General

Itinerary

Day 1
Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel in Rawalpindi. The city is sprawling with enormous and complicated bazaars where you can easily get lost, but it’s a great fun to explore the places before meeting up for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 2
After flying to Skardu, we lunch and enjoy a jeep ride which takes 2 to 3 hours on a spectacular road beside the Indus to the village of Khapl we check into our hotel sitting high above the village with stunning views of Hushe Valley.
Day 3
Today is an acclimatisation day to either go for a short ride, 16 km, or, if we feel strong, go for a longer one, 50 km, up the Thalley Valley. There will be time to explore the old polo field and the beautiful, 600 year-old Rajah’s Palace.
Day 4
Test out our lungs with an undulating ride across nullahs or small river valleys to the start of the Hushe River Valley. Overnight in the highest village in the area at 3100 m (10,200 ft) with 7,821 m (25,659 ft) Masherbrum (aka K1) dominating the valley.
Day 5
Following the eastern banks of the Shyok River to Kiris, we pass through a succession of small and lush villages. It is a full day’s ride to our hotel in Skardu, the gateway for all expeditions to K2, the second highest mountain in the world.
Day 6
It is a relatively decent tarmac road out of Skardu which climbs steeply to the beautiful Satpara Lake and continues up on to the Deosai Plateau. Our aim is to reach the start of the national park and set up our camp (4100 m) close to a lake.
Day 7
On the Deosai Plateau Proper it’s only a short climb to the Chachur Pass (4200 m/13,780 ft). Beyond Sheosar Lake, we a downhill blast and camp at 4200 m in the shadow of the mighty Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world.
Day 8
We have time for a short exploration in the morning before a fantastic descent to the small bazaar town of Astor where we leave the Deosai. Depending on our progress we will look for a camp somewhere in the shade around Muskin.
Day 9
We cycle downhill into the roaring Indus Valley and cross the river for a climb onto its western bank to reach the Karakoram Highway. It’s then a rolling route to Gilgit, another fascinating town to take in the sights and sounds of Hunza at the bazaar.
Day 10
Today is our first day off the bikes in seven days! We load our bikes onto the support vehicles for a drive up the KKH to the Hunza Valley, a journey of about 4 hours. Once we arrive in Karimbad we will explore this old capital city and the dramatic Balti and Alti Forts.
Day 11
Exploring Hunza’s once rival state of Nagar, bike down and cross the Karakoram Highway into the Nagar Valley for a well-earned lunch at the “Hopar Hilton”. We again take a downhill to Karimabad with a last short climb to finish you off nicely!
Day 12
The first section of the ride is extremely relaxing and beautiful as we leave the main road and cross the river to join part of the original caravan route of the Silk Road. We celebrate our last night of camping in the gardens of the Mir’s house in Chalt.
Day 13
From Chalt, we again join the KKH for a short while and soon re-cross the river on a wild foot bridge and join the old road to Gilgit from Naltar. In the afternoon you can do some shopping or simply relax before packing the bikes for the journey home.
Day 14
After an early breakfast, we will go to Gilgit Airport and catch the flight to Islamabad. The afternoon is free to explore the bustling Raja Bazaar.
Day 15
After breakfast we’ll transfer you to the airport for onward travel.