- Professional Culture Guide. (Government requirement)
- Airport transfers for Domestic & international flights.
- Internal flights and associated airport transfers
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described
- All meals
- All sight-seeing
- All tourist attractions admission fee
- All permit fees.
Karakoram, Pakistan
Location
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Accommodation
Summer
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Boarding
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour 2020
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour is a cycling holiday on 1,300 long Karakoram Highway in the Karakoram mountains region of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Karakoram Highway is one of the world highest paved roads between Pakistan and China.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour On the Ancient Silk Route
- Tour manager and supporting crew through out the Journey
- Spectacular Mountains Vista of the Karakoram Range, Pakistan.
- Camping at Minapin, Right under Rakaposhi
- Experience the culture and hospitality of the friendly Hunza people
- Sneaky view of Nanga Parbat (8126m) and Rakaposhi (7788m) from KKH.
OVERVIEW
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour is once in a life time cycling experience through the Karakoram mountain valleys, along the rivers and ancient silk route. Karakoram Highway starts from Hassan Abdal town and goes through Hunza valley to Khunjerab Pass. Khunjerab Pass is the trading bordering between china and Pakistan. Wether you are a keen cyclist or a weekend rider, Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour is a great way to explore the ancient silk route, medical towns and small hillside villages of Hunza Valley.
Karakoram highway cycling tour will get you to peek behind the curtain and discover a side of a country which many people simply cannot imagine. Imagine Cycling close to the shining glacier to an isolated Himalayan villages, sharing Delicious local traditional cuisine around a crackling bonfire and soaking in the stars as you give your feet a much-needed rest.
Pakistan is an amazing country, our job is to not only make sure you have an amazing time but also to take care of all of the paperwork, logistics, permits and full boarding basis so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the once in a life time Cycling holiday experience. Pakistan will become your favorite country in the world. This is a land of towering peaks and ancient glaciers, of swaying bridges and mountain villages. The ancient silk road leading all the way to China has been travelled by explorers and philosophers, conquerors and merchants, pilgrims and spies. Now is your chance to follow in their footsteps.
Nearly four decade ago we ran the first adventure tour in Pakistan and it was a raging success. Since then, we now run several Culture tours, Trekking holidays, cycling holidays, Festival Tours and Climbing Expedition in Pakistan throughout the years. We are blessed with amazing Local Guides, staff and local connections which will make your cycling tour once in a life time experience.
Our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour start point is Islamabad. Islamabad is the nearest international airport to reach the Karakoram mountain region of Pakistan. Our representative will meet and greet you at Islamabad international airport then transfer you to the hotel for a rest to recover from the journey. We will meet again in the afternoon for a briefing about the Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour. Next morning we will drive through Taxila, Hassan Abdal and Mansehra to reach Chillas town for the night stay. Chillas is a small town which is a getaway to the famous Killer mountain Nanga Parbat. In the morning we continue our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour along the Indus and Gilgit River to Gilgit. Today will be our first cycling day with spectacular view of Nanga Parbat and the junction point of Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindukush mountains range. Gilgit is the Capital of Gilgit Baltistan province, surrounded by the pillars of the mighty Karakoram mountains. After exploring Gilgit, we will cycle up to rejoin the Karakoram highway, the road climbs gradually, we pass a few small villages, beyond here we will catch sight of the huge spiral of Rakaposhi mountain looming in the distance. The road goes so close to its base that it is hidden most of the way. We will spend the night in Minapin.
We continue our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour towards Karimabad today. Above, the highest snow-covered peaks are hidden from view behind the jagged teeth of the ridge. Our ride leads us to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza. A short but spectacular day. A rest day, but with so much to see in this enchanting village, it is unlikely that you will get much rest. Highlights include the 13th Century Baltit Fort and the Sacred Rocks of Hunza valley. As we leave Karimabad to Passu, the road drops down to the village of Ganesh before we begin a fairly hard 15 km climb.The road climbs with intermittent glimpses of glaciers, precipices and gleaming white peaks, before the 10 km descent to Passu, which brings us directly to the incredible Passu Glacier where we will stop for the night. Today we transfer by vehicle setting off for the first 6km along the Karakoram Highway, just beyond the Batura Glacier we turn off to cross a suspension bridge over the Hunza river and follow a jeep track up to Shimshal. People in Shimshal are Wakhi. We cycle down through the valley passing the Mulungutti Glacier as we travel through a stunning scenery. We cross the Hunza River over a suspension bridge before re-joining The Karakoram highway about 6km north of Passu. We can make a late start this morning. When we depart, we will have a picturesque ride to the quiet and unremarkable border village of Sust. before khunjerab pass. Khunjerab Pass is the trade border between Pakistan and China. The scenery on the way from Karakoram highway is stunning. This is the last stop of our cycling holiday journey, we will head back towards Islamabad via Gilgit. Night stay in Gilgit then take a flight to Islamabad. You will spend one night in Islamabad then in the morning after breakfast Transfer you to the Airport for your flight back home. Please make sure to book your return flight on our last day of “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour” Itinerary.
