Karakoram Explorer, Pakistan | 13 days
Highlights
Explore the three highest mountain ranges on earth, The Himalayas, The Hindu Kush, & the Karakoram.
Duration
12 nights, 13 days, 11 riding days
Total Distance
1900 km(1181miles)
from
2,340€
Tour Overview
This tour is for you if you are into Adventure riding and want to experience a country that is sorely misunderstood, less traveled, and stunningly beautiful, all this with some of the best Adventure riding you could have.
Get up close and personal to some of the highest mountains on earth, explore remote valleys that see very few travelers, and cross unique landscapes found nowhere else on earth.
Forget what you think you know, or have read about Pakistan, this is a country that always surprises with the friendliness of its people and the great riding opportunities it provides. Of the 14 mountains in the world that are over 8000m, five of them are in Northern Pakistan no wonder, this area of the country is called "The Land of Giants".
Tour dates: 23 August - 3 September 2026
- Start/Finish: Skardu
- Accomodation: Cosy hotels and family houses
- Tour dates: Calendar
- Highlights: Explore the three highest mountain ranges on earth, The Himalayas, The Hindu Kush, & the Karakoram.
- Duration: 13 days, 12 nights, 11 riding days
- Guide language: English, Russian,
- Group: 4 - 8 members
- Terrain character: Road tour, with some terrain on hard gravel and options for advanced offroad
Day by day schedule:
Day 1. Skardu
When you land at Skardu on the morning flight from Islamabad, we will meet you and transport you to your hotel, where your bike will be waiting for you at the hotel. Feel free to jump on one of the bikes and take it for a spin around town. If you're up for it, we may go and hit the desert to play in the dunes. In the evening, we all have dinner together to get to know each other a little, go through a few do’s and don’ts and answer any last-minute questions you may have.
Day 2. Khaplu (~145km)
The first riding day is a nice, easy day to ease you into the trip. We set off from Skardu and head East following the mighty Indus River, on the far side of the river, you will get great views of Sarfaranga, the world's highest Cold Desert. We visit Manthoka Waterfall for lunch, a beautiful and majestic waterfall located in the Kharmang Valley with crystal clear water, before continuing to our overnight stop in Khaplu.
Day 3. Hushe (~110km)
We travel the Hushe Valley, which is surrounded by some of the highest and most rugged peaks in the world; we have lunch with the dramatic and stunning backdrop of Masherbrum (7,821 meters) and Laila Peak (6,096 meters) in front of us at in the village of Hushe. After Lunch, we travel back via the village of Haldi at the base of the Haldi Cones, an awe-inspiring set of granite mountains that feature dramatic ridges, sharp spires, and towering cliffs, many of which have never been climbed.
Day 4. Sarfaranga (~135km)
We retrace our steps and follow the mighty Indus River downstream before exploring the unique and stunning high-altitude desert of Sarfarange (Also known as the Katpana Desert). Sarfaranga is characterised by vast expanses of white dunes, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape which we will optionally cross before heading back to Skardu for the night.
Day 5. Deosai Plains National Park (~140km)
We cross the Deosai National Park. Also nick-named “Little Mongolia”, at an average altitude of 4110m it is the second-highest plain in the world, populated by Himalayan Brown Bears, Himalayan Wolves, Snow Leopards, Ibex, Marmots, and a bewildering array of migratory birds..
Day 6. Fairy Meadows (~60km)
We take the road to Fairy Meadows, this road was classified by the World Health Organisation in 2014 as being the second deadliest road in the world, but we are not going to ride it the government will not let us ride it, we take a jeep. The jeep gets us close, but we have to walk the final 4.5km to our accommodation, or if you don’t want to walk, you can hire a horse to ride up.
Day 7. Nanga Parbat (The Killer Mountain)
Free day today to optionally take the 17km round trip hike to Nanga Parbat (>8,000m) basecamp, or just go for a gentle stroll to Bayal Camp for lunch and back. The Trek to Nanga Parbat has been described as one of the most spectacular treks in the world. It is fairly easy to do with a moderate level of fitness, although it does feel more strenuous as you climb the 700m to above 4000m. The scenery is spectacular as you follow the Raikot Glacier on your left and get closer to the mountain. You are probably at serious risk of filling your camera's memory card or phone with photos along the way.
