"It burns in my heart with intense heat, revealing the mysteries along my path." Sultan Bahu
PURE PAKISTAN
Motorcycle Tours
Ride the KARAKORAM HIGHWAY
HUNZA and SKARDU
Gilgit Baltistan
Pure Pakistan tour is our ultimate Northern experience.
A combination of both the Hunza and Skardu areas and gives a depth of experience into what makes Pakistan pure. We traverse through scenery of the highest mountain ranges in the world, Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindukush. Ride along the majestic Karakoram Highway to Khunjerab Pass on the China Pakistan border, roll through the rugged high peaks surrounding Skardu in the arms of cold deserts and experience the vast plains of Deosai National park.
This is a true connection to the core trip of a lifetime ensuring the ultimate motorcycling adventure.
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Tour Dates 2025
13th - 30th July 2025 - Book This Tour
30th August - 16th September 2025 - Book This Tour
20th September - 7th October 2025 - Book This Tour
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2025 Price - $6280 AUD *details below
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The Route 2025 - 18 Days
DAY 01: ISLAMABAD arrival day
We meet and greet, includes airport pick up if required. Dinner at a delicious local resaurant followed by coffee and ice cream at monal look out.
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DAY 02: SKARDU - SOQ VALLEY
We take a domestic flight to Skardu. Collect the bikes and ride a short way to Kuchura Lake and Soq valley for the night.
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DAY 03: SOQ VALLEY - GILGIT
Heading out from Skardu area we ride along the Indus river, following it all the way to Gilgit.
DAY 04: GILGIT to KARIMABAD
Today we head out on the Karakoram Highway for a spectacular ride to the old hillside town of Karimabad. The fantastic road and easy ride are a good introduction and give us a chance to become familiar with the bikes. Stopping at Rakaposhi view and the old silk route along the way. We have the option to meander through villages, across fascinating bridges and ride sections of the southern spur of the old silk route that connected from Kashgar to Taxila. In the afternoon we visit Altit Fort and experience sunset at Duikar/Eagles nest.
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DAY 05: KARIMABAD
After a delicious local breakfast we explore the market as we walk up to Baltit Fort, perched high upon the hill overlooking the valley and town. Delving into the ancient history of the silk route and the Mogul empire as well as the strong cultural and ethnic relations with Ladakh and Tibet. This region is steeped in rich cutural heritage with a diverse ethnicity over the entire Kashmiri Hunza Kingdom. Burusho, Xik, Tajik, Hunzakuts and Wakhi people all call this area home. You will likely pick up mutliple languages being spoken aside from the common Urdu. Our Hunza team speak Burushaski when conversing with each other and others who help and support our trips also speak Wakhi and Shina. We explore Baltit Fort gaining a greater understanding of the area and its historical place as a centre point of the region.
We also have an option for an afternoon ride to Hopar Valley, rural villages and massive glaciers, the glaciers are the life source of this arid landscape, crucial to the surival of the people.
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DAY 06: KARIMABAD to PASSU
Today we leave Karimabad and begin riding further north through the rugged peaks towards the spires of Passu Cones. Break points on our route are Attobad Lake, and Hussaini Bridge. We have the chance to test our fear of heights on the wobbly wooden planks of Hussaini suspension bridge and be mesmerised by the fast flowing waters below. Attabad Lake is deep and vast with vivid azure/turquoise waters. It was formed via a massive landslide, where many lives were lost. Some say there is an eerie sadness lingering in the air. But the towering mountains stand like sentinels around the lakes shores, watching over in Peace.
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DAY 07: KHUNJERAB PASS and back to PASSU
We ride to Khunjerab Pass, the China/Pakistan border and the highest border crossing in the world, surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers around every turn! The silence and aura of this place is in a whole other world... we may be lucky to hear the roar of a Snow Leopard across the valley. After visiting the border we return to Passu.
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DAY 08: PASSU
Today is a choice of a rest day around Passu or for those not wanting to have a break there is the option of off road riding exploration to Shimshal or Charpursan valleys or trekking around Passu suspension bridge and the surrounding villages.
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DAY 09: PASSU to GILGIT*
We ride directly back to Gilgit. Have a relaxing evening before heading off to the second stage of our ride. Tomorrow the roads get rougher and the riding more adventurous.
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DAY 10: GILGIT to ASTOR/RAMA
With an early start heading out of Gilgit onto the Karakraom Highway we stop at the junction point of Karakarom, Himalaya and Hindukush ranges before leaving the highway to the beautiful journey into Astore Valley. After riding through Astore town we head further up the mountain to the small Hamlet of Rama Meadows. Afternoon walk to Rama lake. Walking with views of mountains all around, it is a beautiful lush green spot and very different to the arid rocky areas of Passu and Skardu.. The altitude at Rama is 3507 metres. We ride back to our hotel on the outskirts of Astor
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DAY 11: SKARDU and crossing DEOSAI
Leaving Astor and heading higher up the mountians towards Deosai the road winds through forests and green pastures following a swift flowing creek. People say they find their soul in Deosai and part of their spirits stay here for ever. Deosai National Park at an altitude of 4114 metres is the second highest open grass plains in the world and home to Himalayan Brown Bear. It's a fun adventure ride. In summer the plains are covered in stunning displays of wildflowers.
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DAY 12: SKARDU to SHIGAR
Morning visit to Skardu Fort ruins and the local Bazaar. Heading out of Skardu we ride into the cold desert, experiencing the otherworldliness of this vast arid landscape. The route takes us through Katpana and Shigar, across long suspension bridges and to the old Shigar Fort. Spending a night in the quiet of Shigar village.
