2027. Karakorum Highway is boring

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Description

We have no doubt that the most beautiful mountains in the world are in Pakistan. We have also met some of the kindest and most welcoming people in the world there. We have been running trips to Pakistan since 2019, and we are still fascinated by this country. We added Pakistan to our calendar, giving up Ladakh — beautiful, but already very touristy. Pakistan is still real.

The biggest problem in Pakistan is the motorcycles. The local bikes are fine for getting from one place to another, but you will look in vain for the joy of riding them. We experienced this ourselves, and for several years now we have been offering the adventure on proper motorcycles with decent suspension. In 2027, we will be riding CF Moto 450s. The Karakoram Highway is a dream for many motorcyclists. And rightly so — it is a spectacular road. But we have had enough time to explore a few of the side valleys, and it was only there that we became convinced that this country is the perfect choice. Incredible landscapes and incredibly hospitable people create a wonderful mix for a truly positive motorcycle adventure.

So this time, we invite you to the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush — all in one trip.

We start in Skardu, the town from which expeditions to Pakistan’s highest mountains set out — K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. We will finish the trip there as well. Along the way, there will be plenty to see. We will admire the eight-thousand-metre Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi — the greatest mountain in the world. We will ride up to Khunjerab Pass and look across towards China. We will take you to Shimshal, so that you can discover what some of the most beautiful roads in the world really look like. And along the way there will be mountains, glaciers, lakes, old forts and great food.

Last but not least, we have planned a one-day trek — and not just any trek. We will walk to the Base Camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. We will do it “light” — your luggage will travel behind us in the support vehicle.

The route does not require any special motorcycle skills, but it is designed for people with an adventurous spirit. We will be riding on the left-hand side of the road, and the drop-offs can be seriously impressive. However, we will be travelling at relatively low speeds, so there will be plenty of time to stop, look around and enjoy the scenery.

This is not a trip for those who simply want to rack up kilometres and ride hard. It is for those who want to see something extraordinary — from the seat of a motorcycle they are riding themselves. The stereotypical image of Pakistan had very little in common with what we actually encountered there. There are no terrorists and Taliban lurking around every corner. And, as it turns out, the Taliban aren’t quite as scary as the movies would have you believe either.

Travel broadens the mind. Come and see Pakistan for yourself. It is also possible to join the group as a passenger in the support vehicle.

Accommodation is provided in hotels and guesthouses.

About

2940 € 04.10.2027-16.10.2027 Start/finish: Skardu/Skardu Difficulty: 5/10 Price includes:
  • All accommodation
  • Three meals a day
  • Entrance fees to national parks and other attractions
  • Support vehicle throughout the trip
  • Professional guides (Polish-speaking + local)
  • Border permits
  • Motorcycle rental
  • Mechanical support
  • Letter of Invitation (LOI) and visa assistance
Price does not include:
  • Flights
  • Alcohol
  • Fuel
  • Visa fee

Gallery

Day 1 | Skardu-Khaplu

We set off at first light, so you will need to arrive in Skardu the day before. Skardu is a small town on the edge of the Karakoram and the Himalayas, with very little traffic, so it will be easy to get used to riding on the left-hand side of the road. We will ride along the Indus towards India. Along the way, we will stop at an impressive waterfall, and in the afternoon we will reach Khaplu, the capital of a former princely state.

Day 2 | Khaplu-Hushe-Khaplu

Everyone has heard of K2, but where the hell is K1? Well, it’s near Hushe — and we’re going to see it. Also known as Masherbrum, K1 rises spectacularly above Hushe. This is the last village in the Karakoram, and it is home to many famous Pakistani mountaineers.

We promise a journey that may not take us far, but will be quite an adventure through both space and time…

 

Day 3 | Khaplu - Skardu - Arando

We will return to the Skardu area along the same road and then head towards Arando, another remote village at the very edge of the Karakoram, this time in a different valley. The views will be absolutely breathtaking. Along the way, we will stop for a swim in Blind Lake.

Day 4 | Arando - Deosai

We will leave the Karakoram behind and enter the Himalayas. A beautiful climb will take us up to Deosai National Park — a place often described as “Little Mongolia.” We will spend the night on this spectacular plateau, located at an altitude of around 4,000 metres. We can’t promise it will be warm. But we can promise that it will be spectacularly beautiful.

Day 5 | Deosai - Fairy Meadow

A long day — but what a day!

We will descend from Deosai, refuel in Astore, and follow a spectacular cliffside road all the way down to the Karakoram Highway. And then… we switch to jeeps. We will leave our motorcycles at Raikot Bridge and climb into these nimble little 4x4s. Why not go by motorcycle? Well… you’ll understand when you get there. From Tatu, we continue on foot. Just two hours — maybe three if you’re a slow walker. And if you really can’t manage the hike, we can arrange a horse for you, but at an additional cost.

We won’t even try to describe the views. They are simply beyond description. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 | Fairy Meadow - Nanga Parbat base camp - Fairy Meadow

From this fairy meadow, we will head towards the Naked Mountain — Nanga Parbat. You can join us for a trek, or, if you prefer, simply go for a walk. And if you really don’t feel like walking, you can just sit at our base with your jaw dropped, taking in the views.

Overnight in tents.

Day 7 | Fairy Meadow - Gilgit - Karimabad

Around midday, we will descend to the Indus and rejoin our motorcycles. From there, we will head north along the Karakoram Highway. We will make a short stop at the Junction Point — the only place on Earth where three of the world’s highest mountain ranges meet: the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. The Karakoram Highway is in good condition, so we can make fairly good progress. After admiring Rakaposhi, we will continue on to Karimabad.

What a day for the views…

Day 8 | Karimabad - Hoper - Karimabad

The area around Karimabad has plenty to offer. In the morning, we will take in the world from Eagle’s Nest. Later, we will visit Hoper Valley, where we will look down over the glacier from above. In the afternoon, we will explore the bazaar in Karimabad and visit the impressive Baltit Fort.

Day 9 | Karimabad - Sost - Chapursan - Sost

We will discover the Karakoram Highway by riding through one of its most spectacular sections. We will pass through the tunnels along Attabad Lake and make our way to the other side of the mountains. We will stop to admire the legendary Passu peaks, then briefly turn into Chapursan Valley, giving you a taste of the atmosphere of the side roads that connect the remote valleys with the Karakoram Highway.

Day 10 | Sost - Khunjerab - Passu

We are already getting acclimatized, so it’s time for the highest point of our journey. Khunjerab Pass sits at an altitude of 4,700 metres and marks the border between Pakistan and China. It may not be the most spectacular mountain pass we have ever seen, but the road leading there is truly impressive. After all, this is one of the wonders of the world.

At least of the motorcycling world…

Day 11 | Passu - Shimshal - Gulmit

If you think you’ve already seen it all, the road to Shimshal will change your mind. It took more than a decade to build these 53 kilometres. The road has made it onto lists of the world’s most dangerous roads — perhaps unfairly so. But there is no doubt it deserves a place among the most beautiful roads in the world.

Day 12 | Gulmit - Gilgit

A relatively short distance today, and we’ll be taking a road we’ve already ridden. But it’s time to settle the score with the weather. Couldn’t see Rakaposhi the first time? We’ll see it today. There will also be time to explore the local bazaars and pick up a few souvenirs.

Day 13 | Gilgit - Skardu

Once upon a time, this was an all-day ride. Today it still can be — but it doesn’t have to be. In 2021, perfect asphalt was laid along most of the route, so now only the views can stop us from reaching our destination quickly. Along the way, we will take one more look at Nanga Parbat and visit one of the highest-altitude deserts in the world.