Day 8. Hunza (~160km)
We ride the glorious Karakorum Highway to Passu via the Hunza Valley, a breathtakingly beautiful region which has been described as one of the most exotic places in Pakistan, renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring towering mountains, lush green terraces, and sparkling rivers. It is surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks, including Rakaposhi (7,788 meters), Ultar Sar (7,388 meters), and Ladyfinger Peak (6,000 meters) Along the way we stop for Lunch at the remarkable Rakiposhi viewpoint which offers the closest view of Rakaposhi, the world's 27th-highest peak
Day 9. Shimshal (~160km)
We ride the Shimshal Valley Road, a highlight of the trip; this road is both a remarkable and challenging route that was only completed in 2003 after 18 years of construction, until which Shimshal was inaccessible by motor vehicle, requiring a three-day trek over high passes, the road has been described as a man-made ledge clinging to the side of the mountain hundreds of feet above the river. Shimshal itself was founded around four centuries ago by Mamu Singh and his wife Khadija. The village has a rich history and is known for its vibrant culture. The people of Shimshal are primarily Wakhi and speak the Wakhi language. They belong to the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam and follow the spiritual leader Aga Khan.
Day 10. Chapursan (~210km)
One of our favourite valleys, whilst not as dramatic at Shimsla, Chapursan, due to its remote location, remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural beauty and cultural integrity. It is a real hidden treasure, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, and cultural richness. Chapursan is home to the Yazghil Glacier, which offers breathtaking views and Lupghar Sar, standing at 7,200 meters which provides a stunning backdrop to the valley. CHapursan is inhabited by the Wakhi people, who are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. They speak their own Wakhi language and follow the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam.
Day 11. Hoper Glacier (~175km)
We start to retrace our steps South and along the way visit the Hoper Glacier, which is part of the larger Baltoro Glacier system and is surrounded by high peaks such as Spantik (Golden Peak) and Rush Peak, there are also great views back to the peaks of the Hunza Valley. This is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs of your trip, just don’t try to pick and bring back some of the hemp/cannabis plants that are cultivated extensively in this valley. We stay overnight in GIlgit, the capital of GIlgit-Baltistan where you have further opportunity to visit the local bazaar for souvenirs.
Day 12. Skardu (~210km)
After visiting the exact point where the Hindu Kush, Karakorum and the Himalayas converge, we ride Strategic Highway 1 (S-1) that connects Gilgit with Skardu. The road offers great views of the Indus River, the surrounding mountains, and picturesque valleys. The road is winding and, in some places, only wide enough for one vehicle to pass at a time. There are also sections with steep cliffs and no guardrails, making it one of the most dangerous roads in the world. In the evening we will have a goodbye feast and reminisce on all the things we have seen and done.
Day 13. Ismalabad
Today is a sad day as we drop you at Skardu Airport for your return flight to Islamabad. We hope you have had a fantastically memorable time.
What is included in the tour
- Breakfast and dinner
- Hotel Accommodation (Twin Share)
- Motorcycle Hire
- Skardu Airport Transfers
- 4x4 Vehicle to carry your luggage
- Mechanic
- Local Tour Guide
- National Park Entry Fees
Include:
- Fuel
- Travel/Health Insurance
- Entrance fees other than mentioned above
- Alcohol
- Flights
Not included:
Tour pricing:
- Yamaha TTR250 3180 €
- Kove 450 Rally 3560 €
- Suzuki GS 150 2340 €
- Self-guided tour: Price on request
Price per rider:
- Passenger: 1850€
- Single room: 510€
- Deposit motorcycle Kove 450 Rally: 500€
- Deposit motorcycle Yamaha TTR250: 500€
- Deposit motorcycle Suzuki GS 150: 500€
- (The deposit is refundable at 100% upon return of the bike without damage after the end of the tour)