Karakoram Highway
Cycle the legendary Karakoram Highway from Pakistan to Kyrgyzstan, crossing high passes and vast mountain landscapes in three epic countries.
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14 Day Tour
From: £2675
Karakoram Luxury Cycling Holiday
This exclusive luxury cycling tour journeys deep into Pakistan’s spectacular Karakoram Mountains, exploring the remote landscapes of Gilgit–Baltistan. Beginning with a breathtaking flight from Islamabad to Skardu, the route traverses high plateaus, alpine valleys and dramatic river gorges, including the Deosai Plains and the historic Shigar Valley. Towering 7,000m peaks form a constant backdrop to this extraordinary adventure.
Cycling sections of the legendary Karakoram Highway, the journey visits traditional Balti and Hunza communities while staying in premium mountain lodges and boutique heritage hotels. From Sadpara Lake to the lush orchards of the Hunza Valley, the tour blends challenging riding with exceptional comfort, cultural insight and seamless support — delivering a truly unique high-altitude luxury experience.
Chapursan Valley
Remote, serene, and steeped in Wakhi culture, the Chapursan Valley offers a rare chance to experience life on the outer edges of the Karakoram. Towering peaks, wide open pastures, and traditional stone villages create a landscape that feels both timeless and untouched. As you ride deeper into the valley, you’ll encounter Sufi shrines, yak-grazing meadows, and warm hospitality from isolated communities. Chapursan’s sense of peaceful remoteness is a fitting finale to the tour—a place where the scale of the mountains and the simplicity of daily life leave a lasting impression.
Deosai Plains & Descent to Astore
Crossing the Deosai Plains is one of the tour’s most exhilarating experiences. Known as the “Land of Giants,” Deosai is among the world’s highest plateaus, a sweeping landscape of open skies, rolling grasslands, and wildlife such as marmots and Himalayan brown bears. After reaching the top, the route leads into a spectacular descent toward Astore, a valley carved by rivers and framed by immense mountain walls. The combination of high-altitude wilderness and a thrilling ride through changing terrain makes this one of the most unforgettable sections of the journey.
Karimabad (Rest Day)
Set in the heart of Hunza, Karimabad is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and take in the majesty of the surrounding peaks. With iconic views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and the Hunza Valley, it’s an inspiring destination for a well-deserved rest day. You can visit the historic Baltit and Altit forts, wander through apricot-lined paths, or simply relax in one of the town’s welcoming cafés. The blend of rich culture, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery makes Karimabad an ideal mid-tour recharge spot.
Shigar & Serena Shigar Fort
Shigar is a tranquil oasis at the entrance to the high Karakoram, where verdant fields meet rugged mountains. The highlight of your stay is the beautifully restored Serena Shigar Fort, a 17th-century palace that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and history. Exploring the fort offers a glimpse into Balti culture, while the surrounding village provides a peaceful introduction to life in the region. It’s an inspiring place to begin the journey, offering comfort, atmosphere, and an immediate sense of connection with northern Pakistan’s heritage.
Itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad
On arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be greeted by your local team and privately transferred to your luxury hotel. Islamabad offers a serene introduction to Pakistan: elegant boulevards, refined neighbourhoods, and a calm, leafy atmosphere at the foothills of the Margalla Mountains.
Depending on arrival time, you may wish to enjoy your hotel’s facilities, explore a stylish café, or simply relax after your international flight. This evening, you will meet your guides and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel, Islamabad
Day 2: Islamabad – Skardu – Shigar FortItinarary
This morning begins with an unforgettable experience—the early flight to Skardu, often described as one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. The route sweeps between towering Karakoram and Himalayan peaks, revealing raw mountain beauty before you’ve even touched down.
On arrival, a short private transfer brings you to your hotel to assemble your bikes. You then begin your warm-up ride into the enchanting Shigar Valley, passing apricot orchards, traditional Balti houses, and dramatic desert-like rock formations.
Tonight you stay at the exquisite Shigar Fort, a beautifully restored 17th-century palace. This boutique heritage hotel offers an intimate blend of cultural authenticity, refined comfort, and a peaceful atmosphere beneath high mountain walls.
Cycling Distance: 21.9 km / 13.6 mi
Cycling Climb: 380m (1,247ft)
Accommodation: Shigar Fort Heritage Hotel (B,L)
Day 3: Shigar – Tisar – Skardu (Himmel Skardu by Luxus)
Today you cycle deeper into the Shigar Valley, once the gateway for early explorers heading into the heart of the Karakoram. Traditional villages, stone houses, and sculpted dunes line your route, with immense granite spires dominating the skyline.
As you near Skardu, the views widen to reveal dramatic ridges and glaciated summits. You then arrive at Himmel Skardu by Luxus, a refined 5-star property offering contemporary elegance and extraordinary panoramic views.
This is one of the most sophisticated hotels in the region—an oasis of modern luxury set against one of the world’s most rugged and remote landscapes.
Cycling Distance: 69.6 km / 43.2 mi
Cycling Climb: 720m (2,362ft)
Accommodation: Himmel Skardu by Luxus, 5★ (B,L)
Day 4: Skardu – Hussainabad – Broq Resort
This morning’s ride climbs gradually toward Hussainabad Nala, an area known for its stone-built houses, glacial streams, and terraced fields cultivated for generations. The sense of isolation and stillness here is remarkable.
On reaching Hussainabad, a private 15-minute transfer escorts you to Broq Resort, a stylish 5-star mountain retreat offering elevated views and refined comfort.
Optional Challenge:
If you prefer a tougher finish, you may cycle the final 6 km, gaining 530m at altitude, rather than taking the vehicle. The ascent is steep but tremendously rewarding.
