Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu Cycling Tour
The Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu Cycling Tour is an 8-day ride through Baltistan, from the lakes and cold desert of Skardu to the forts of Shigar and Khaplu along the Indus and Shyok rivers.
- Duration8 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- RouteSkardu – Shigar – Khaplu
- Best SeasonMay – October
- BikeMountain or hybrid bike
Forts and Rivers of Baltistan
Baltistan, around Skardu, is a land of wide river valleys, sand dunes and historic forts, surrounded by the peaks of the Karakoram. Its roads are quieter than the Karakoram Highway and mostly flat along the rivers, making it great cycling country.
The Skardu Cycling Tour rides to the Kachura lakes and the Katpana cold desert, up the Shigar Valley to Shigar Fort, and along the Shyok River to Khaplu and its palace, with a support vehicle carrying luggage.
Trip Highlights
- Shangrila and Upper Kachura lakes
- The Katpana cold desert near Skardu
- Shigar Fort and the Shigar Valley
- Khaplu Palace and the Shyok River
- Quiet riverside roads with big mountain views
- Support vehicle and bike mechanic
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Skardu
Fly to Skardu (or drive the Karakoram Highway). Bike fitting and a short ride.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Kachura lakes and Katpana
Ride to the Kachura lakes and back via the Katpana desert. About 40 km.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Skardu to Shigar
Cross the Indus and ride up the Shigar Valley to Shigar Fort. About 35 km.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Shigar to Khaplu
Ride back to the Indus and along the Shyok River towards Khaplu, with the van for longer stretches. About 60 km.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Khaplu
Easy ride around Khaplu, the palace and the Chaqchan Mosque.
Overnight: HotelDay 7Drive to Skardu, fly to Islamabad
Drive back to Skardu and fly to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Cycling routes and daily distances can change with weather, road works and group fitness. Our support vehicle is always close by. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad, Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Skardu–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Quality mountain bike or hybrid bike hire with helmet
- Support vehicle for luggage, water, snacks and tired legs
- Experienced English-speaking cycling guide and bike mechanic
- 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 cycling
- Personal cycling clothing, shoes and pedals
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips for crew
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Skardu Cycling Tour?
The Skardu Cycling Tour combines easy riverside cycling with the history and landscapes of Baltistan. The roads are quiet, the forts are beautiful places to stay, and the mountains are always in view.
It is a good step between the Hunza Valley Cycling Tour and the Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour. Read our Skardu guide for more.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our cycling tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Fitness
You should be comfortable riding 30–60 km a day on mostly flat or rolling roads at around 2,200–2,600 m.
Bikes & Gear
We provide quality bikes and helmets. You are welcome to bring your own bike, saddle or pedals; tell us in advance so we can plan transport.
Roads & Safety
Most routes use quiet mountain roads, but some sections share the road with trucks. Our support vehicle rides behind the group on busy stretches.
When to Go
May to October is the best time; autumn colours in October are spectacular. 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 Skardu cycling tour.
