- Professional Culture Guide
- 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 Highway Cycling Tour 2025-26
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour is a cycling holiday on the 1,300-mile-long Karakoram Highway in the Karakoram Mountains region of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The highway is one of the world’s highest paved roads, connecting Pakistan and China.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour On the Ancient Silk Route
- Tour manager and support throughout 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 (7,788m) from KKH.
- Visit Unesco listed Baltist, and Altit forts and enjoy delicious Pakistani cuisine.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience through the Karakoram mountain valleys, along the Indus and Hunza Rivers and the 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. Whether you are a keen cyclist or a weekend rider, the Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour is a great way to explore the ancient Silk Route, medical towns and hillside villages of Hunza Valley.
The Karakoram highway cycling tour will get you to peek behind the curtain and discover a side of a country that people cannot imagine. Imagine waking up to a spectacular sunrise over the Karakoram mountains, cycling close to the shining glacier to an isolated Himalayan village, 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 a culturally rich country, and our focus is not only to show you around but also to take care of all of the paperwork, logistics, and permits and arrange everything so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime Cycling holiday experience. Pakistan will become your favourite country in the world. A country that has towering peaks and ancient glaciers, swaying bridges and mountain villages. The famous Ancient Silk Road leading to China has been travelled by explorers and philosophers, conquerors and merchants, pilgrims and spies for decades. Now is your chance to follow in their footsteps.
Nearly four decades ago, we ran the first adventure tour in Pakistan, and it was a raging success. Since then, we have offered Culture tours, Trekking holidays, cycling holidays, Festival Tours and Climbing expeditions in Pakistan. We are blessed with talented Local Guides, staff and local connections, which will make your cycling tour a lifetime experience. The below itinerary is a glimpse of what we can offer. Contact us to add more places and customise your travel itinerary to fulfil your requirements.
Our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour start point is Islamabad. Islamabad is the nearest International Airport to the Karakoram mountain region of Pakistan. Our representative will meet and greet you at Islamabad International Airport and then transfer you to the hotel for a rest to recover from the long flight. We will meet again in the afternoon for a briefing about the Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour. Next morning, we will drive through historical 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.
After spending the night Chilas, continue our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour along the Indus and Gilgit Rivers to Gilgit. Today will be our first cycling day with a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat and the junction point of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindukush mountains range. We will cycle on the Karakoram highway to arrive in Gilgit. Gilgit is the Capital of the Gilgit Baltistan province, surrounded by the pillars of the mighty Karakoram mountains. Night stay in Gilgit.
After exploring Gilgit, we will cycle to join the Karakoram highway and continue cycling towards Hunza Valley. The road climbs gradually, and we pass a few small villages with spectacular views. Beyond here, we will catch sight of the giant 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. Minapin provides a stunning view of Rakaposhi. It is also the starting point for reaching the Rakaposhi base camp.
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise view over Rakaposhi mountain, have breakfast and continue our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour towards Karimabad today. Karimabad is above the Karakoram Highway, hidden behind the jagged teeth of the ridge. Our ride leads us to Karimabad, the Capital town of Hunza, a short but spectacular day. We will have a rest day here, 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, Altit Fort and the Sacred Rocks of Hunza Valley.
As we leave Karimabad to Sust, the road drops down to the village of Ganesh before we begin a steep 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 a tea break or lunch and continue to Sust.
Optional, use the contingency day to travel in a Jeep, setting off for the first 6km along the Karakoram Highway, just beyond the Batura Glacier, turn off to cross a suspension bridge over the Hunza River and follow a jeep track up to Shimshal. People in Shimshal are of Wakhi origin. We cycle downwards through the valley, passing the Mulungutti Glacier as we travel through stunning scenery. We cross the Hunza River over a suspension bridge before re-joining The Karakoram highway about 6km north of Passu. For a night stay, we return to Sust.
We will continue cycling on Karakoram highway from Sust to Khunjerab Pass. We will have a picturesque ride to the quiet and unremarkable border villages. 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 follow the same travel itinerary back towards Islamabad via Gilgit. Night stay in Gilgit, then take a flight back to Islamabad. You will spend one night in Islamabad, then in the morning travel to the Airport for your flight back home. Book your return flight on our last day of the “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour” Itinerary.
BRIEF ITINERARY:
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN:
DRIVE TO NARAN/CHILLAS (391km) 8-9 HOURS:
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO GILGIT, 128km CYCLING & DRIVE:
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO MINAPIN (80km) 2,030m:
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO KARIMABAD (32km), 2,400m:
SIGHTSEEING & REST DAY:
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO SUST (41km) 2,480m:
CYCLE SUST TO KHNJERAB PASS & RETURN TO GULMIT (30-88km) 4,690m:
CYCLE GULMIT TO MINAPIN, 70km:
CYCLE MINAPIN TO GILGIT (80km) :
FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD:
CONTIGENCY DAY-ISLAMABAD:
FLY BACK HOME-DEPARTURE DAY:
Additional information
Grade | Chalanging |
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Map and itinerary of Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour 2025-26
Introduction
Trango Adventure has been organising the Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour in Pakistan for 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.
