Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour
The Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour is a 12-day ride on one of the world's great roads, from Islamabad along the Indus to Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass (approx. 4,693 m) on the border with China, with a support vehicle all the way.
- Duration12 Days
- PaceModerate
- RouteIslamabad – Hunza – Khunjerab
- Best SeasonMay – October
- Bike150–250cc
Ride the Eighth Wonder of the World
The Karakoram Highway climbs from the plains of Punjab through the gorges of the Indus to the high Karakoram and the Chinese border. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, it is one of the most spectacular roads anywhere, and riding it by motorbike is an adventure every rider dreams of.
On the Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour we ride in stages to Chilas, Hunza and Passu, with views of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi, rest days in Hunza and a ride to the Khunjerab Pass. A support vehicle with a mechanic carries luggage and spares, and our ride leader handles checkpoints and logistics.
Trip Highlights
- Ride the full Karakoram Highway to the Chinese border
- The Khunjerab Pass at about 4,693 m
- Views of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and the Passu Cones
- Rest days in the Hunza Valley
- Support vehicle, mechanic and spare parts all the way
- Experienced ride leader who knows every bend
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport. Afternoon bike handover and test ride.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Islamabad to Besham
Ride north to join the Karakoram Highway and follow the Indus to Besham. About 270 km.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Besham to Chilas
Through the Kohistan gorges to Chilas. About 230 km.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Chilas to Hunza
Past the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the junction of three mountain ranges to Karimabad. About 240 km.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Rest day in Hunza
Visit Baltit and Altit forts, or ride to the Eagle's Nest viewpoint.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Hunza to Passu
A short ride past Attabad Lake to Passu.
Overnight: HotelDay 7Khunjerab Pass
Ride through Sost and Khunjerab National Park to the Khunjerab Pass and back to Passu.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Passu to Hunza
Ride back to Hunza, with an optional detour into the Nagar Valley.
Overnight: HotelDay 9Hunza to Chilas
Long ride back down the Indus to Chilas.
Overnight: HotelDay 10Chilas to Naran
Cross the Babusar Pass (open in summer) to Naran.
Overnight: HotelDay 11Naran to Islamabad
Ride down the Kaghan Valley to Islamabad and hand back the bikes.
Overnight: HotelDay 12Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Road conditions in the mountains change often; routes may be adjusted for landslides, weather and safety. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels and guesthouses along the route
- Motorbike hire (Honda CG125 or similar 150–250cc bikes, depending on availability), fuel and maintenance
- Support vehicle with mechanic, spare parts and luggage transfer
- Experienced English-speaking ride leader
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance covering motorbike riding
- Riding gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots) – can be arranged on request
- Lunches and drinks
- Damage to the motorbike caused by the rider
- Tips for crew
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour?
The Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour is a bucket-list ride. Every day brings a new landscape, from green hills to deep gorges and snow peaks, and the road itself is a piece of history.
It suits riders with some touring experience who are happy on mountain roads with occasional rough sections. If you prefer four wheels, see our Karakoram Highway Silk Road Tour.
Before you ride, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our motorbike tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Riding Experience
You should be a confident rider with some touring experience. Most of the road is paved, but there are rough sections, landslide repairs and heavy traffic in places.
Licence & Insurance
You need a valid motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit, plus travel insurance that covers riding motorbikes at altitude.
Permits & Checkpoints
Foreigners register at police checkpoints along the route, which our ride leader handles. Keep your passport and visa with you at all times.
When to Go
May to October is the best time; the Babusar Pass is usually open only from June to October. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Karakoram Highway ride.