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DAY 13: SHIGAR to KHAPLU
Following the Shyok River we ride for 4 hours closer to the giant mountains. Heading furhter east to Khaplu and Saling. This is a humbling ride surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. We explore ancient forts, ride side by side with the Shyok River which flows directly from Ladakh and immerse ourselves in local culture. After relaxing at the hotel we head to Saling for sunset across the rocky river flats where golden light touches the mountain spires around Haldi cones.
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DAY 14: KHAPLU
This is our second well deserved rest day. Exploring around Khaplu market and a visit to the Khaplu fort. Free time to explore the local area.
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DAY 15: KHAPLU to HUSHE back to KHAPLU
In the morning we begin the ride up the valley towards Hushe. Views of Masherbrum draw us closer to the giants on this fun off road journey. Taking us deep into the mountains Hushe is the last and highest village before one of the main entry trekking points into the Karakoram National park. The trek from K2 and the Gondogoro La crossing finishes here, the end of the road as it were.
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DAY 16: KHAPLU to SKARDU
Today we retrun to Skardu and this is our last day on the bikes.
DAY 17: ISLAMABAD
We take a domestic flight from Skardu to Islamabad, free time in afternoon or explore Islamabad.
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DAY 18: ISLAMABAD
This is a buffer day to allow for the possibilities of flight cancellations, landslides or any other unforseen factors that may arise. Otherwise we spend the day exploring in Islamabad area
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2025 Price guide - 18 Day
Price = $6280 Aussie Dollars AUD
Single room Supplement ~ add $990 = $7270 AUD
all rooms are twin share unless single supplement is selected.
Pillion/buddy rider (for your friend or partner riding with you) or support car seat ~ less $320 = $5960 AUD
To confirm your spot on this tour we require a deposit payment of $530AUD
Deposit - 13th - 30th July 2025 - BOOK NOW
Deposit - 30th August - 16th September 2025 - BOOK NOW
Deposit - 20th September - 7th October 2025 - BOOK NOW
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​WHAT'S INCLUDED
- accommodation 18 nights, twin share unless single supplement is requested.
- daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- motorbike and mechanics including fuel.
- entry to forts, Khunerjab and Deosai National Parks.
- skilled motorcycle English/Urdu speaking, first aid accredited guide.
- support vehicle, carrying first aid and mineral water.
- internal flight Islamabad to Skardu return or van/car transfer.​
- letter of invitation to visit Pakistan. (needed to obtain entry tourism visa)
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- international flights and internal transport outside of trip dates.
- Travel Insurance, you must have your own travel insurance with adventure travel component. Legally an international drivers licence is required to ride in Pakistan. While on the ground no one cares and police won't check and most locals don't have any licence at all... the insurance company will no doubt not cover you if you do not have a valid international licence. For your own insurance purposes we recommend that you have a motorcycle licence and can legally ride a bike of 150cc. If you choose to ride without an international licence it is your own responsibility.
- visa, you will need to arrange this via the instructions from Pakistan embassy or high commission within your own country. Currently all visas are applied for using the Nadra online portal. We will provide support during your applicaton process.
- extra snacks, drinks and unlimited Chai.
THE FINE PRINT
This is an adventure ride, it is expected you have experience on a motorcycle in a variety of conditions including dusty, rough roads and are able to cope with creek crossings.
Travel in Pakistan is unpredictable, that's part of what makes it so exciting. We have to be open minded and flexible. Conditions in the mountains vary from season to season and at times we may need to alter routes or other tour details. That's why you travel with us so that if anything arises we take care of it and the journey continues stress free.
When booking a spot on our tours or bike freedom hire you will need to sign a waiver releasing Karakoram Bikers pty ltd Australia and Karakoram Bikers Pakistan from any liability related to any aspect of our tours and bike hire.
You must have your own travel insurance to come on our tours. Insurance companies do cover the areas around Skardu and Hunza. Please select the adventure insurance options that cover motorcycles and altitude.
Contact us to discuss this trip and any other questions you may have about our adventure travel. We love to help you :)
The rocky landscape of the Indus River out past Khaplu
Hussaini Suspension Bridge While riding north through the rugged peaks and jagged spires of Passu Cones we take a break and we have the chance to test our fear of heights on the wobbly wooden planks of the Hussaini Bridge while being mesmerised by the fast flowing waters below.
One of the many bridges that line the meandering alternate route along the Karakoram Highway and mark the access points to the old silk route.
Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world. The ride through the Khunjerab National Park to the border is majestic and the scenery vast.
Deosai Plains People say they find their soul in Deosai and part of their spirits stay here for ever. We ride through this rich landscape on the rooftop of the world. Deosai National Park is home to the highest open grass plains in the world and the Himalayan Brown Bear.
The wide arching curves of the Karakoram Highway make for fantastic riding experience near Passu.
Bridge to Skardu This bridge marks the start of the ride to Skardu from the Karakroam Highway. Its a rugged and beautiful road following the Indus River.
If time permits and weather is good we can venture out onto the waters of this beautifully vivid azure lake in one of the colourful boats that line the shores.
Attabad Lake, Hunza The Lake is a deep and vast lake with vivid azure/turquoise waters and it was formed via a massive landslide, where many lives were lost. Some say there is an eerie sadness lingering in the air. But the towering mountains stand like sentinels around the lakes shores, watching over in Peace.
