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Holidays

Hushe to Hunza – Pakistan Mountain Bike

Pakistan, Karakoram
Available Departures: Aug, Sep

15 days from

US$2,725

without flights
Cycle
Guided Group
CHALLENGING CHALLENGING

An adventure cycling holiday on the high roads of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan

Trip Code: HHMB
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Hushe to Hunza – Pakistan Mountain Bike

Highlights
  • Cycle up to the remote mountain village of Hushe
  • The camp (and stunning Nanga Parbat views) at Sheosar Lake on the Deosai Plain
  • Chill out at Karimabad beneath the towering Rakaposhi
  • The brilliant final day's Hunza Valley ride from Karimabad to Gilgit

At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 12
  • 9 days cycling
  • 565 kilometres
  • 30% off-road
  • 90% vehicle supported
  • Max altitude - 4250 metres
  • Join In Islamabad

Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 11 nights Hotel
  • 3 nights Camping
Overview

This spectacular mountain biking holiday in northern Pakistan starts out with a short flight from Islamabad to Skardu, the principal town of Baltistan on the edge of the Karakoram Mountains. Also known as 'Little Tibet', this is where the story of KE Adventure Travel began and we took the very first mountain bikes to Baltistan as long ago as 1988. Cycling from Khaplu to the remote mountain village of Hushe on the first day of this great adventure, we can look across to the towering peak of Masherbrum (7821m) at the head of the valley.


Then, after 4 days beside the upper Indus River, we set off to bike to Hunza via the Deosai Plains, a vast and pristine plateau an elevation of around 4000 metres. This alpine grassland wilderness, home to Himalayan brown bears and an array of other rare wildlife, was designated as a national park 20 years ago. The rough jeep road that we cycle across is closed by snow for much of the year. Camping beside the stunning Sheosar Lake, we then pass close to the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat (8126m) the ninth highest peak in the world, as we continue our ride to the bazaar town of Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway. A short transfer then takes us via the recently-formed Attabad Lake to Passu at the heart of the Hunza Valley which is renowned as one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Enormous glaciers descend to the roadside and picturesque villages cling precariously to the steep valley sides. From Passu we descend to the old Hunza capital of Karimabad, beneath the towering Rakaposhi (7788m) and cycle back to Gilgit partly on the Karakoram Highway and partly on sections of now little-used jeep road. This is the finest adventure cycling holiday in Pakistan.

ADVENTURE CYCLING. This is a great cycling adventure set within some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the planet. During 4 days of introduction and acclimatisation, we cycle above Skardu in Baltistan; going as high as the village of Hushe (3150m). Then, from Skardu, we cross the Deosai Plain to Gilgit in 4 further days, mostly on a rough jeep road and with a tough first day and a half as we climb up into this reserve area. Difficult terrain and tough ascents will make any cycling in this region a challenge for everyone. The final section of the trip is set in the Hunza Valley where we cycle both on the Karakoram Highway and on side trails away from the main road. The altitudes reached on this bike trip are high but not extreme and acclimatising to the altitude should not present a problem. Covering 565 kilometres (30% off-road) in 9 cycling days, this is a trip for regular, competent mountain bikers with reasonable off-road skills and a thirst for wild adventure. The support vehicle can follow the bikes for almost all of the route. LOCAL BIKE HIRE IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

Why KE?

35 Years Pakistan Experience

No other tour operator has KE's depth of experience in northern Pakistan. We ran our first trekking holiday in the Karakoram in 1984 and took the very first Muddy Fox mountain bikes to Hushe in 1988.

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts at the hotel in Islamabad. Transfers from Islamabad Airport are provided. The majority of international flights arrive in the early morning and you may want to rest before lunch. The first group get-together will be at lunch, during which the tour leader will provide a pre-trip briefing. If there is the opportunity to include a sightseeing tour today, either in the modern city of Islamabad or in nearby Rawalpindi, a city from the days of the British Raj, it will be optional and there will be a charge payable locally.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

L D

We take the early morning flight to Skardu. This short but spectacular one-hour flight skirts past the breathtaking 8000 metre peak, Nanga Parbat and it may even be possible to catch a fleeting glimpse of K2 in the distance before landing at Skardu. It will be midday before we get to Skardu and we will take lunch in town before continuing our journey on a spectacular road. The road follows the River Indus at first and then, after crossing the Indus, we follow the Shyok River to Khaplu, where we check in at our simple hotel, the Karakoram Lodge. From the hotel, we can look out across the gravel floodpain of the river to the amazing rock pinnacles at the entrance to the Hushe Valley. We will be reunited with our bikes either this evening or tomorrow morning and will need to reassemble them ahead of tomorrow's ride up to Hushe.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

