Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour

13 Days 12 Nights
Max Guests : 38
Wifi Available
Jul - Dec

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Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour is once in a life time cycling experience through the Karakorum mountain valleys, along the rivers and ancient silk route. Karakorum Highway starts from Hassan Abdal town and goes through Hunza valley to Khunjerab Pass. Khunjerab Pass is the trading bordering between china and Pakistan. Weather you are a keen cyclist or a weekend rider, Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour is a great way to explore the ancient silk route, medical towns and small hillside villages of Hunza Valley.

Karakorum highway cycling tour will get you to peek behind the curtain and discover a side of a country which many people simply cannot imagine. Imagine Cycling close to the shining glacier to an isolated Himalayan villages, sharing Delicious local traditional cuisine around a crackling bonfire and soaking in the stars as you give your feet a much-needed rest.

Pakistan is an amazing country, our job is to not only make sure you have an amazing time but also to take care of all of the paperwork, logistics, permits and full boarding basis so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the once in a life time Cycling holiday experience. Pakistan will become your favorite country in the world. This is a land of towering peaks and ancient glaciers, of swaying bridges and mountain villages. The ancient silk road leading all the way to China has been traveled by explorers and philosophers, conquerors and merchants, pilgrims and spies. Now is your chance to follow in their footsteps.

Our Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour start point is Islamabad. Islamabad is the nearest international airport to reach the Karakorum mountain region of Pakistan. Our representative will meet and greet you at Islamabad international airport then transfer you to the hotel for a rest to recover from the journey. We will meet again in the afternoon for a briefing about the Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour. Next morning we will drive through Taxila, Hassan Abdal and Mansehra to reach Chillas town for the night stay. Chillas is a small town which is a getaway to the famous Killer mountain Nanga Parbat.

In the morning we continue our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour along the Indus and Gilgit River to Gilgit. Today will be our first cycling day with spectacular view of Nanga Parbat and the junction point of Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindukush mountains range. We will cycle on Karakoram highway to arrive in Gilgit. Gilgit is the Capital of Gilgit Baltistan province, surrounded by the pillars of the mighty Karakoram mountains. After exploring Gilgit, we will cycle up to rejoin the Karakoram highway, the road climbs gradually, we pass a few small villages, beyond here we will catch sight of the huge spiral of Rakaposhi mountain looming in the distance. The road goes so close to its base that it is hidden most of the way. We will spend the night in Minapin.

Cycling Tour

We continue our Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour towards Karimabad today. Above, the highest snow-covered peaks are hidden from view behind the jagged teeth of the ridge. Our ride leads us to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza. A short but spectacular day. A rest day, but with so much to see in this enchanting village, it is unlikely that you will get much rest. Highlights include the 13th Century Baltit Fort and the Sacred Rocks of Hunza valley. As we leave Karimabad to Passu, the road drops down to the village of Ganesh before we begin a fairly hard 15 km climb. The road climbs with intermittent glimpses of glaciers, precipices and gleaming white peaks, before the 10 km descent to Passu, which brings us directly to the incredible Passu Glacier where we will stop for the night.

Today we transfer by vehicle setting off for the first 6km along the Karakoram Highway, just beyond the Batura Glacier we turn off to cross a suspension bridge over the Hunza river and follow a jeep track up to Shimshal. People in Shimshal are Wakhi. We cycle down through the valley passing the Mulungutti Glacier as we travel through a stunning scenery. We cross the Hunza River over a suspension bridge before re-joining The Karakoram highway about 6km north of Passu. Night stay in Passu.

We can make a late start this morning. When we depart, we will have a picturesque ride to the quiet and unremarkable border village of Sost. before khunjerab pass. Khunjerab Pass is the trade border between Pakistan and China. The scenery on the way from Karakoram highway is stunning. This is the last stop of our cycling holiday journey, we will head back towards Islamabad via Gilgit. Night stay in Gilgit then take a flight back to Islamabad. You will spend one night in Islamabad then in the morning after breakfast Transfer you to the Airport for your flight back home.

Cycling Tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour On the Ancient Silk Route
Tour manager and supporting crew throughout the Journey
Spectacular Mountains Vista of the Karakoram Range, Pakistan
Camping at Minapin, right under Rakaposhi
Experience the culture and hospitality of the friendly Hunza people
Sneaky view of Nanga Parbat (8126m) and Rakaposhi (7788m) from KKH.

Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour Information

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Professional Culture Guide. (Government requirement)
Airport transfers for Domestic & international flights.
Internal flights and associated airport transfers
All land transport involved in the itinerary
Accommodation as described
All meals
All sight-seeing
All tourist attractions admission fee
All permit fees.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Travel insurance
Pakistan Visa
Tips for local guides and support staff
Miscellaneous expenses
souvenirs etc
Cycle and personal equipment’s.

MEAL PLAN

Fully inclusive of all meals throughout, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on Last Day.

ACCOMMODATION

During The Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour, you will spend all nights in good international tourist standard hotel. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same-sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website. Hotels are subject to availability and prices may vary.

Price Includes

Air fares
3 Nights Hotel Accomodation
On Trip Transport
2 Meals / day

Price Excludes

Driver Service Fee
Guide Service Fee
Room Service Fees

What to Expect

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.

View the City Walls
Hiking in the forest
Discover the famous view point “The Lark”
Sunset on the cruise

Itinerary

Day1 ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN

Welcome to Pakistan. Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Our representative will meet and greet you at the airport, then transfer you to the hotel for a rest to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about The Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2 DRIVE TO CHILLAS (461km) 8-9 HOURS DRIVE

Today you will start your Epic Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour towards the north. You will pass through some other culturally rich and historical towns, Taxila, Hassan Abdal, Hari Pur, Abbot Abbad then Besham. You will do few stops along the ways for tea breaks. Karakoram highway takes off from Hasan Abdal. The road follows every twist and turn of the Indus River. About 190 km after Beshamn, the road meets Chillas which appears to be an ‘oasis in a desert’. Chillas has a unique charm. Here you will have a magnificent view of the three World highest Mountain ranges: Karakoram in the north, Himalayas in east and Hindu Kush in west. Chillas is the getaway to Nanga Parbat (8,126m). Nanga Parbat is the ninth world highest mountain, which is one of the hardest mountains to climb. It has a nick name of Killer Mountain. In Chillas there are no Tourist attractions.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO GILGIT (60km) 4 HOURS CYCLING:

Today will be your first cycling day on the Karakoram highway to Gilgit. You will cycle on Karakoram Highway along the mighty Indus and Hunza River to reach Gilgit town. Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit Baltistan province of Pakistan. The real attractions of Pakistan are in the Gilgit Baltistan along the Karakoram Highway. Cycling along the Karakoram Highway gives you an amazing experience; you will see peaks and valleys, rivers and glaciers. 21 of the world’s one hundred highest peaks are visible from The Karakoram Highway.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne

Day 4 CYCLE ON KARAKORUM HIGHWAY TO MINAPIN (80km) 2,030m

Setting off from Gilgit, we rejoin the Karakoram highway, the road climbs slowly passing a few small villages, before we start to witness the huge spiral of Rakaposhi looming in the distance. The road goes so close to its base that it is hidden most of the way. It is only when we arrive at our small family guesthouse at Minapin that we really witness the true beauty of Rakaposhi. Our accommodation for the night is situated in a beautiful tranquil orchard.

Minapin Altitude: 2,030m (6,660ft)
Cycle Distance: 82km (51 miles)
Total Climb: 1,353m (4,439ft)
Total Descent: 772m (2,533ft)
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO KARIMABAD (32km), 2,400m:

The Karakoram highway (KKH) is at its most spectacular between Minapin and Gulmit. The road rides high on the eastern side of the river, twisting and turning around the barren foot of the Hispar Range, which boasts six peaks over 7,000 metres. On the opposite bank, villages cling implausibly to the side of the 7,388m Ultar Mountain. Above, the jagged teeth along the ridge hide the highest snow-covered peaks from view. A short but spectacular ride to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley.

Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m (7,874ft)
Cycle Distance: 35km (22 miles)
Total Climb: 703m (2,306ft)
Total Descent: 341m (1,119ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 SIGHTSEEING & REST DAY:

Today will be a rest day, but with so much to see in this enchanting village, it is unlikely that you will get much rest. Highlights are a visit to the 13th Century Baltit Fort, Altit Fort or a visit to see the sacred Rocks of Hunza. For the really adventuress amongst you a trek up to Hon will give you incredible views across the whole of the Nagar valley.

Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m (7,874ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO PASSU (41km) 2,480m

As we leave Karimabad the road drops down to the village of Ganesh before we join Karakoram Highway to begin a fairly hard 15 km climb. Remember that if at any time you have had enough, just wait around for the back-up vehicle. Due to the floods of 2010, a section of the Karakoram Highway between the village of Gulmet, and Gulkin is now impassable and we will take a ferry here to continue along the route. This afternoon we cycle on a further 16 km to Passu. The road climbs with intermittent glimpses of glaciers, precipices and gleaming white peaks, before the 10 km descent to Passu, which brings us directly in front of the incredible Passu Glacier where we will stop for the night.

Passu Altitude: 2,480m (8136ft)
Cycle Distance: 41km (25 miles)
Total Climb: 910m (2,985ft)
Total Descent: 762m (2,500ft)
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 CYCLE TO SHIMSHAL (60km) 3,100m:

Today you can either cycle or transfer by vehicle. The first 6km along The Karakoram Highway before turning just beyond the Batura Glacier to cross a suspension bridge over the Hunza river and follow a jeep track up to Shimshal. The road has been described as a miracle of engineering by some. On our approach to Shimshal, we pass fields of stones partitioned by dry stone walls, and houses built of mud and stone. In the distance we may catch a glimpse of Odver Sar (6,303m). The village herdsmen pasture their sheep, yak and goats in the seasonal mountain grasslands, located several days walk from the village. The people of Shimshal are Wakhi.

Shimshal Altitude: 3,100m (10,170ft)
Cycle Distance: 59km (37 miles)
Total Climb: 972m (3,189ft)
Total Descent: 383m (1,256ft)
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne

Day 9 SHIMSHAL TO GULMIT (3,300m):

Today you will cycle on Karakoram Highway back to Minapin. Once again you will pass the magnificent Karimabad and surroundings of Hunza valley; the mountains to soar high above us and the road is lined with apricot trees. Minapin is a small detour off of the main road; you will climb through tiny villages where friendly locals will greet you. Near Minapin you will enjoy a spectacular view of Mt Rakaposhi from the road. At a height of 7,788 meters, Rakaposhi has an uninterrupted vertical rise of approximately 6000 m making it the tallest mountain on land when measured from the base to peak.

Minapin Altitude: 2,030m (6,660ft)
Cycling Distance: 68km (42 miles)
Total climb: 680m (2,231ft)
Total descent: 1,450m (4,757ft)
Accommodation: Guest House
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 10 CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGH BACK TO MINAPIN (68km) 2030km

Minapin Altitude: 2,030m (6,660ft)
Cycling Distance: 68km (42 miles)
Total climb: 680m (2,231ft)
Total descent: 1,450m (4,757ft)
Accommodation: Guest House
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 11 DRIVE BACK TO GILGIT (80 km):

Today you will trek around the local area. You are surrounded by steep hillsides where small conifers grow. The village of Minapin is a popular destination as it provides the easiest access to three peaks that mountaineers are fond of scaling: the 7,788m Rakaposhi peak, the 7,266m Diran peak and the Miachar peak in the Karakoram Range. The valley’s natural beauty and the hospitality, culture and traditions of the locals all contribute to its popularity. The valley is also known for an abundance of fruit production, including apricots, apples, mulberry, walnuts and pomegranates. In the afternoon we will head back to Gilgit for a night stay.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

D-12 FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD:

Today you will fly back o Islamabad. You either fly or travel by road on The Karakoram Highway. Those who opt to fly will have time to explore Islamabad. The city’s monuments, shrines and places of interest include Pakistan’s largest mosque: Faisal Mosque and the Lok Virsa Museum where you’ll see an interesting collection of folk and traditional art facts green spaces. Just an hour by taxi from Islamabad is the Unesco World Heritage site Taxila. Meaning City of Cut Stone or Taxila Rock, Taxila is an important archaeological site where you can see remains of four early settlement sites, Buddhist monasteries, and a Muslim mosque and madrassa. The journey by road takes approximately a day. Please make sure to book your return flight on Day 13 of the Karakoram highway cycling tour later in the day – late afternoon or in the evening.

ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

D-13 DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME:

After Breakfast you will be transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home. End of “Karakorum Highway Cycling Tour”