spare parts support.
- Experienced local ride leader.
- Twin-sharing hotel accommodation.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Crew food & accommodation.
- Optional pillion transport.
- National park/pass fees where applicable
What’s Not Included
- Motorcycle petrol / fuel.
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs).
- Sightseeing fees not listed.
- Tips for guide/driver/support staff.
- Optional activities (rafting, boating, horse riding).
- Personal insurance and medical evacuation costs.
- Additional costs from weather delays or roadblocks 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.