After breakfast in Khaplu we cross the Shyok River and cycle up to Hushe Village (3150m) through a number of small and picturesque villages in the lower Hushe Valley. The road is now surfaced and it's not a particularly challenging ascent - gaining just 650 metres in almost 40 kilometres - but we are cycling up to an elevation of 3000 metres and will need to take our time. This is a beautiful valley, generally quite arid but with patches of irrigated greenery at each of the villages. Hushe is the highest village in the area and is dominated to the north by the huge bulk of Masherbrum (7821m). Hushe has a special place in the history of KE and we will be made to feel welcome as we have lunch at a local tea-house. After lunch it is nearly all downhill and pretty exciting as we ride back to our hotel in Khaplu.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

700 M

Descent

700 M

Time

7 hrs cycling

Distance

80 KM

As an important element of our acclimatisation, we will spend a second day at the lovely settlement of Khaplu, with its stunning views across the broad valley of the Shyok. We will have the option of a straightforward ride on a part-finished jeep road which leads to the summer settlement and area of irrigated farmland at Kaldaq. The views from here of the Karakoram peaks are superb. Returning to our hotel in Khaplu, there is lots of time to explore the village with its traditional polo field and impressive Rajah's Palace which is now a boutique 5-star hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

200 M

Descent

200 M

Time

2 hrs cycling

Distance

10 KM

We recross the Shyok via the suspension bridge to Saling and from there follow the right-hand bank of the river downstream to Keris. This wild jeep track provides great cycling with hardly any traffic as we pass through small villages of Kooro and Gone, each with their patches of greenery. It's fair to say that these villages see very few foreign cyclists. At Keris we cross the Shyok again and rejoin the 'main' road between Khapu and Skardu. The landscape here (at the confluence of the Shyok and Indus rivers) is quite barren, stark and dramatic. Today's ride is generally very gradually downhill and leads by mid-afternoon to our hotel in Skardu. After checking in, there should be time to check out the single long, main street of this wild-west bazaar town, which is the gateway for all expeditions to K2, the second highest mountain in the world.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

400 M

Descent

650 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs cycling

Distance

100 KM

Today we will be short in terms of distance covered, but it's pretty much all uphill, as we head up towards the Deosai Plateau which lies to the south and west of Skardu. Setting off after breakfast, we cycle initially on a tarmac road which leads amongst houses and gardens to the Satpara Stream which flows down from the lake of the same name. We pass close to 'Buddha Rock' a 10 metre-high boulder with a carved relief of the Lord Buddha dating from around 1000 years ago. The road then continues up to Satpara Lake where we can take a break at a roadside cafe and admire the lake's spectacular setting, before cycling on to Satpara Village (2720m). Several attractive clusters of houses set amongst well-ordered fields and sheltering trees make up this settlement which is approximately 15 kilometres from Skardu. From here we follow a rugged and steep-sided valley up towards the Deosai Plateau. Continually climbing on a rough jeep road and with even a couple of short zig-zag sections, we reach our camping place close to the only bridge in the upper part of the valley after a further 9 kilometres.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1300 M

Descent

100 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs cycling

Distance

24 KM

After breakfast at camp, we are faced with one of the toughest sections of the trip as the jeep road becomes increasingly steep, with the last couple of kilometres before the 'top' being the steepest. The support vehicle will be on hand for anyone who finds the last bit of this ascent just too steep and loose to ride comfortably. The angle relents a little after 8 kilometres as we pass the entrance to the Deosai National Park where there is a simple local guesthouse. From here, there's just a short climb remaining before we can look out over the Deosai Plateau, which was established as a reserve area in the 1990's to protect a number of endangered animal species including the Himalaya brown bear. This is great jeep track cycling across an amazing landscape; a rolling descent now takes us to a bridge across the Shigar River which flows south into India. There is sometimes a wildlife camp here. Beyond the bridge, we climb to cross a low ridge and descend again to cross a second stream, the Barha Pani. We reach the new bridge here after a total of around 34 kilometres of excellent biking. We can take lunch here or a little further on beside the Kala Pani stream. From Barha Pani, the jeep track climbs steadily, gaining a couple of hundred metres of elevation in the course of the next 10 kilometres to our super camping place beside Sheosar Lake (4150m). We should reach camp by mid-afternoon and have plenty of time to chill out. This lake is about a kilometre across and sits in a slight depression; it is an idyllic spot and from our camp we have excellent views of the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