BRIEF ITINERARY:
D-1
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN:
D-2
DRIVE TO CHILLAS (461km) 8-9 HOURS:
D-3
CYCLE TO GILGIT (60km) 4 HOURS :
D-4
CYCLE TO MINAPIN (80km) 2,030m:
D-5
CYCLE TO KARIMABAD (32km), 2,400m:
D-6
SIGHTSEEING & REST DAY:
D-7
CYCLE TO PASSU (41km) 2,480m:
D-8
CYCLE TO SHIMSHAL (60km) 3,100m:
D-9
SHIMSHAL TO GULMIT (3,300m):
D10
GULMIT TO MINAPIN (68km) 2030km:
D-11
MINAPIN TO GILGIT (80km):
D-12
GILGIT TO ISLAMABAD:
D-13
FLY BACK HOME-DEPARTURE DAY:
Additional information
| Grade | Chalanging |
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Map of Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour 2020
Trango Adventure has been organising Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour in Pakistan since many years. We designed our cycling holiday itinerary based on over 40 years of experience, which is the best in terms of acclimatisation, enjoyment and safety.
It is our intention to keep to the day by day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case the tour manager will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimise your inconvenience.
Adventure travel and cycling holidays requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in team is an important aspect of all of our trips.
TOUR ITINERARY
D-1
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN:
Most of the international flights arrives at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Our representative will meet and greet you at the airport, then transfer you to the hotel for a rest to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about The Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- D
D-2
DRIVE TO CHILLAS (461km) 8-9 HOURS DRIVE:
Today you will start your Epic Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour towards the north. You will pass through some other culturally rich and historical towns, Taxila, Hassan Abdal, Hari Pur, Abbot Abbad then Besham. You will do few stops along the ways for tea breaks. Karakoram highway takes off from Hasan Abdal. The road follows every twist and turn of the Indus River. About 190 km after Beshamn, the road meets Chillas which appears to be an ‘oasis in a desert’. Chillas has a unique charm. Here you will have a magnificent view of the three World highest Mountain ranges: Karakoram in the north, Himalayas in east and Hindu Kush in west. Chillas is the getaway to Nanga Parbat (8,126m). Nanga Parbat is the ninth world highest mountain, which is one of the hardest mountain to climb. It has a nick name of Killer Mountain. In Chillas there are no Tourist attractions.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BLD
D-3
CYCLE TO GILGIT (60km) 4 HOURS :
Today will be your first cycling day on the Karakoram highway to Gilgit. You will cycle along the mighty Indus and Hunza River to reach Gilgit town. Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit Baltistan province of Pakistan. The real attractions of Pakistan are in the Gilgit Baltistan along the Karakoram Highway. Cycling along the Karakoram Highway gives you an amazing experience; you will see peaks and valleys, rivers and glaciers. 21 of the world’s one hundred highest peaks are visible from The Karakoram Highway.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BLD
D-4
CYCLE TO MINAPIN (80km) 2,030m:
Setting off from Gilgit, we rejoin the Karakoram highway the road climbs slowly passing a few small villages, before we start to witness the huge spiral of Rakaposhi looming in the distance. The road goes so close to its base that it is hidden most of the way. It is only when we arrive at our small family guesthouse at Minapin that we really witness the true beauty of Rakaposhi. Our accommodation for the night is situated in a beautiful tranquil orchard.
- Minapin Altitude: 2,030m (6,660ft)
- Cycle Distance: 82km (51 miles)
- Total Climb: 1,353m (4,439ft)
- Total Descent: 772m (2,533ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: B,L,D
D-5
CYCLE TO KARIMABAD (32km), 2,400m:
The Karakoram highway (KKH) is at its most spectacular between Minapin and Gulmit. The road rides high on the eastern side of the river, twisting and turning around the barren foot of the Hispar Range, which boasts six peaks over 7,000 metres. On the opposite bank, villages cling implausibly to the side of the 7,388m Ultar Mountain. Above, the jagged teeth along the ridge hide the highest snow-covered peaks from view. A short but spectacular day to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley.
- Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m (7,874ft)
- Cycle Distance: 35km (22 miles)
- Total Climb: 703m (2,306ft)
- Total Descent: 341m (1,119ft)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: BLD
D-6
SIGHTSEEING & REST DAY:
Today will be a rest day, but with so much to see in this enchanting village, it is unlikely that you will get much rest. Highlights are a visit to the 13th Century Baltit Fort, Altit Fort or a visit to see the Sacred Rocks of Hunza. For the really adventuress amongst you a trek up to Hon will give you incredible views across the whole of the Nagar valley.
- Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m (7,874ft)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: BLD
D-7
CYCLE TO PASSU (41km) 2,480m:
As we leave Karimabad the road drops down to the village of Ganesh before we begin a fairly hard 15 km climb. Remember that if at any time you have had enough, just wait around for the back-up vehicle. Due to the floods of 2010, a section of the Karakoram Highway between the village of Gulmet, and Gulkin is now impassable and we will take a ferry here to continue along the route. This afternoon we cycle on a further 16 km to Passu. The road climbs with intermittent glimpses of glaciers, precipices and gleaming white peaks, before the 10 km descent to Passu, which brings us directly in front of the incredible Passu Glacier where we will stop for the night.
- Passu Altitude: 2,480m (8136ft)
- Cycle Distance: 41km (25 miles)
- Total Climb: 910m (2,985ft)
- Total Descent: 762m (2,500ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: (B,L,D)
D-8
CYCLE TO SHIMSHAL (60km) 3,100m:
Today you can either cycle or transfer by vehicle. The first 6km along The Karakoram Highway before turning just beyond the Batura Glacier to cross a suspension bridge over the Hunza river and follow a jeep track up to Shimshal. The road has been described as a miracle of engineering by some. On our approach to Shimshal we pass fields of stones partitioned by dry stone walls, and houses built of mud and stone. In the distance we may catch a glimpse of Odver Sar (6,303m). The village herdsmen pasture their sheep, yak and goats in the seasonal mountain grasslands, located several days walk from the village. The people of Shimshal are Wakhi.
- Shimshal Altitude: 3,100m (10,170ft)
- Cycle Distance: 59km (37 miles)
- Total Climb: 972m (3,189ft)
- Total Descent: 383m (1,256ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: (B,L,D)
D-9
SHIMSHAL TO GULMIT (3,300m):
After breakfast you will continue your Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour by cycling down the valley passing the Mulungutti Glacier as we travel through a stunning scenery. The valley is home to herds of sheep, goats and yaks that are moved up and down the area with the seasons. But you will see little evidence of settlement apart from the few shepherd’s huts on the narrow track road. You will cross the Hunza River over a suspension bridge before re-joining the Karakoram highway about 6km north of Passu. From here you will be transfer to Gulmit.
- Gulmit Altitude: 2,465m (8,087ft)
- Cycle Distance: 59km (37 miles)
- Total Climb: 383m (1,256ft)
- Total Descent: 972m (3,189ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: (B,L,D)
D10
GULMIT TO MINAPIN (68km) 2030km:
Once again you will pass the magnificent Karimabad and surroundings of Hunza valley; the mountains to soar high above us and the road is lined with apricot trees. Minapin is a small detour off of the main road; you will climb through tiny villages where friendly locals will greet you. Near Minapin you will enjoy a spectacular view of Mt Rakaposhi from the road. At a height of 7,788 meters, Rakaposhi has an uninterrupted vertical rise of approximately 6000 m making it the tallest mountain on land when measured from the base to peak.
- Minapin Altitude: 2,030m (6,660ft)
- Cycling Distance: 68km (42 miles)
- Total climb: 680m (2,231ft)
- Total descent: 1,450m (4,757ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals (B,L,D)
D-11
MINAPIN TO GILGIT (80 km):
Today you will trek around the local area. You are surrounded by steep hillsides where small conifers grow. The village of Minapin is a popular destination as it provides the easiest access to three peaks that mountaineers are fond of scaling: the 7,788m Rakaposhi peak, the 7,266m Diran peak and the Miachar peak in the Karakoram Range. The valley’s natural beauty and the hospitality, culture and traditions of the locals all contribute to its popularity. The valley is also known for an abundance of fruit production, including apricots, apples, mulberry, walnuts and pomegranates. In the afternoon we will head towards Gilgit for a night stay.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BLD
D-12
GILGIT TO ISLAMABAD:
Today you will return to Islamabad. You either fly or travel by road on The Karakoram Highway. Those who opt to fly will have time to explore Islamabad. The city’s monuments, shrines and places of interest include Pakistan’s largest mosque: Faisal Mosque and the Lok Virsa Museum where you’ll see an interesting collection of folk and traditional artefacts.green spaces. Just an hour by taxi from Islamabad is the Unesco World Heritage site Taxila. Meaning City of Cut Stone or Takṣa Rock, Taxila is an important archaeological site where you can see remains of four early settlement sites, Buddhist monasteries, and a Muslim mosque and madrassa. The journey by road takes approximately a day. Please make sure to book your return flight on Day 13 of the Karakoram highway cycling tour later in the day – late afternoon or in the evening.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BLD
D-13
DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME:
After Breakfast you will be transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home. End of “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour”.
