Book2Wheel is created by bikers for bikers and all travelers ready to take a step into a world of rich adventuring. We approach our motorcycle tours and adventure travel with a passion and devotion to give back to humanity and connect communities
DAY 01: ISLAMABAD FLY TO GILGIT
Taking the morning flight to Gilgit or if the flight is cancelled we go by road.
DAY 02: GILGIT explore day OR drive NARAN to GILGIT
Today we meet the bikes 🙂 We have a relaxing morning in Gilgit, exploring the market and a trip to the Buddha rock. There is time to familiarize ourselves with the bikes and have a chat about all things bike and what to expect on the upcoming journey. Or if the flight was canceled, we are traveling by a road heading over the first touch of mountains via Babusar pass we continue straight on to Gilgit.
DAY 03: GILGIT TO RAMA MEADOWS
With an early start, heading out of Gilgit onto the Karakraom Highway we stop at the junction point of Karakarom, Himalaya and Hindukush ranges before leaving the highway to the beautiful journey into Astore Valley. After riding through Astore town we head further up the mountain to the small Hamlet of Rama Meadows. Depending on the time and the weather, we can take bikes or jeep further up the road to Rama Lake. A glacier is currently blocking the road so the last part of the route to the lake is on foot. The altitude at Rama is 3507 meters and we use this as an acclimatization night for the next day at Deosai.
DAY 04: DEOSAI CAMP
People say they find their soul in Deosai and part of their spirits stay here forever. We ride through this rich landscape on the rooftop of the world and spend a night camped on the shore of Sheosar Lake under the stars. Deosai National Park at an altitude of 4114 meters is the highest open grass plains in the world and home to Himalayan Brown Bear. On mini version, we cross Deosai in one day without night camp.
DAY 05: DEOSAI to SKARDU
We continue the ride across the beautiful plains of Deosai. It’s a fun adventure ride. In summer the plains are covered in stunning displays of wildflowers.
DAY 06: SKARDU
Rest Day Option to take a break from the bike and relax at the hotel in beautiful garden surrounds or take a shorter ride out from Skardu town and visit Kachura and ride the rural dusty road to Upper Kachura. Take a step back in time as we walk through this small village and put our boating skills to the test, bikers in boats! In the late afternoon, we take a short walk to the ruin of Skardu fort and look out over the Indus and Skardu town with mountains in every direction.
DAY 07: SKARDU to SHIGAR
Heading out of Skardu we ride into the cold desert, experiencing the otherworldliness of this vast arid landscape. The route takes us through Katpana and Shigar, across long suspensive bridges and to the old Shigar Fort. This is the another camp night in the quiet of the Shigar desert.
On mini version, this is a one day loop returning to Skardu.
DAY 08: SHIGAR to KHAPLU
Heading further east to Khaplu and Saling. This is a humbling ride surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. We explore ancient forts, ride side by side with the Indus River, see towering waterfalls and immerse ourselves in local culture. A visit to Khaplu palace and the wide Rocky River beds of the Indus River. Not on mini version.
DAY 09: Return SKARDU – Not on mini version
The next step of our journey is coming back to the mesmerizing area of Skardu; this time we also don’t use the mini version. Maundering through the involute roads of Skardu, you can feel the power of the surrounding mountains and fragility of your own life.
DAY 10: SKARDU to ASTAK
Today we start the ride back to Gilgit. The road is at times rough and dusty, narrow and rugged. The view, as we ride along the carved out cliffs with a roaring Indus River below, is truly wonderful. We pass through small oasis-like villages in rich pockets of green. We break the journey to Gilgit with a night at Astak falling asleep to the harmonies of the tumbling water outside our window.
DAY 11: ASTAK to GILGIT
Continuing the ride similar to yesterday, we follow the Indus all the way until our return to the Karakoram Highway. From there it’s an easy ride on excellent paved Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.
With the Mini version, it takes one day to ride from Skardu to Gilgit.
DAY 12: GILGIT TO KARIMABAD
Today we are back on the Karakoram Highway for an easy yet spectacular ride to the old hillside town of Karimabad. Stopping at Rakaposhi view and the old silk route along the way. We have the option to meander through villages, across fascinating bridges and ride sections of the pathway that is the old silk route.
DAY 13: KARIMABAD
Delving into the ancient history of the silk route and the Mogul empire as well as the strong cultural and ethnic relations with Ladakh and Tibet. This region is steeped an in rich cultural heritage and we explore the forts Baltit and Altit gaining a greater understanding of the area’s history. In the late afternoon, we head to Duikar/Eagle’s Nest to watch the sun go down over Hunza Valley. The 360-degree views from this point are amazing. On mini version, we visit Altit fort and Duikar/Eagle’s nest in the afternoon after riding from Gilgit and only one night in Karimabad.