400 M

Time

6 hrs cycling

Distance

44 KM

After breakfast at camp, there's just a short climb to cross the Chachor Pass (4250m), before we embark on a mega downhill day with the snowy mass of Nanga Parbat ahead of us throughout. After 17 kilometres we reach Chilam; there's a check-post here where we are likely to have to show our passports. From this point on the road is surfaced and we can make more rapid progress, crossing the Astor River a couple of times and stopping off for lunch at Gorikot above Astor. The road turns towards the north here and continues to descend through a spectacular valley with a number of well-established villages set amongst tidy farmland. The road runs below the main part of the town of Astor which sits on a level shelf above the left bank of the river. We continue beyond Astor to a camping place above the river and not far from the small village of Harchu (2150m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

500 M

Descent

2500 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs cycling

Distance

82 KM

We continue to descend the 'Astor Road' above the river of the same name and through a still spectacular valley. The road twists and turns and undulates a fair bit, but we lose more than 900 metres elevation during the 27 kilometre ride to Astor Bridge (1220m) where it is likely to feel pretty hot and sticky. Crossing the mighty Indus, we climb up to join the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and follow this for around 18 kilometres to Jaglot where we stop for a reasonably early lunch with views back to Nanga Parbat. After lunch, we have a long ride ahead of us on a rolling road, but without a lot of height gain, to Gilgit. About 10 kilometres from Jaglot we pass the junction where the road to Skardu leaves the KKH. Throughout this afternoon's ride, we can look behind us to see Nanga Parbat and ahead of us to the snow-capped Rakaposhi. There is the option to transfer all or a part of the second part of the day's stage. Arriving in Gilgit, we check in at the comfortable Chinar Inn which has a relaxing garden shaded by poplars and a chinar or plane tree. This hotel also has the first showers we have seen for several days. Gilgit is a fascinating town and gives us the chance to take in the sights and sounds of Hunza at the bazaar.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1200 M

Descent

1900 M

Time

7 - 8 hrs cycling

Distance

95 KM

Loading our bikes onto the support vehicles, we rejoin the KKH and travel up the Hunza Valley to Passu, a journey of less than 2 hours. On the way we will stop off at a cafe below Rakaposhi (7788m), the 29th highest mountain on Earth and a peak that was climbed for the first time in 1958 by a British expedition that included George Banks and Tom Patey. The glacier spilling down from its flanks reaches almost to the road. We continue up the highway, which follows the Hunza River, all the way to our guesthouse at Passu. Beyond Attabad we reach the 20 kilometre-long Attabad Lake which has formed as a result of a landslide in January 2010 which completely blocked the Hunza Valley. The KKH has now been re-routed around the lake with the help of 5 long tunnels. Our hotel in Passu is situated beneath the stunning Tupopdan (6106m), also known as Passu Cathedral, and we can enjoy the spectacle as the late afternoon sun plays its light show on this peak's steep rock walls and towers.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Today we will cycle back down the Hunza Valley to the picturesque village of Karimabad. This is arguably the most dramatic section of the valley, especially factoring in the new lake. After around 15 kilometres of cycling with great lake views, we use the support vehicle to negotiate the longest of the new tunnels. (As an interesting alternative, we may be able to take a ferry across the lake). Then, back on the bikes, we continue our ride, gradually climbing to a great viewpoint, before descending quickly and easily to the bridge over the Hunza River at the village of Ganish. The valley opens out here and is overshadowed by the snowy giant, Rakaposhi. Karimabad, the old capital city of Hunza, is situated above Ganish in a spectacular location overlooking the Hunza Valley and below the imposing Ultar, one of the most challenging mountains in Pakistan. There are a couple of ancient and well-preserved forts in this area, the Altit Fort and the Baltit Fort, and we will have the opportunity to visit them today. We overnight at the Tourist Park Hotel, a small family-run hotel, which has the best food in Hunza, a delightful roof-top restaurant and views comparable to anywhere in the world.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