We intend 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 to minimise your inconvenience.
Adventure travel and cycling holidays require 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 a team is an important aspect of all of our trips.
Tour Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN:
- ACCOMMODATION
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DRIVE TO NARAN/CHILLAS (461km) 8-9 HOURS DRIVE:
- ACCOMMODATION
- PTDC Hotel or similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CYCLE & DRIVE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO GILGIT (128km) 4 HOURS CYCLING:
You will cycle on the Karakoram highway as long as you can, then drive in the JEEP to Gilgit.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Ptdc Hotel or similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO MINAPIN (80km) 2,030m:
- Minapin Altitude: 2,030m (6,660ft)
- Cycle Distance: 80km
- Total Climb: 1,353m (4,439ft)
- Total Descent: 772m (2,533ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO KARIMABAD (32km), 2,400m:
- Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m (7,874ft)
- Cycle Distance: 32km (21 miles)
- Total Climb: 703m (2,306ft)
- Total Descent: 341m (1,119ft)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Mea ls: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SIGHTSEEING & REST DAY:
For the real adventure amongst you, trek up to Eagle Nest to have incredible views across the whole of the Nagar valley.
- Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m (7,874ft)
- Accommodation: Huza Embassy Hotel or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGHWAY TO SUST (41km) 2,480m:
- Sust Altitude: 2,490m (8146ft)
- Cycle Distance: 41km (25 miles)
- Total Climb: 910m (2,985ft)
- Total Descent: 762m (2,500ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CYCLE TO KHUNJERAB PASS & RETURN TO GULMIT (80km) 4,600m:
Optional. We can use our contingency day to either cycle or transfer by vehicle to Shimshal. The first 6km along The Karakoram Highway before turning just beyond the Batura Glacier to cross a suspension bridge over the Hunza Riverriver 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 stone partitioned by dry stone walls and houses built of mud and stones. In the dist, 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 of Wakhi origin.
- Khunjrab Pass: 4,600m.
- Cycle Distance: 80km
- Total Climb: 972m (3,189ft)
- Total Descent: 383m (1,256ft)
- Accommodation: Guest House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CYCLE ON KARAKORAM HIGH WAY BACK TO MINAPIN (68km):
- 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
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
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 its abundance of fruit production, including apricots, apples, mulberry, walnuts and pomegranates.
In the afternoon we will head back to Gilgit for a night stay.
- ACCOMMODATION
- PTDC Hotel or Similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
FLY BACK TO ISLAMABAD:
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
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CONTIGENCY DAY IN CASE OF DELAYS-ISLAMABAD:
Should we have taken the flight yesterday, today will be a full day to explore the green capital city of Pakistan. Explore Parliament Square, and Faisal Mosque, and have your last supper in Pakistan at the Magnificent food market in Islamabad, be sure to treat your taste buds to a local Pakistani curry, a taste sensation to remember.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME:
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour Cost and dates 2025-26
Private Groups – Chose Your Dates
Tour Start and finish in Islamabad-Domestic Flight Inc
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour dates and prices are for the fixed departure trips only. Private Groups Please choose your dates and contact us for a Tailor-made Tour Itinerary and Price. We have DISCOUNTS and great OFFERS for Groups, families and couples, so 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 arrive 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 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 10%, the remaining amount can be paid on the first day of the Tour in Pakistan.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:
The price of our “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour” can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure has 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 that follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept cash on arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour Information
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc
- Cycle and personal equipment. (available to hire)
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMMODATION
During the Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour, you will spend all nights in a 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 AND VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically 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 choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your 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 does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance for the 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 (Australian nationals 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
CULTURE GUIDE & SUPPORTING STAFF
ALTITUDE
Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour involves going to high altitudes. During 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 we must follow some simple rules to acclimatize successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should get some basic advice on Tours at high altitudes.
CLIMATE
From mid-June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 40°C in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Gilgit, and 25°C in The Gilgit & Baltistan regions. 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.
PASSPORT & VISAS
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 Pakistan. The visa fee is approximately USD 35, and you must apply for it before 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.
EQUIPMENT LIST
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. All your gear and bags are with you in a Jeep. You can also keep your items with you on the cycle if you wish to do so.
We will send you a list of detailed items closer to your Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour departure.
Email [email protected] for more information regarding Our “Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour”.
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