CYCLE TOURS

Karakuram Bike Tour
Silk Route Bike adventure
Biking and Hiking
Cycling, Swat Valley to “Roof of the world”
Biking in the Karakuram and Hindu-Kush
Biking adventure Kalash to Hunza Valley



KARAKURAM BIKE TOUR:

W
e will travel on the old Silk Road, which was also used by Marco Polo. The Karakuram Highway leads to China via Khunjerab Pass 4733 m, opened in 1982. It is the world’s highest paved boarder crossing. This program gives you a unique experience by sightseeing of ancient towns with different tribes and wonderful nature where the Himalayas, the Karakuram and the Hindu-Kush Ranges meet to-gather!

In this bike program, there are opportunities for off-road challenges for those who wating to extend themselves further, for example, from Gilgit to Bagort Valley, Karimabad to Hopar and Dukair and Borit Lake from Karakuram Highway.

Max. Altitude: 4733m
Suitable period: May to end of October

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Day-01

Arrive to Islamabad, modern capital of Pakistan. After welcome at the airport you will transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day-02

You start your bike-ride from Islamabad 515m to Abbottabad 1222m (72 Km). En-route you may visit to Taxila Museum, housing some of the best collection of Gandharan Buddhist art in Pakistan and the world. The town’s historical heart is the cantonment, with its orderly streets, European architecture and grand parade ground. Overnight at hotel.

Day-03

Proceed mountain bike adventure on the amazing Karakuram Highway (KKH), which never gives feeling of a repeated travel experience. The landscape changes almost every kilometer as also road goes up and down. Until we reach the Indus River. The highway is modern wonder of the world, 900 kilometer in length, with its end tail into China, the Highway along these granite mountains was an incredible feat of engineering, also known as a friendship Highway between China and Pakistan. Overnight at hotel in Besham (148 km) with very nice terraces on the bench of Indus River.

Day-04

Karakuram Highway follows the great “Silk Route” further to Dassu-Barseen (115Km) at 884m. This is the state of Kohistan (Land of mountains) referring to the sub-6000 meter peaks. Another name for the region was Yaghistan (Land of the Ungoverned) for outlaws could hide here without fear of capture. Stone watchtowers and fertile houses can still be seen in the older villages. The road is sometimes broken at places. The mountainside is like stone wall but this is probably the most dramatic of all Pakistan’s mountain roads, and especially in the early morning its side-canyons and corduroy hillsides are magnificent.

Day-05 

Bikes further along the Indus River. In places a small shelf cut into the steep mountainside hundreds of meters above Indus River. Most splendid scenery is as the road winds round the foot of Nanga Parbat (8125m), world’s 9th highest peak and last in the Himalayan Range. View the meeting of three of world’s greatest mountain ranges, the Himalayas, the Karakuram and the Hindu-Kush. After 124 km arrive to Chilas 1222m, overnight at hotel.

Day-06

Proceed to Gilgit through an arid and surrealistic landscape, we defeat the bumpy track to arrive in Gilgit (1454m) after 130 km.

Day-07

From Gilgit to Hunza (Karimabad 2500m), we pass Gilgit, the only market town for hundred of kilometers and is busy center for Pakistan’s north and trade with China. For all that it is still has slow, relaxed pace. The seventh century Kargah Buddha, a rock carving about 3-meters high, Gilgit claim to be the originating home of polo. Unlike the internationally known game, the local version knows vitally no rules. On our way to upper Hunza (99 km) we gradually climb the road and approximately every 10-km difference of 100m. We enjoy a spectacular view of Rakaposhi Peak (7788m) known as Mother Mountain for having so many habitants and villages around its foothills, with its snowy crown changing color with light. The route is abundant with terraced fields, particularly apricot, apple and walnut trees, at their most spectacular either in blossom or during autumn.

Day-08

In Karimabad, we may visit to Baltit Fort, is the former palace of Mirs (Rulers) of Hunza until 1960. Karimabad (2500m), the capital of Hunza is the only town in the world, where you may view five peaks above 7000m in all four directions. The monolith peaks of Mt. Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran Peak (7273m), Golden Peak / Spantik (7027m), Ultar I (7388m), Ultar II (7310m), and Princess Babulimuting reaches high as Hunza skyline. In Karimabad we explore the Hunza-valley and neighboring and see every day life of the hard-work people. We visit to Altit, in the next village, which has an old small fort perched on a large rocky outcrop high above the Hunza River. The First’s balcony overlooks a village of mud houses flat rooftops.

Day-09

Biking Karimabad to Sust (110 km), Behind the Karimabad we find the carvings on the Dondyas (Ganesh) rock with early inscriptions and drawings, including hunting scenes of ibex from early traders on the Silk Route. After only 25 km from Karimabad we will arrive to Gulmit 2500m where we enjoy our lunch. We biking further passing Passu Village and glacier and arrive in Sust 2700m, overnight at hotel.