750 M

Descent

900 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs cycling

Distance

40 KM

Leaving our hotel, we quickly rejoin the KKH and set off downhill on a relaxed and very enjoyable start to the day's ride. With very little need to pedal, we cruise through a succession of small villages shaded by poplar trees and all overshadowed by the huge white bulk of Rakaposhi. After 25 kilometres, just beyond Minapin, we can stay on the right bank of the Hunza (where the KKH crosses to the left) and ride a part of the original caravan route through the valley which takes us by way of Khanabad. After 15 kilometres on this great little road, we cross the river at Sikandarbad and follow the KKH for just a few kilometres as it traces an 180 degree bend in the river. We may divert through Chalt if we are making good time or stay on the KKH. Then there's a pretty rapid 15 kilometre section on the main road to Nomal where we cross to the right hand side of the river and follow the old road alongside the river to Gilgit. Those travelling with their own bikes will need to pack them away this evening as they will be travelling back to Islamabad tonight by road. There may be some time in the evening for some shopping. Gilgit has an interesting bazaar, full of trade goods from China and Afghanistan.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

300 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

7 hrs cycling

Distance

90 KM

It's just a short transfer to Gilgit Airport where we board our plane for the 1-hour flight back to Islamabad. Arriving in the Pakistani capital after a period in the mountains is always a strange experience and it takes a little time to get used to the hustle and bustle and especially the traffic. Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the group hotel and once we have settled in it will be time to take lunch (unless we have experienced unusual flight delays). After lunch the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing or to relax at the hotel. Your trip leader will advise you on the possibilities for sightseeing. Shopping for hand-made rugs is a usually popular option. This evening we come together again for a celebratory meal at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Gilgit is a 'weather dependent' airport which means the planes will only fly here if the visibility allows line of sight to the runway by the pilot on the approach. Fortunately the weather is mostly clear in the Karakoram but local weather conditions can bring cloud and rain from time to time. The drive down the Indus River to Islamabad will take up most of one day, so this is an important contingency day to allow for this. If we have flown to Islamabad this will be a further day for sightseeing in the capital and your leader will advise the group on the options available for today.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Islamabad Airport are provided.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Bike

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • An experienced professional KE Western cycling leader
  • Islamabad Airport transfers for international flights on Day 1 and Day 15
  • Internal flights and associated airport transfers
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as described
  • All meals
  • All permit fees
  • Once on trek a full service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

  • Travel insurance
  • Pakistan Visa
  • Tips for local guides and support staff
  • Guided Islamabad sightseeing
  • Miscellaneous expenses
  • souvenirs etc
  • Bike carriage on your international flights
  • PLEASE NOTE: an airport departure tax of Rs500 is sometimes payable.

Travel on the Karakoram Highway

We encourage you to read the up to date Travel Advice from the FCO on their website at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan. Currently, the FCO warns against travel on a section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) between Mansehra and Chilas. We generally manage to avoid travel on the KKH by flying from Islamabad to Skardu and from Gilgit back to Islamabad. However, if poor weather causes one or both of our scheduled internal flights to be cancelled, we will make the journey on the Karakoram Highway, whilst avoiding the section referred to in the FCO advice. However, it is important for you to realise that in the unlikely event that the flight is cancelled and our preferred route (over the Babusar Pass) is closed, we may be obliged to travel on the section of the road between Mansehra and Chilas. You can be assured that we only allow our groups to drive on the Karakoram Highway when the flight option is ruled out. We have been taking groups to Pakistan for over 35 years and have never had any problems on this road. In actuality, the journey along the Karakoram Highway is spectacularly scenic and an epic experience which has been enjoyed by hundreds of KE clients.

Travel Insurance

We advise that you check with your insurer regarding your cover in the unlikely event that we have to drive the section of the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas. For UK residents, if your preferred insurer cannot offer cover for the entirety of your holiday, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can provide insurance that will cover you for any of our holidays. Please contact the BMC directly on 0161 445 6111. In order to qualify for BMC cover for our trips to Pakistan you must book the insurance with them by telephone and you will need to state that you are travelling with KE Adventure Travel.

The group will meet at the hotel in Islamabad.

Transfers are provided from/to Islamabad Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included in the holiday price from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 15 of the Land Only itinerary.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

When in hotels, the meals tend to be buffet style with a choice of local and international dishes. Breakfasts at the hotels can include cereals, eggs, flatbreads, curd, jam, honey and other spreads with juice, tea and coffee. Whilst camping the food is a mixture of local and Western dishes, using ingredients purchased locally and served up by our experienced trek cooks. Breakfasts at camp consist of cereal, muesli or porridge, eggs, bread or chapatti, tea and coffee. Lunch is generally a picnic consisting of a choice of canned fish, tinned meats, cheese, pickles, pate, and crackers or chapattis, sometimes accompanied by hot soup and noodles, and finished off with tea or coffee. Dinner taken in a group ‘mess’ tent, is a three course meal.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

During this trip the group will spend 3 nights in Islamabad at a good standard hotel. The group will also have 8 nights in tourist standard hotels in Khaplu, Skardu, Gilgit, Passu and Karimbad. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Whilst crossing the Deosai Plain there will be a total of 3 nights camping in 2-person tents. 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 tent while on trek at additional cost. Please note single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels. For the 11 hotel nights, single rooms are available at supplementary cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad can also be pre-booked.

