Trips Pakistan

Cycling Along Karakoram Highway

An unforgetable mountain-biking journey along the spectacular Karakoram Highway; descending trails ... moderate & suitable for intermediate cyclists.

The most remarkable bike trip in the world, this KKH Bike Tour takes one through an area said to be the inspiration behind James Hilton's Shangri-La, Hunza. This 14 day bike trip traverses the complete length of the increditble valleys of Gilgit, Hunza, Gulmit, Passu and Sost by way of the Karakoram Highway. The KKH connects Pakistan with China and is considered an engineering feat as it winds through the narrow gorges of this remote mountain kingdom. Completed in 1974, this famous highway follows the old Silk Route, entering China at the Khunjerab Pass ( 4693m ) where our ride begins.

To arrive at our starting point ( Khunjerab Pass ) we fly ( weather permitting ) from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to Gilgit at 1500m. We are then transported by jeeps to the top of Khunjerab Pass in two days with an overnight hotel stay at Gulmit or Sost.

From the crest of the Khunjerab Pass, our downhill bicycle journey takes us to Gulmit in three easy five-hour days. At Gulmit a rest day is scheduled. This provides time for a day hike into the depths of this stunning valley. Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, is our next destination. Here one can do some rugged mountain biking in the nearby glacial valley called Hoper. The last leg of our tour consists of a two day ride to Gilgit. The stupendous wall of Rakaposhi ( 7788m ) rises from the bed of the Hunza River, past the Karakoram Highway with a 6000m gain; honouring it as the steepest place on our planet. With the sight of Rakaposhi rich on our minds, we roll into Gilgit and either fly or drive back to Islamabad.

Overall this is an not-to-be-missed cycling journey over the entire length of the Karakoram Highway !

Highlights

• Karimabad: capital of Hunza, one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and offers spectacular views of many mountain such as Rakaposhi (7788m)
• Passu: a small village where the famous Batura glaicer is situated, beside the Karakoram Highway
• 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