A 12 day bike trip of Northern Pakistan from Islamabad to the China Border
12 Days
Pakistan
14th-25th June
Experience Pakistan like never before and discover why it’s quickly becoming a favorite travel destination worldwide. This thrilling 12-day motorbike trip through Northern Pakistan takes you on an epic ride from Islamabad to the China Border.
Trip highlights
Islamabad
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
Ataabad Lake
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
Fairy Meadows
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
Nanga Parbat base camp
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
What's included
Accommodation for 12 nights based on twin sharing (2 persons per room). Single occupancy available at an additional cost. (If adding in Lahore 13 nights accommodation)
Experienced expedition leader(s) traveling with the group from Islamabad.
Experienced translator for local languages and dialects.
Personal driver and escort for safety and logistics support during excursions.
Internal transport in Pakistan / Gilgit-Baltistan where required
3 hearty meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Private airport pickup and drop-off
Off-road vehicles where required.
Local entertainment when available
Historical sites, access fees, and guides where applicable.
,Meals & drinks – apart from those stated, Personal spending money,Optional tours or activities,Any Laundry costs,Tips to guides/driver,Any applicable Medical Vaccinations, Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad
weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances
beyond our control and Personal Expenses such as shopping, laundry, alcohol, sim cards,
Daily itinerary
Day 1 Islamabad
We will pick you up from Islamabad airport when you land. You can arrive any time before noon (we can accommodate pick up and arrangement of stay if you’d prefer to come a few days earlier!). Most flights arrive early, so you can rest in the hotel.
Our journey begins in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. Translating as ‘City of Islam’, Islamabad was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital, though there’s evidence that humans have lived in the area for many thousands of years.
We will kick start today without wasting anytime. Your day begins with an Afghan BBQ. We will visit the famous Faisal Mosque, the fifth largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers.
As riders arrive, we’ll check into our hotel and give everyone time to relax, refresh, and recover from travel. The first day is all about comfort and connection meeting your fellow riders, getting to know your bikes, and soaking in the excitement of what’s to come.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 2 Islamabad to Mansehra
After breakfast and a quick team briefing, we’ll start our first official ride toward the mountains of northern Pakistan. This is where the journey begins- from the city to the mountains with engines warming and helmets being strapped on; the real ride north begins here.
As you leave the city behind, the wide lanes of the Hazara Expressway open up under clear skies, leading you through Hassan Abdal and Haripur. The landscape slowly shifts from urban sprawl to open valleys and rising hills. By the time you reach Abbottabad, the air has turned cooler, carrying the scent of pine from the surrounding forests.
Mansehra, where you arrive by evening, the first step into the northern mountains complete.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 Mansehra to Naran/Besham
The plan is to continue north toward Naran, though this depends on Babusar Top being open. If the weather closes the top, the alternate route takes you via Thakot and Besham along the Karakoram Highway. Ride alongside the mighty Indus River, winding through rugged valleys and cliffs. This is the first real taste of the legendary Karakoram terrain. Depending on conditions, spend the night in either the alpine village of Naran or the riverfront town of Besham.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Naran/Besham to Chilas
The ride continues deeper into the mountains, following the route that traces the mighty Indus River. Whether you’re coming from Naran via Babusar Top or from Besham along the Karakoram Highway, this is the day you’ll truly feel the spirit of adventure that defines northern Pakistan.
You will notice the terrain shifts dramatically throughout the day from lush green valleys to stark, rocky canyons making this one of the most scenic stretches of the trip.
We stay in a locally owned guest house in Chilas and get to spend the evening a remote farm.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 Chilas to Hunza ( Karimabad)
The journey from Chilas to Karimabad is one of the most scenic stretches along the Karakoram Highway. The road traces the Indus River, through deep gorges and rugged cliffs, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance making our way to Karimabad (Hunza). We will stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the towering “Killer Mountain,” and continue toward Rakaposhi.
We will also stop at the iconic 3-Peak Junction, where three mighty Karakoram peaks Rakaposhi, Diran, and Spantik converge in a breathtaking panorama. This junction marks a significant point for trekkers and adventurers, offering a rare vantage to witness the grandeur and scale of these legendary northern Pakistan mountains.
Karimabad itself feels almost magical; a timeless village perched on the mountainside, with ancient Altit and Baltit Forts overlooking orchards, cobbled streets, and the turquoise river below. This is lovely town and one of the main tourist town of Northern Pakistan. Karimabad is great for cafes, shopping, and is a bustling hub of local culture and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and just enjoy the friendly locals and minimal traffic. You also take the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed wifi connectivity …and coffee!
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Karimabad to Ghulkin
We continue our journey further into Hunza with our first stop being attabad lake. In 2010 after a landslide attabad lake was created and now is one of the majestic places to visit in the norther areas. This is optional but you can embark on the Biscocho trek, which offers spectacular views of the lake. This is a lesser known trek and hence will have the place to ourselves. I would compare these views to Fjords of Norway ( or better!). We will take a boat ride on the lake and if you are lucky, may get a chance to operate the boat!