Skardu and Gilgit Flights

Skardu and Gilgit are weather-dependent airports which means that the internal flights are never guaranteed. The planes do fly more often than not, but cancellations can and do occur and in these circumstances we will travel by road. If we didn’t do this, our groups would risk being stranded in Islamabad or in Gilgit. See our 'Important Note' about travel on the Karakoram Highway for more details.

The group will be led by an experienced KE Western cycling leader. Throughout the tour the group will also be accompanied by a full support crew, including a local guide, cook and kitchen crew. There will also be one or more support vehicles.

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. 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 acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.

Approximately £200 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc.) changed into local currency should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses, including tips for your leader and local team. You will also pay directly for guided sightseeing in in Islamabad if this works out for your group and you choose to take part in the tour. The cost of this will be approximately 3000 rupees (£15-£20) for a half-day tour. Note that money for tips should be changed into local currency (denominations of 500 rupees or smaller only) before you leave Islamabad. It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Pakistan rupees) before your trip. Money can be changed at a reasonable rate at the airport or at authorised money changers. Since you will be changing the majority of your spending money into local currency soon after your arrival, we recommend that you take it in cash. US dollars, Sterling and Euros can readily be exchanged at the airport. US dollars will give you more flexibility to exchange in smaller towns or in an emergency. Credit cards can be used to purchase goods in Islamabad or Skardu or Gilgit and are particularly useful for more expensive items such as carpets. It is possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from cash machines in Islamabad using credit and debit cards.

It is usual to tip the members of your local team, if you are happy with the services provided. We estimate that £60 (in local currency equivalent) will cover this aspect of your trip expenditure. Towards the end of the tour, the KE cycling leader will help the group to determine an appropriate level of tipping for each crew member.

If you are taking your own bike, we suggest that a ‘hardtail’ mountain bike with front suspension is appropriate for this holiday. It should have a good range of gears and we recommend you fit fast-rolling all-rounder or semi-slick tyres which work well on the surfaced roads and non-technical trails typically found on our Adventure Cycling holidays.

Since you are depending on your bike to transport you throughout your holiday, it’s important to ensure it is in good working order. If you are not mechanically minded, get your local bicycle dealer to service it for you.

Please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your bike.

We are not currently in a position to offer bike hire for this trip.

Airlines require that you pack your bike properly for travel and for this holiday we recommend that you use a purpose-made soft bike bag. These can be relatively inexpensive. They are also light in weight, easy to handle and, most importantly, can be packed into a small space to allow easy transportation in the support vehicle. You will need to partially dismantle your bike to pack it in your bag.

PLEASE DO NOT USE a purpose-made rigid bike box for this holiday. We do not have the space in the support vehicle to transport these bulky items.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding travelling with your bike.

One or more support vehicles will accompany the group throughout the tour. During the crossing of the Deosai Plain we will use Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps and for the rest of the time Toyota minibuses. It is normal on any cycling trip for the group members to have differing levels of fitness and for the group to become strung out at times. The support vehicle will generally bring up the rear while the cycling leader keeps towards the front and there will be regular stops to allow the group to reform. The support vehicle can pick up cyclists wishing to take a break at any time.

Apart from your bike in its bag or box, you should travel with one item of luggage, such as a KE Trek Bag or similar holdall, as well as a small day pack or mountain bike-specific hydration pack. The day pack can be used to carry valuable items such as passport, wallet, camera and GPS device whilst travelling and will also carry your day-ride essentials during the rides.

When choosing your flights, whether booking them directly or through KE, you will need to consider the cost of carrying your bike. These costs are your responsibility.

Note: Etihad Airways (the preferred carrier for this holiday) has a 30kg check-in baggage allowance. You should be able to carry both your bike and single other item of check-in luggage within this allowance and, therefore, free of charge.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

All British passport holders are required to obtain a visa for entry into Pakistan. Download our Pakistan Visa Information document for full details of how to apply.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any vaccinations or other medical preparation prior to your holiday. 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. In Skardu or Gilgit and in the mountains there is no malaria risk. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers who intend to visit Pakistan for 4 weeks or more should note that proof of Polio vaccination will be required on exiting the country. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The unit of currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee.

