Skardu & Deosai Motorbike Tour
The Skardu & Deosai Motorbike Tour is a 10-day adventure ride from Islamabad along the Indus to Skardu, then across the high Deosai Plains (approx. 4,100 m) on dirt tracks to Astore, with a support vehicle and mechanic.
- Duration10 Days
- PaceModerate to hard
- RouteSkardu – Deosai – Astore
- Best SeasonJuly – September
- Bike150–250cc
Across the Roof of the World
The Deosai Plains are one of the highest plateaus on earth, a vast sea of grass and wildflowers at around 4,000 m between Skardu and Astore. The track across them is unpaved, remote and unforgettable, and it is only open for a few months each summer.
The Deosai Motorbike Tour rides the Karakoram Highway and the Skardu road along the Indus, spends time around Skardu and Shigar, then crosses Deosai past Sheosar Lake to Astore and back to the Karakoram Highway. A support vehicle carries luggage, fuel and spares.
Trip Highlights
- Cross the Deosai Plains on dirt tracks
- Sheosar Lake and the Bara Pani river
- The dramatic Skardu road along the Indus
- Shigar Fort and the Kachura lakes
- Descend into the green Astore Valley
- Support vehicle, mechanic and spare parts all the way
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 on the Karakoram Highway to Besham.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Besham to Chilas
Through the Indus gorges to Chilas.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Chilas to Skardu
Along the Indus via the Skardu road, one of the most dramatic roads in Pakistan.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Skardu and Shigar
Ride to Shigar Fort and the Kachura lakes.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Skardu to Deosai
Climb past Satpara Lake onto the Deosai Plains and camp or stay near Bara Pani.
Overnight: CampDay 7Deosai to Astore
Cross the plateau past Sheosar Lake and descend to Astore.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Astore to Chilas
Ride down to the Karakoram Highway and on to Chilas.
Overnight: HotelDay 9Chilas to Islamabad
Via the Babusar Pass and Naran, or the Karakoram Highway, to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 10Depart
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, camping in Deosai
- Deosai National Park entry fee
- 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 Skardu Deosai Motorbike Tour?
The Deosai Motorbike Tour is for riders who want real adventure: high altitude, dirt tracks and wide open spaces with almost no one else around. Crossing Deosai on a bike is a ride you will never forget.
It suits riders with some off-road experience. For an easier ride on paved roads, choose the Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour. Non-riders can visit Deosai on our Deosai Brown Bear 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 confident on gravel and dirt tracks with river crossings. Altitude on Deosai is around 4,000 m, and weather can change quickly.
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
July to September is the only safe window for Deosai, when the track is open and dry. 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 Deosai ride.