Day-10

The ultimate mountain-bike-challenge furthers to the Pakistan-China border (82-km). The Khunjerab National Park is home to the snow leopard, Marco Polo Sheep, Yaks and several rare birds and deer. We drive the amazing friendship Highway between Pakistan and China up to the highest paved border in the world, the Khunjerab Pass (4733m). For overnight we bike back to Sust.

Day-11

From Sust we have a long decent back via Passu and Gulmit back to Karimabad. Within distance of 82 km, you have an altitude difference of 2200m. Overnight in hotel at Karimabad.

Day-12

On our way to Gilgit (125 km down), we are again amazing by the tunnel connected with a long suspense-bridge hanging several meters above the muddy river.

Day-13 Fly or drive to Islamabad
Day-14 Rest-day in Islamabad
Day-15 Transfer to airport (departure from Islamabad to homeland)

SILK ROUTE BIKE ADVENTURE

(Along Indus River, Hunza Valley-Khunjerab Pass to Kashgar)


This special adventure program allows you to discover the region in different dimension. The Silk Route starts from Taxila to Kashgar (1300km), once the greatest trading route in Asia, the ancient Silk Route was the earlist channel of trade and culture exchange between North, South and West. This intensive and interesting program gives once a splendid opportunity to feel the joy of life in close contact with past. Bike adventure program takes you through Karakuram Highway, the 8th wonder of the world, along Indus River, meeting point of the great Mountains, spectacular view point of Nanga Parbat (8125m), Rakaposhi 7788m, Hunza Valley, Khunjerab Pass (4733m), Tashkurgan (3600m), Karakul Lake (3800m) and Sunday Market Kashgar.

This is a truly spectacular route, where enormous glaciers tumble right down to the roadside and picturesque villages, surrounded by their carefully terraced and irrigated farmland, cling precariously to the steep valley sides. Hunza presents rewarding and varied biking terrain, and we take numerous excursions of the main road, often on wild jeep routes and superb single trek. For example, the descent from the Hoper Village to Ganesh and Duikar to Karimabad must rank as one of the best day’s mountain biking on earth.

Max altitude: 4733m
Duration: 20-day
Period: May to October


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Day-01 Arrival at Islamabad airport and transfer to the hotel, sightseeing of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Overnight in the hotel
Day-02 Drive to Chilas 11-12 hrs, via Taxila on the Karakuram Highway the 8th wonder of the world, along the Indus River, lush green valley of Khoistan and mountains area of Northern Areas.
Day-03 Drive to Gilgit (1500m) 3-hrs, in the way you may make several stops at the meeting point of Mountains Range, viewpoint of Nanga Parbat (8125m). Arrival to Gilgit, transfer to the hotel and in the evening you may visit to Kargha Buddha, rock carving and visit to the local Bazaar. Overnight in the hotel
Day-04 Cycling starts from Gilgit to Hunza (2500m) on Karakuram Highway (105 km). This journey takes you through the shadow of Rakaposhi (7788m) along the Hunza River up to Karimabad.
Day-05  Day free in Hunza to visit Altit and Baltit Forts and Bazaar/hotel
Day-06 Drive to Hoper in Nager Valley (2800m) 2-hrs jeep drive. Hoper is the main viewpoint for the specticular view of Hoper Glacier, Golden peak, Ulter Peak. And back to Karimabad, on return cycling on this off-road to Karimabad (about 15 km).
Day-07 Continue to Cycling to Sost (80 Km) on Karakuram Highway, along the Hunza River climb up through the gorge valley. In the way you enjoy the surrounding lofty peaks of Passu Cathederal, Batura Peaks, Passu Glacier and you may have close look of village of upper Hunza. You may also visit to the ruby mines in Doyndas, Gulmit Museum.
Day-08 Drive to Khunjerab Pass (4733m, 85km) 3-hrs. Khunjerab Pass is the world highest paved boarder between two countries (Pakistan and China) in the world. Khunjerab Natuional Park is home of Snow-Leopard and Marcopolo sheep. Arrival to Tashkurghan (3600m), 130 km and 5-6 hrs from Sost, this adventure takes you through the high pastures, Meadows along the river up to Tashkurghan Check post. In the evening you may visit the Bazaar and overnight in the hotel
Day-09 Continue Cycle adventure from Tashkurgan to Karakul Lake (3800m), 80km and about 4-5 hrs. This day you may have the spectacular view of surrounding meadows and high pastures and observe the daily life of the Wakhi, Tajik and Kirghaz people in the Pamir region. Arrival to Karakul Lake (3800m) and transfer in Yurk, “ KARAKUL” means in Ughur, Black Lake, is the most beautiful, nestle between the two Pamir gaints Mustagh Ata (7556m) and Mt. Kongur (7719m), surrounding are nice green meadows, hards of yaks, horses, sheep and near many nomads Kirghaz villages. In the evening you may walk around the lake or on the back of Horse. Overnight in the Yurt
Day-10 Biking to Ghez 90 km about 5-6 hrs and overnight in the tents
Day-11 Cycling from Ghiz to Kashgar (123km) 5-6hrs, through the meadows along the shadow of popular trees and lush green field. Arrival to Kashgar and transfer to the hotel, sightseeing in the rest of time
Day-12 Visit to Sunday Market and local Bazaar
Day-13 Drive back to Tashkurgan 5-6 hrs and overnight in hotel
Day-14 Drive to Sost via Khunjerab Pass 4733m 5-6hrs, then continue to Karimabad.
Day-15 Continue drive to Besham 8-9 hrs/ hotel
Day-16 Proceed to Swat 3-4 hrs, sightseeing in Swat Valley/hotel
Day-17 Departure for Islamabad 7-8 hrs, via Taket Bahi and Taxila/hotel
Day-18 Day free in Islamabad
Day-19 Departure from Islamabad (drop to the airport), flying back to homeland

