Motorbike Karakoram Highway Tour 15 Days
Day 1
- Arrive at the Meeting Point/Islamabad Airport where you will be received by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel.
- Today, we will explore some of the sights the capital has to offer such as the Faisal Mosque, which is nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills and inspired by strong Islamic cultural characteristics.
- In the evening, we will have a briefing ahead of the trip ahead during a welcome dinner.
- Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Day 2
- After breakfast, we will be transferred to Islamabad Airport where we will be taking a domestic flight to Skardu. From here, we will travel by jeep on an off-the-beaten track along the Indus River to the village of Khaplu where we will check in to our hotel for the evening.
- Khaplu has a beautiful landscape with high summits, flowing blue waters and waterfalls all of which we will bear witness to as we make our way across this sprawling village situated on the banks of the Shyok River.
- Overnight stay in Khaplu.
Day 3
- Today guests will be allocated their motorbikes and provided the opportunity to acclimatize themselves to the high altitude. Dependent on guest preference, we will have the option of embarking on a 15km ride or a 50km ride to Thalay Valley, which is one of the most picturesque and beautiful areas in the district of Ghanche.
- Time permitting we may have the opportunity to explore the old polo field at the Raja’s Palace which traces back to over 600 years ago.
- Overnight stay in Thalay Valley? (query with FB)
Day 4
- On the next leg of the journey, we will ride across small ravines to reach Hushe Valley which is made up of a number of sub-valleys and villages all nestled between the Hunshe River and the K1 peak or as the locals call it, Masherbrum, which stands at a proud 7,821m above sea level.
- Providing excellent views of the Karakoram peaks this part of Pakistan is bound to leave you feeling inspired with its natural beauty and friendly locals.
- Overnight stay in Hunshe Valley? (query with FB)
Day 5
- Today, we will be riding across the eastern banks of the Shyok River to Kiris which is renowned for its lush green meadows. On the bike, it will take the entirety of the day to reach our hotel in Skardu where we will be taking some rest. Skardu being the gateway for any and all expeditions to the second highest mountain in the world, namely the K2 peak.
- Overnight stay in Skardu.
Day 6
- From Skardu, we will visit the ethereal Satpara Lake to enjoy the breathtaking views before making our way to Deosai National Park otherwise known as the “Land of Giants.”
- This is a high altitude alpine plateau elevated at 4,000m above sea levels and with views of the Himalayas. With its unexplainable beauty, we will be exploring the flora and fauna of this wildlife wilderness and keeping an eye out for the many endangered species of animals, which call this park home such as the Himalayan Brown Bears, Golden Marmots and Tibetan Wolves.
- We will set up camp for our first night at Deosai National Park.
Day 7
- Today, we will continue exploring the vast grounds within this UNESCO site trying to spot wildlife.
- For early risers, waking up in the midst of these gently rolling hills to witness the sun rise across the plains is sure to be a treat.
- Whilst here, we will be making our way through the park to take in the views of the Sheosar Lake, Kala Pani and Bara Pani all against the backdrop of the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain the world.
- We will set up camp for our second night at Deosai National Park.
Day 8
- (Need to query this day with Farman Baig)
Day 9
- Leaving early, we will begin our travels to Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway; once an important facet of the “Silk Road” route and now considered as the 8th wonder of the world.
- Gilgit, which was once a Buddhist centre in its earlier days now serves as a Pakistani-administered sector in the region of Kashmir and is situated in the Karakoram range of mountains.
- Overnight stay in Gilgit.
Day 10
- Today, we will be leaving our bikes behind and heading to Hunza Valley on a road-trip.
- We will ride to Baltit Fort, once a prime seat of power and now a UNESCO site with a rich history that can be traced back to over 700 years ago.
- Riding in this extreme northern part of Pakistan and deep within the Karakoram Mountains will provide for several opportunities for guests to stop and sightsee at nearby towns and valleys along the way.
- Next, we will take a private tour of the dungeons at Altit Fort which is situated in the revered royal gardens of Hunza where lush apricot trees and cherry blossoms are plentiful.
- Later, we will ride to Duikar’s vantage point to witness the sun set over the Karakoram Range in the company of 6 giant peaks that extend 6,000m above sea level.
- Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley.
Day 11
- With its serene village life, we will be back on our bikes making our way to Nagar Valley, a delectable green grassland which is home to Rakkaposhi and the peaks of Diran, Rush and Golden.
- We will explore the local area and have lunch at “Hopper Hilton” before returning to Karimabad where we can take a wander through the eclectic markets of central Hunza.
- Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley? (query with FB)
Day 12
- This morning, we will leave the main road and cross the river to join the original caravan route of the “Silk Road” on the Karakoram Highway.
- From here, we will make our way to Chalt, a hidden gem in Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its unexplored scenic beauty.
- We will set up camp for in the gardens of the Mir’s house in Chalt.
Day 13
- From Chalt, we will join the Karakoram Highway again before re-crossing the river on a wild foot bridge in order to join the old to Gilgit from Naltar
- The afternoon will be left free to explore the local area, carry out some shopping or simply relaxing before we pack the bikes for our journey home.
- Overnight stay in Gilgit? (query with FB)
Day 14
- Today, guests will take the domestic flight back to Islamabad from Gilgit Airport and the rest of the day can be spent relaxing.
- On arrival, the afternoon will be left free to explore the twin-city of Rawalpindi, which offers a slice of the real Pakistan with the hustle and bustle of its Raja Bazaar and Moti Bazaar where a story is to be told wherever you look. Experience the exotic smells, taste the local offerings and interact with the locals in a market, which is a full myriad of colours.
- Overnight stay in Islamabad (query cancelled flights, room in itinerary – with FB)
Day 15
- After a hearty breakfast and a bittersweet farewell, guests will be transferred to Islamabad Airport/Departure Point in time for their international flights/pick-up