DAY 14: GHULKIN VILLAGE HOMESTAY
While riding further north through the rugged peaks and jagged spires of Passu Cones, we take a break on our route and we have the chance to test our fear of heights on the wobbly wooden planks of Hussaini suspension bridge and be mesmerized by the fast-flowing waters below. Attabad Lake is deep and vast with vivid azure/turquoise waters. It was formed via a massive landslide, where many lives were lost. Some say there is an eerie sadness lingering in the air. But the towering mountains stand like sentinels around the shores of the lake, watching over in Peace. We spend the night in the small village of Ghulkin with a local family.
DAY 15: KHUNJERAB PASS – PASSU
We ride to Khunjerab Pass, the China/Pakistan border and the highest border crossing in the world, surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers around every turn! The silence and aura of this place is in a whole other world… we may be lucky to hear the roar of a Snow Leopard across the valley.
DAY 16: PASSU
Today is a well-deserved rest day, soaking up the atmosphere under the Passu cones in this amazing part of the world. If you don’t want to rest and still have plenty of action energy left in you, there is the option for a hike around the area and over Passu suspension bridge.
DAY 17: PASSU to GILGIT
Today sadly we return to Gilgit and this ends our time on the bikes. Tomorrow it’s the return to Islamabad via flight or small van.
DAY 18: FLY to ISLAMABAD or reach NARAN
The 18th day of our adventure starts with a flight to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. With over 1 million people residing in the city and the area of 906 square kilometers, without any doubt, there are so many things to do and explore.
DAY 19: EXPLORE ISLAMABAD or reach ISLAMABAD
The capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, is definitely a city of wonders. Whether you want to visit the place of the cult or simply enjoy basic pleasure like food, music or dance, you will definitely find something for yourself. From Shah Faisal Masjid, Shakarparian and the Centaurus to Zoo, Raval Lake and Margalla Hills – you can experience a huge variety of entertainment in the place of Islamabad.
2019 Price guide
Full 19 Day version Price ~ $3976 Aussie Dollars
Single room Supplement ~ add $590 = $4566
All rooms are twin-shared unless a single supplement is selected.
Pillion/buddy rider or a support car seat ~ less $300 = $3676
14 Day Mini version Price – $3228 Aussie Dollars
Single room Supplement ~ add $530 = $3758
Pillion/buddy rider or support car seat ~ less $225 = $3003
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
– Accommodation: twin-shared rooms unless a single supplement is requested.
– Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
– Motorbike and mechanics including fuel.
– Entry to forts, Khunerjab and Deosai National Parks.
– Skilled motorcycle English/Urdu speaking, first aid accredited guide.
– Vehicle support, providing the first aid and mineral water.
– Internal flight Islamabad to Gilgit return or van/car transfer.
– Letter of invitation to visit Pakistan (needed to obtain entry tourist visa).
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
– International flights and internal transport outside of trip dates.
– Travel Insurance, you must have your own travel insurance with an adventure travel component. Legally, an international driver’s license is required to ride in Pakistan. While on the ground, no one cares and police won’t check and most locals don’t have any license at all… the insurance company will with no doubt cover you if you do not have a valid international license. For your own insurance purposes, we recommend that you have a motorcycle license and can legally ride a bike of 150cc. If you choose to ride without an international license, it is your own responsibility.
– Visa, you will need to arrange this via the instructions from Pakistan embassy or high commission within your own country. We will provide support during your application process.
– Extra snacks, drinks, and unlimited Chai.
THE FINE PRINT
This is an adventure ride, it is expected from you to have an experience with riding a motorcycle in a variety of conditions including dusty, rough roads and that you are able to cope with creek crossings.
The travel in Pakistan is unpredictable, that’s part of what makes it so exciting. We have to be open-minded and flexible. Conditions in the mountains vary from season to season and at times we may need to alter routes or other tour details. That’s why you travel with us, so that, if anything arises we take care of it and the journey continues stress-free.
When booking a spot on our tours or bike freedom hire you will need to sign a waiver releasing Book2Wheel Denmark and Book2Wheel Pakistan from any liability related to any aspect of our tours and bike rental.
You have to obtain your own travel insurance to come on our tours. Insurance companies do cover the areas around Skardu and Hunza. Please select the adventure insurance options which cover motorcycles and the altitude.
Contact us to discuss this trip and any other questions you may have about our adventure travel. We are more than willing to help you!
[wpforms id=”3698″]