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour Date & Prices 2020
Private Groups – Chose your own Dates
Tour Start and finish in Islamabad-Domestic Flight Inc
| START DATES | END DATE | TRIP STATUS | PRICE | DEPOSIT |
| Sun 10 May | 22 May | Guaranteed | USD $ 2,000 | USD $ 400 |
| Sat 06 July | 18 Jul | Guaranteed | USD $ 2,000 | USD $ 400 |
| Sun 19 July | 31 Jul | Guaranteed | USD $ 2,000 | USD $ 400 |
| Sat 08 Aug | 20 Aug | Guaranteed | USD $ 2,000 | USD $ 400 |
| Sat 22 Aug | 03 Sep | Guaranteed | USD $ 2,000 | USD $ 460 |
| Sat 05 Sep | 17 Sep | Guaranteed | USD $ 2,000 | USD $ 460 |
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour Date and prices are for the fix departure Trips only. Private Groups Please chose your own dates and contact us for a Tailor-made Tour Itinerary and Price. We have DISCOUNTS and great OFFERS for Groups, families and couples, so please do contact us before booking. All our Pakistan Holidays are based on full board which includes Domestic flights as well (If apply to your Trip).
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour prices are for the itinerary based from Islamabad To Islamabad. International flights from most cities arrives in Islamabad in the morning, Return flights will depart from Islamabad International airport on the last day of the itinerary. Our representative will Meet and Greet you at the Islamabad International Airport. Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price, particularly for the regional fixed departures. To Secure a place we recommend you to book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Secure your place with a minimum deposit of 20%, remaining amount can be paid on the first day of the Tour in Pakistan.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:
Price of our “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour” can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango adventure have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a Government licensed and bonded tour operator to follow the strict Regulation set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour Information
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHATS’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- Pakistan Visa
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc
- Cycle and personal equipments
- PLEASE NOTE: an airport departure tax of Rs1500 is sometimes payable
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMODATION
During The Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour, you will spend all nights in good international tourist standard hotel. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same-sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website. Hotels are subject to availability and prices may vary.
HEALTH & VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance for your holidays in Pakistan with Trango Adventure Pakistan. We recognise the complexity and variety of choice in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your own preferred insurer or have annual multi trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.
Trango Adventure do not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance for Karakoram Highway cycling tour, which covers the activities which you are likely to be undertaking on your Cycling holiday.
Suggested insurance companies include:
Expeditions or Treks
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
- Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
- True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
- Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
- Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
- The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
- Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
- World Nomads (up to 6000m)
- Insure for Less (Australians only)
Treks only:
- Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
- Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
- J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500
GROUP LEADER & SUPPORTING STAFF
ALTITUDE
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be above 2,000 metres for 1-2 days. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatize successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should get some basic advice on Tours at high altitude.
CLIMATE
From mid June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 40°C at Karachi, Multan and Lahore, and 25°C in The Gilgit & Baltistan Region. Weather is generally good throughout the summer season,with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, weather in mountainous areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time.
BOOKS
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holidays in Pakistan. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.
PAKISTAN VISA
All nationalities require a visa to enter into Pakistan. The visa fee is approximately GBP £60 and you must apply for it prior to departure. To obtain a tourist visa for Pakistan you will require a letter of invitation from an approved travel agency in Pakistan which will be provided by Trango Adventure. Visa applications can be made ONLINE or in person at your nearest Pakistan Embassy in your home country. Please read our Blog and News section for more information about Pakistan Visa.
Note: if you are continuing your tour to china then you must organise your china Visa beforehand.
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. All your gears and bags with you in a Jeep. You can also keep your personal items with you on the cycle if you wish to do so.
We will send you a list of detail items closer to your Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour departure.
Please do drop us an email at info@trangoadventure.com if you need more information regarding Our “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour”.
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