BIKING AND HIKING:

This adventure program offers great opportunity to discover the region of Northern Areas. Travel on Karakuram Highway, the 8th wonder of the world, which start from Taxila to Khunjerab Pass (855km). This program takes you through the Indus River, meeting point of the Three Great Mountaine Range, the Hindu-Kush, the Himalayan, and the Karakuram. Specticular viewpoints of Nanga Parbat (8125m), Astor Valley, Rama Lake (3482m), Gilgit town, Bagrot Valley, Rakaposhi (788m), the beauty queen of Hunza Valley and Khunjerab Pass (4733m).

Max altitude: 4733m
Suitable Period: June to September

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Day-01 Arrival to Islamabad airport and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing of Islamabad/Rawalpindi and overnight in the hotel
Day-02 Drive to Chilas on Karakuram Highway 11-12 hrs, via lush green, pine-forestry area of Mansehra and Khoistan Valley
Day-03 Drive to Astor Valley Tarashing (2911m) 4-5 hrs. Drive to Jag lot 1.30 hrs on Karakuram Highway and proceed to Astor Valley on un-matteled road through the narrow valley of Astor, along the Astor River up to the alpine village of Trashing. Overnight in the tent

Day-04 Day free for hiking, overnight at camp
Day-05  Start Biking to Rama Lake (3482m) 3-4 hrs. The very ideal track for Cycle adventure lovers, on the Jeep road to the Rama Lake. Rama Lake is extreamly natural beauty, surroundings are flower-filled meadows, birch forestry, the spectacular view of Chonga Peak and little shoulder of Nanga Parbat (8125m). Camp and overnight in the tent
Day-06 Day free for hiking around the Lake
Day-07 Continue Biking to Jaglot and drive to Gilgit (1500m) 6-7 hrs. Gilgit is the capital of Northern Areas situated in the heart of Karakuram range surroundings is lofty peaks. Overnight in the hotel
Day-08 Drive to Bagrot Valley 25km 2-hrs up to the road ahead. Journey through the beautiful Valley of Bagrot on un-mattled Jeep road, fertile land of crops fruit. After short break continues to back on Bikes descend to Denyour then to Gilgit. In the evening time you may visit to Kargha Buddha rock carving and visit to Gilgit Bazaar.

Day-09 On the Cycle to Hunza-Karimabad (2400m) 5-6 hrs. In the way you may make stops at the view point Rakaposhi (7788m) and other interesting viewpoints.
Day-10 Day free in Karimabad to visit the Altit and Baltit Forts, Bazaar, local exploration of Hunza tradition, simple way of life and hard working.
Day-11 Trek to Ulter Meadow and back for overnight at hotel
Day-12 Proceed Bike adventure to Sust 5-6 hrs. Riding on Karakuram Highway and continue through the gorge valley with specticular view of surrounding lofty peaks and glaciers and the numbers of Wakhi villages up to the Sust.
Day-13 Drive to Khunjerab Pass (4733m) 3- hrs. Drive through the narrow gorge valley, along the Hunza River steep up the Pass. Khunjerab Pass is the world highest paved boarder between Pakistan and China. Khunjerab National Park is the home of Snow leopard and Marcopolo sheep, Ibex and other wild life. After exploration back on Cycles to Sust by the same route but extremely descend to the Kuksal and proceed on the normal route to the Sust. Drive continue to Passu 5-hrs and overnight in the hotel
Day-14 Drive to Gilgit 4-5 hrs. In the evening you may visit bazaar and other places.
Day-15 Drive to Besham 6-7 hrs. In the way you may make several stops in the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the meeting point of the Great Mountains range the Karakuram, the Himalayan and the Hindu-Kush.
Day-16 Drive to Islamabad 6-7 hrs.
Day-17 Day free in Islamabad
Day-18 Fly homeland



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