Karakoram Highway Cycling

Karakoram Highway Cycling is an easy holiday for regular cyclists and occasional pedallers. Cycling on the Karakoram Highway is peaceful, friendly, unique and beautiful.

The Karakoram Highway is located in the north of Pakistan. It starts from Hassan Abdal and finishes at Khunjerab Pass on the border of China. It was built by the Government of Pakistan and China, which is why it also has the nickname Friendship Highway. Started building in 1959, and it was open to the public in 1979. Karakoram Highway traces many of the ancient Silk Route, which was travelled by warriors, merchants, religious pilgrims and explorers for many centuries.

Most cyclist begins their cycling journey from Chillas onwards. Chillas is a small town which is very popular for a night’s stay between Islamabad and Gilgit Baltistan. After spending a night in Chilas, you will begin your Cycling tour with the view of wold world-famous mountain Nanga Parbat along the Gilgit River. This epic cycling journey on the historical Karakoram Highway will be once in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which takes you through Hunza Valley, Atta Abad lake and the world’s highest trading border between China and Pakistan at Khunjerab pass. Khunjerab Pass remains closed during the winter season because of the high altitude and snowfall falls so plan your journey according to the opening and closing border timings if you are planning to continue your journey into China.

Most of the Karakoram Highway runs along the Hunza Valley, which is a lush green mountain valley with rich Culture, tradition and friendly people. Cycling on this highway will allow you to explore this ancient valley, its people and a close-up view of their traditions. Cycling will get you to peek behind the curtain and discover a side of the countryside which many people simply cannot imagine. Imagine Cycling close to the shining glacier to an isolated Himalayan village, sharing Delicious local cuisine around a crackling bonfire and soaking in the stars as you give your feet a much-needed rest.

If you are a keen cyclist, then perhaps you would like to join the “Tour de Khunjerab 2023”, which will be taking place in June. This will be the 3rd edition of the cycling competition, which starts on the Karakoram Highway from Gilgit and finishes at Khunjerab Pass. It was first launched in 2018 by the Pakistan cycling federation in collaboration with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Last year, cyclists from over 70 countries participated in this multi-day event.

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the magnificent beauty of this arid country. It enables you to get close to the essence of nature. Cycling on the Karakoram Highway has its own importance. Roaming around the greenery of the Northern areas of Pakistan, meeting with people having diverse backgrounds is very precious and a healthy activity for the traveller.

Soaring snow-dusted peaks of the Karakoram mountains and sun-kissed valleys will provide the most picturesque backdrop as you steam along the winding Karakoram Highway at dizzying altitudes. Cycling on this majestic road on the roof of the world is the way to see the real Pakistan.