The better conditioned you are the more you will enjoy your trip. We suggest that you adopt a sensible weekly exercise regime and fit in a number of long cycle rides in hilly country to ensure you are physically capable of taking part in this trip - this will also provide you with an opportunity to make sure all your riding kit is tried and tested before you travel. Cycling is obviously the best activity to prepare for this trip, however, running and swimming are also good for developing aerobic fitness and stamina.

Islamabad is hot and humid during the summer; with temperatures as high as 40 degrees centigrade in July and 30 degrees in the first weeks of September.  Once we have flown up to Skardu it will be cooler, as high as 25 degrees centigrade in July and 20 degrees in September. High up on the Deosai Plain, at close to 4000 metres elevation, we can expect pleasantly cool daytime temperatures and quite chilly nights. This part of Pakistan is sheltered from the effects of the monsoon, and the weather is generally excellent throughout the summer season with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, weather in mountainous areas is notoriously difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time of the year.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Pakistan. Lonely Planet.
  • Pakistan Handbook. Isobel Shaw.
  • Pakistan Trekking Guide. Isobel Shaw.
  • Karakoram Highway. John King.
  • Insight Guide to Pakistan.
  • Foreign Devils on the Silk Road. Peter Hopkirk.

There are no easily available maps providing reasonable coverage of this route. The CNKP (Central Karakuram (sic) National Park) produce a map at 1:300,000 scale which may be available in Islamabad or in Skardu.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

For this holiday you will need your usual cycling clothing, including shoes, cycling gloves and helmet (which must be worn at all times when cycling). We recommend that you take the usual day-ride essentials of: mobile phone, multi-tool, mini-pump, tyre levers, spare tubes and puncture repair kit.

Appropriate Dress. Pakistan is a Muslim country and to show respect for local culture you should avoid wearing revealing clothing, short tops, short shorts or short skirts, especially when in towns. Take baggy cycling shorts rather than lycra and take a pair of loose fitting trousers and a full sleeve shirt (also a headscarf for ladies) which can be slipped on when the situation requires it. One option is to buy a shalwar kameez in Islamabad or in Skardu. This baggy top and bottoms combo is worn by most Pakistanis, costs very little and is fun to wear.

Bike Wear

  • Cycling helmet
  • Cycling shoes
  • Daypack or mountain bike-specific hydration pack (e.g. Camelbak) 
  • Water bladder - min. 2 litres water capacity (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Padded (baggy) cycling shorts
  • Long leg cycling trousers or leg warmers
  • Base-layer – short sleeve cycling tops
  • Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling tops
  • Fleece jacket or jumper
  • Lightweight windproof top
  •  Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Regular biking gloves
  • Long-fingered biking gloved
  • Warm hat that fits under your helmet
  • Buff
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream (inc. total bloc for lips/nose)

Other Stuff

  • Travel and off-the-bike clothing and footwear
  • Sandals or old trainers for stream crossings
  • Warm jacket (down) for evening wear at camp
  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated –10ºC)
  • Thermarest or similar camping mattress
  • Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
  • Headtorch and spare batteries
  • Basic First Aid kit and personal medication
  • Chamois cream (e.g. Assos/Ozone)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)
  • Camera
  • 2x small padlocks (one for left luggage and one for trek bag)

Spares

You will need to travel with a minimum of spares for your bike, including a couple of spare spokes (for each wheel if they are different), spare brake blocks (or disc pads), chain links/chain connector, rear derailleur hanger, 2 inner tubes and repair kit and possibly also a spare folding tyre.

Repairs

Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs to your bike e.g. changing an inner tube and fixing a puncture. Your bike guide will be happy to help with repairs and general maintenance, but being able to carry out a simple repair yourself could save the inconvenience of having to wait for assistance.

Hydration and Energy Snacks

You should take suitable water bottle(s) or a hydration pack and you should also consider taking a small supply of the gels, power bars or sports drink mix that you would normally use on a ride at home. Please contact us if you have any questions about your equipment.

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Hushe to Hunza – Pakistan Mountain Bike
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HHMB/02/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 25 Aug and ends on Sun 8 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340 - Includes all group hotel nights (single tent not included)
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$100
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Hushe to Hunza – Pakistan Mountain Bike
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HHMB/01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 24 Aug and ends on Sun 7 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340 - Includes all group hotel nights (single tent not included)
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$100
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary starting at the hotel in Islamabad. Transfers are provided from/to Islamabad Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE


Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only 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 flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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