We also visit the iconic Passu Hanging Bridge, a marvel of local engineering that spans 300m across the Hunza River. We have all seen the videos on line and yes this is the bridge! You do not need to cross if you don’t feel comfortable and take in the views. We then make our way to Passu cones and be ready because this is where we take our iconic photo shoot with the cones in the back! A memorable shot.
We will finish this day with a ride along the ghulkin Orchard trail before we arrive in a traditional homestay in Ghulkin for an authentic experience. Here you will enjoy a traditional home cooked meal made by the family who will join us for dinner.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 Ghulkin to Khunjerab pass
This is the longest and most anticipated day of the journey. You wake up in a small, rural and ultra remote village called Ghulkin surrounded by apricot trees and apple orchards. Today we prepare for another thrilling day.
Start early from Ghulkin, as the ride to Khunjerab Pass and back takes most of the day and you want to return before sunset. The road climbs steadily through dramatic valleys, passing the Ghulkin Valley and the sprawling Batura Glacier. The altitude rises as you approach Khunjerab Pass, the gateway to China, where the air is crisp and thin and the views of snow-capped peaks are unforgettable. This is one of the most magical bike riding you will experience even as a passenger!
After soaking in the scenery at the pass, the instagramable pic at the china border, we begin the descent back through the Karakoram, tracing the Hunza River toward Sost. Overnight stay in Sost, a quiet mountain town marking the edge of the high mountains.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 Sost to Karimabad (Hunza)
With a shorter ride back to Karimabad, today will be a much needed chill day and catch up on much needed rest. Also giving everyone a chance to soak in the beauty of Hunza at a slower pace. On our way down, we stop for a chai at a place called Borith lake. A scenic place to have chai, rest or take a chilly swim in the water.
There is an optional add on we can arrange for mini hikes exploring the historic Baltit Fort or you can try the famous cafe de Hunza who are known of their world famous walnut cake.
At sunset we walk through the town, showing you some amazing views! Karimabad offers sweeping views of some of the worlds highest mountains, including Rakaposhi and Ultar sar, which rise majestically above the valley. You will get a chance to interact with locals.
In the evening, gather for dinner at a local, women-owned restaurant, where you can sample traditional Hunza cuisine and support the community. We also arrange a musical night, where you get to experience local music and traditions.
Overnight stay in Karimabad.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 Day trip to Rakaposhi View point Nagar
Today is all about adventure and spectacular mountain scenerynot for the faint-hearted.
Take a thrilling bike ride from Karimabad through winding mountain roads, past the villages of Nagar, toward the Rakaposhi viewpoint in Khuwat. This is 27th highest peak in the world and one of the most beautiful unfiltered viewpoints you can experience.
This hidden gem offers arguably better panoramic views than Rakaposhi Base Camp and is far less visited, making it truly special. The ride itself is an adrenaline rush, weaving through rugged valleys, terraced villages, and narrow passes that showcase the raw beauty of the Karakoram.
After soaking in the stunning vistas, return to Karimabad for a relaxed evening.
Overnight stay in Karimabad
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10 Karimabad- Naran/Besham
Begin the journey back south, leaving the serene mountains of Hunza behind and also say bye to the bikes. We will make our way back on a car, allowing a well rested travel back. The drive winds through the same dramatic valleys and along the Indus River, giving one last chance to enjoy the towering peaks and sweeping vistas. Stop along the way as needed for photos or refreshments before reaching Besham or Naran for the night, a well-deserved rest stop before the final leg back to Islamabad. Overnight stay in Besham / Naran
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 11 Naran/Besham to Islamabad
We continue our journey to the capital Islamabad, taking in the views for the last time before we reach the city. We have a farewell dinner tonight, reflecting on our trip.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12 Flight
After Breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to the airport for your departure. A farewell to your fellow travelers and a goodbye to a memorable expedition of Pakistan.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Where you'll be staying
Mix of hotels, homestays & yurts
Discover the history of shyrdak, the traditional felt rug renowned for its intricate mosaic patterns and recognized as a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan. With a local women’s cooperative, we’ll learn about the ancient craft of making these vibrant textiles, using wool, natural dyes, and techniques handed down through generations.
Wild women moment
Traditional felt-making workshop
Discover the history of shyrdak, the traditional felt rug renowned for its intricate mosaic patterns and recognized as a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan. With a local women’s cooperative, we’ll learn about the ancient craft of making these vibrant textiles, using wool, natural dyes, and techniques handed down through generations.
Wild women moment
Traditional felt-making workshop
Discover the history of shyrdak, the traditional felt rug renowned for its intricate mosaic patterns and recognized as a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan. With a local women’s cooperative, we’ll learn about the ancient craft of making these vibrant textiles, using wool, natural dyes, and techniques handed down through generations.
Frequently asked questions
Flights into Islamabad?
Do I need to have prior motorcycle experience?
What gear do I need to bring?
What if I’m not comfortable riding every day?
Are there long riding days?
What about safety and helmets?
What is the highest altitude we’ll reach?
What if the weather is bad?
What if I can’t ride a motorbike at all?
What are the visa requirements?
How physically demanding is the trip?
Ready for your Pakistan adventure?
experience Pakistan wild side through its mountains, yurts, trains, and traditions.