Cycling Distance: 32.0 km / 19.9 mi
Cycling Climb: 490m (1,608ft)
Accommodation: Broq Resort, 5★ (B,L)
Day 5: Broq Rest Day
Your rest day in Broq offers the perfect balance of tranquillity, comfort, and exploration.
You may choose to:
- Hike to Marsur Rock, with inspirational views over the valley
- Wander to the nearby traditional village cluster
- Unwind at the resort, enjoying serenity and crisp mountain air
This relaxing pause prepares you beautifully for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Broq Resort, 5★ (B)
Day 6: Broq – Sadpara Lake
Today you cycle steadily upward through rocky highlands to reach the shimmering turquoise waters of Sadpara Lake. The landscapes become increasingly wild, with granite peaks and wide-open high-altitude basins defining the ride.
Your stay tonight is at a traditional lakeside lodge—simple, authentic, and ideally located for a true sense of mountain quiet.
Cycling Distance: 25.1 km / 15.6 mi
Cycling Climb: 540m (1,772ft)
Accommodation: Traditional Lodge near Sadpara Lake (B,L)
Day 7: Sadpara Lake – Deosai Plains – Makiyal
After breakfast, a short transfer lifts you onto the magnificent Deosai Plains, one of the world’s highest plateaus at over 4,100m. Known as the “Land of Giants,” Deosai’s vast grasslands, glacial streams, and endless horizons feel otherworldly.
From here you enjoy an exhilarating long descent from the high plateau into the greener valleys below—a striking transition from alpine tundra to cultivated landscapes.
You overnight in Makiyal, where a welcoming guesthouse offers warm hospitality in a quiet mountain setting.
Cycling Distance: 48.3 km / 30.0 mi
Cycling Climb: 120m (394ft)
Accommodation: Local Guesthouse, Makiyal (B,L)
Day 8: Makiyal – Astore
Today’s ride follows the valley toward Astore, a charming alpine town known for its wooden homes, orchards, and relaxed pace of life. This region offers some of the most pastoral and picturesque scenery in Gilgit–Baltistan.
Lunch awaits on arrival, followed by a leisurely afternoon to explore the area or unwind at your boutique accommodation.
Cycling Distance: 29.0 km / 18.0 mi
Cycling Climb: 450m (1,476ft)
Accommodation: Traditional Hotel, Astore (B,L)
Day 9: Astore – Gilgit
This morning you enjoy a spectacular descent toward the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH). Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountain roads, the KKH offers dramatic views of sheer rock towers, deep river canyons, and ancient Silk Road landscapes.
A short transfer carries you into Gilgit, where you check into Serena Hotel Gilgit—a premium boutique hotel known for its elegant local architecture, manicured gardens, and high standard of regional hospitality.
Cycling Distance: 47.5 km / 29.5 mi
Cycling Climb: 425m (1,394ft)
Accommodation: Serena Hotel Gilgit – Premium Hotel (B,L)
Day 10: Gilgit – Bagrot Valley – Gilgit
A morning transfer brings you into the peaceful Bagrot Valley, framed by the great ridges of Rakaposhi. Here you will visit the redspokes-supported women’s sewing centre, an important and inspiring community initiative.
You then cycle back toward Gilgit, passing orchards, irrigation channels, and small villages—a culturally rich and scenic final loop through the valley.
Cycling Distance: 47.5 km / 29.5 mi
Cycling Climb: 1,530m (5,020ft)
Accommodation: Serena Hotel Gilgit – Premium Hotel (B,L)
Day 11: Gilgit – Jafar Abad
Today you cycle northwards to Jafar Abad, riding alongside the glittering Hunza River with mountain peaks rising above you. Terraced fields, poplar groves and cliffside villages line the route.
Your boutique hotel in Jafar Abad enjoys superb views of Rakaposhi (7,788m)—a towering pyramid of ice and rock that glows spectacularly at sunrise and sunset.
Cycling Distance: 57.7 km / 35.9 mi
Cycling Climb: 925m (3,035ft)
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel (B,L)
Day 12: Jafar Abad – Karimabad (Hunza Valley)
This morning’s ride leads into the legendary Hunza Valley, a region of extraordinary beauty and living cultural heritage. The climb toward Karimabad is steady and picturesque, with enormous snowy peaks dominating the skyline.
You stay at Hunza Serena Inn, a premium traditional inn known for its exceptional location, beautifully kept gardens, and refined regional hospitality—not a 5-star property, but one of the finest accommodations in the entire valley.
Cycling Distance: 41.7 km / 25.9 mi
Cycling Climb: 1,140m (3,740ft)
Accommodation: Hunza Serena Inn – Premium Hotel (B)
Day 13: Karimabad Rest Day
Your final full day in the mountains is yours to enjoy at leisure. Karimabad offers boutique cafés, artisan craft shops, and breathtaking views at every turn.
You may also take optional short walks to Baltit Fort or Altit Fort, two of the region’s most historic architectural treasures.
This is also your bike packing day, giving you time to prepare for tomorrow’s early departure.
Accommodation: Hunza Serena Inn – Premium Hotel (B)
Day 14: Karimabad – Gilgit Airport – Islamabad – Home
Your journey draws to a close today. An early private transfer takes you from Karimabad to Gilgit Airport, where you board your return flight to Islamabad, enjoying one last aerial view of the dramatic Karakoram landscape below.
On arrival in Islamabad, you will connect with your onward international flight home. For those wishing to extend their stay, additional nights in Islamabad or further travel within Pakistan can be arranged upon request.
Essential Info
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Accommodation
Accommodation Level: traditional
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