Trips Pakistan

Mountain-biking North Pakistan & Karakoram Highway

An Amazing Mountain-biking Journey through the Great Mountain Ranges of the World (Himalaya, Karakoram & Hindukush) via the Karakoram Highway. Slightly strenuous, suitable for experienced & fit cyclists.

Mountain biking in Northern Pakistan is a very fine adventure among the beautifully snow-caped mountains through the fertile lands and fields. The unique cultures of Hindu Kush Mountains, we bike along fabulous mountain valleys on the un-paved roads.

The true adventure starts at Dir from here climbing up and down the Lowary Pass and bike through the incredible sceneries of Chitral Valley. At Kalash, meeting Kafirs, who are said to be the descendants of Alexander the Great’s Army and have a glimpse of an old life style. Here, you have a chance to experience old culture of Kafirs.

Again, by climb upwards reaching Shandur Pass, the World's Highest Polo Field and then bike through the Ghazar and Punial valleys to reach Gilgit. From Gilgit bike through Asia’s longest suspension bridge to enter into the legendary Karakoram Highway, which reaches Karimabad, capital of former Hunza State. In Hunza visit ancient Baltit Forts standing on mountain cliffs. Eric Shipton had called “Hunza the ultimate manifestation of mountain grandeur”. Hunzukuts are known for their modesty, hospitality and longevity. On the way back to Islamabad, visiting ancient rock carvings at Chilas and Shatial enriches experiences.

Overall this is an not-to-be-missed mountain biking adventure for hard-core cyclists.

Highlights

• Kalash: see the old world of the 'Kafirs', supposedly descendents of Alexander The Great's army
• Shandur Pass: high mountain top area which connects Chitral to Gilgit and which is extremely beautiful
• Karimabad: capital of Hunza, one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and offers spectacular views of many mountain such as Rakaposhi (7788m)
• Khunjerab Pass (4693m): main border crossing between Pakistan & China, marks the end of Karakoram Highway as well as its highest point
• Gilgit: one of 2 hubs for mountaineering expeditions to the Karakorams; also an important city on the Silk Road through which Buddhism was spread from India to the rest of Asia

Included

• Accommodation in standard hotels on twin sharing basis
• Meal Plan: Breakfast only in hotels
• Full board during camping
• English speaking experienced guide
• Assistant Guide (for groups above 07 members)
• Air-conditioned mini van for group members
• Soft top non air-conditioned Willy jeep for kitchen & camping equipment
• All road taxes
• Entrance fee at sites and museums
• Camping fees
• Two men Standard North Face VE 25 or Ferrino tents during camp nights
• Mattresses, Mess tent, Toilet Tent
• Cook & Helper (for groups above 04 members)
• Kitchen tent and Kitchen utensils during camp nights
• Boats, camels etc. and all other applicable transport

Excluded

• 2-way international economy class return airfares between Singapore & Islamabad
• All airport taxes and fuel surcharges
• Pakistan travel visa, if applicable
• Tipping & gratuities to guide & driver
• Personal travel insurance, pre-trip medical immunizations, and all expenses of a personal nature