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North Bikers Pakistan

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10-Day Northern Pakistan Motorcycle Tour: Hunza, Skardu & Ghizer Guide

Ultimate 10-Day Northern Pakistan Motorcycle Tour: The Complete Rider’s Guide

Exploring Northern Pakistan on two wheels is the ultimate dream for adventure riders. From navigating the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH) to winding through the lush Valleys of Hunza, Skardu, and Ghizer, a motorcycle tour in Gilgit-Baltistan offers world-class scenery, rich culture, and thrilling mountain roads.

At North Bikers Pakistan, we have curated the definitive 10-day motorcycle itinerary covering Hunza, Skardu, and Ghizer, along with key travel tips, best season details, and gear recommendations to help you plan your dream expedition.

Tour Overview & Quick Stats

  • Total Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

  • Starting / Ending Point: Islamabad or Gilgit

  • Total Distance Covered: ~1,800 km (starting from Islamabad) or ~900 km (starting from Gilgit)

  • Key Regions Covered: Hunza Valley, Skardu & Baltistan, Ghizer Valley (Phander/Khalti)

  • Best Bike Types: Dual-sport / Adventure bikes (Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki GS 150, Honda CB150F, or BMW GS)

Detailed 10-Day Motorcycle Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Naran or Besham

  • Distance: ~240 km – 280 km

  • Riding Time: 6–8 hours

  • Highlights: Hazara Motorway, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Indus River / Kaghan Valley

Your adventure begins early from Islamabad. Depending on seasonal road conditions (Babusar Pass opening status), take the route via Naran/Kaghan or via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) through Besham. Warm up your tires on smooth motorways before transitioning into winding mountain passes.

  • Overnight: Naran or Besham

Day 2: Naran / Besham to Gilgit

  • Distance: ~240 km – 330 km

  • Riding Time: 7–9 hours

  • Highlights: Babusar Top (4,173m), Chilas, Junction Point of 3 Great Mountain Ranges (Karakoram, Himalayas, Hindu Kush), Nanga Parbat Viewpoint

Cross Babusar Pass for breathtaking high-altitude panoramas or ride along the rugged Indus Gorge route via Chilas. Stop at the famous Junction Point, where the world’s three highest mountain ranges meet, and catch a magnificent distant view of Nanga Parbat.

  • Overnight: Gilgit

Day 3: Gilgit to Hunza Valley (Karimabad & Attabad Lake)

  • Distance: ~100 km

  • Riding Time: 3 hours

  • Highlights: Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Attabad Lake

Enjoy a smooth ride on the tarmac of the Karakoram Highway towards Hunza. Take a quick chai break at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint in Ghulmet. Explore the historic Baltit and Altit Forts in Karimabad, then ride alongside the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake.

  • Overnight: Karimabad or Gulmit

Day 4: Hunza to Passu, Khunjerab Pass (China Border) & Back

  • Distance: ~170 km (round trip)

  • Riding Time: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Khunjerab National Park, World’s Highest ATM (4,693m)

Ride past the majestic Passu Cones (Cathedral Peaks) and test your balance on the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Push your engine up to Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 meters (15,397 ft).

  • Overnight: Hunza (Karimabad or Aliabad)

Day 5: Hunza to Skardu Valley via Jaglot-Skardu Road

  • Distance: ~200 km

  • Riding Time: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Jaglot-Skardu Highway, Astak Nala, Indus River Gorges

Descend from Hunza and pivot onto the newly paved, wildly scenic Jaglot-Skardu Highway. Rider-favorite sweeping curves carve through dramatic granite canyons alongside the roaring Indus River.

  • Overnight: Skardu Town

Day 6: Skardu Lakes & Cold Desert Exploration

  • Distance: ~80 km local riding

  • Riding Time: 3–4 hours

  • Highlights: Shangrila Lake (Lower Kachura), Upper Kachura Lake, Katpana Cold Desert, Shigar Fort

Dedicate the day to exploring Baltistan’s gems. Ride through the high-altitude sand dunes of Katpana Desert, take a boat ride on Upper Kachura Lake, and visit the historic wooden architecture of Shigar Fort.

  • Overnight: Skardu

Day 7: Skardu to Deosai National Park & Return (or Basho Valley)

  • Distance: ~100 km

  • Riding Time: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Sadpara Lake, Deosai Plains (“Land of Giants”), Sheosar Lake

Gear up for an off-road high-plateau experience! Ascend towards Deosai Plains, the second-highest alpine plateau on Earth (~4,114m). Navigate through wild plains, alpine streams, and panoramic mountain views. (Note: Accessible mid-June to September).

  • Overnight: Skardu

Day 8: Skardu to Ghizer Valley (Gakuch & Khalti)

  • Distance: ~250 km

  • Riding Time: 6–7 hours

  • Highlights: Gilgit River, Gakuch, Khalti Lake

Head west towards Ghizer Valley, often called the land of lakes and trout. Leave the main tourist trails behind as you ride alongside crystal-clear turquoise waters. Ghizer offers peaceful roads, lush meadows, and authentic local hospitality.

  • Overnight: Gahkuch or Khalti Lake

Day 9: Ghizer (Phander Valley) to Gilgit

  • Distance: ~180 km

  • Riding Time: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Phander Valley & Lake, Trout Fishing spots, Gilgit Bazaar

Ride deeper into Phander Valley, frequently described as “paradise on Earth.” The calm emerald lake nestled in wide green fields makes for incredible photography. After enjoying lunch by the lake, ride back down towards Gilgit town.

  • Overnight: Gilgit

Day 10: Gilgit to Islamabad

  • Distance: ~500 km

  • Riding Time: 10–12 hours (or take a short 1-hour flight from Gilgit to Islamabad)

  • Highlights: Final KKH stretch, Hazara Motorway

Complete the journey back to Islamabad via the Hazara Motorway. Reflect on an unforgettable 10 days covering three distinct regions of Northern Pakistan.

Essential Travel & Riding Tips for Northern Pakistan

1. Best Season to Visit

  • May to June: Clear roads, pleasant weather, snow-capped peaks.

  • July to August: Lush greenery, warmer temperatures. (Be mindful of monsoon rains on lower sections like Kaghan/Naran).

  • September to October: Autumn foliage with vibrant yellow, orange, and red trees across Hunza and Ghizer. Cool, crisp riding conditions.

2. Required Riding Gear & Safety

  • Helmet: Full-face helmet with clear visor.

  • Jacket & Pants: All-weather textile riding suit with CE-rated armor and thermal liners.

  • Gloves: Waterproof summer gloves plus insulated winter gloves for high passes.

  • Boots: Sturdy ankle-high motorcycle boots with waterproof membranes.

  • Bike Spares: Spare clutch/brake cables, puncture repair kit, portable air pump, extra engine oil, and basic hand tools.

3. Fuel & Currency

  • Fuel stations are readily available in major towns (Gilgit, Karimabad, Skardu, Gahkuch). However, always top up before entering high-altitude passes like Khunjerab or Deosai.

  • Carry sufficient cash (PKR) as card machines and ATMs can be unreliable in remote valleys like Phander and Deosai.

Plan Your Tour with North Bikers Pakistan

At North Bikers Pakistan, we specialize in premium motorcycle rentals, guided tour expeditions, support vehicle backup, and tailored itineraries across Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Whether you prefer a fully guided group tour or an independent self-ride package, our well-maintained motorcycle fleet and local expertise ensure a safe and unforgettable ride.

  • Contact Us: Reach out to reserve your bikes or book a guided tour today!