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Legends of the Karakoram and Himalaya
Taking the roads less-travelled, this motorcycle adventure through Pakistan and India traverses the Pakistani Karakoram and the Indian Himalayas, the two vastest mountain ranges, where Alexander the Great once roamed on a discovery Journey to the End of the Earth following the Indus valley. Add crossing the politically much disputed border between Pakistan and India to the mix and you’ll find yourself living an extraordinary and exhilarating adventure exploring the unexplored.
This most epic motorcycle trip through Pakistan and India will have you uncovering the living relics of the great Silk Route around Pakistan’s number one attraction, the Karakoram, a soaring snow-capped mountain range, spanning the borders of Pakistan, India and China. Around the Gilgit and Hunza valleys, the primary safety concern is the risk of veering off the road while entranced by the natural beauty of this country which has only just opened its doors to foreigners after decades of being cut off from tourism. Riding a motorcycle across the Karakoram will surely render you speechless with awe and fascination.
Slap-bang in the middle of this bike trip, you’ll have once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the surreal, distinguished and completely unforgettable Wagah-Attari border ceremony, followed by a visit to the renowned Golden Temple in Amritsar. This marks the beginning of the motorcycle trip across the Indian Himalayas into Ladakh, The Land of High Mountain Passes on the Tibet border, showcasing some of the most elevated and spellbinding regions and of course, a trip up the highest motorable road in the world, the Khardung La. We’ll visit 1000 years old Buddhist monasteries and encounter descendants of the Aryans of the Indus valley too. This exclusive escapade is sure to immerse you in a bounteous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, vibrant people, mesmerising architecture and breathtaking landscapes.
Tour at a Glance
| Region of country | Pakistan and India |
| Period | April – October |
| Duration | 14 Days 13 Nights |
| Riding Days | 10 Days |
| Accommodation | Hotels, Guest Houses, House Boats |
| Motorbike | ZongShen RX3 250cc in Pakistan / Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc or Bullet 500cc in India |
| Level of Difficulty | Moderate |
| Max. Altitude Reached | 5359m |
| Max. Sleeping Altitude | 3500m |
| Average Daily Distance | 189.6km |
| Total Distance | 1896km |
| Fitness Level | Moderate |
Highlights
- Behold the best of two amazing countries in one trip, all on two wheels
- Crossing the two highest mountain ranges, Karakoram and Himalayas
- Get blown away by the staggering beauty of Hunza
- Experience the electrifying Wagah-Attari border ceremony
- Navigate Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road, on two wheels
Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan (620m)
Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan. You’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, there will be some sightseeing in this magnificent city where options will include Faisal Mosque and the Shakarparian Hill. While enjoying a scrumptious dinner overlooking the picturesque city, you’ll be briefed about the next day’s flight and bike ride. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Islamabad to Hunza via Gilgit (2500m, 110km, 3-4hrs)
An early flight will take us to Gilgit, high up in the Karakoram. We continue by motorcycles to Hunza, a ride which will be rewarded with spectacular views of Rakaposhi(7788m), also our lunch stop, Diran(7266m) and Ultar(7388m). We’ll continue to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza district, famous for the longevity of its people attributed to its fruit, glacial water and tension free environment. The afternoon will allow time for a visit to Baltit Fort, Duikar view point and Karimabad bazar, known for its variety of dry fruit and tapestries. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Hunza to Sost (2800m, 83km, 7-8hrs) Khunjerab (pass at 4693m)
Brace yourselves for an excursion to Khunjerab pass, the highest road crossing between Pakistan and China. We’ll also visit Attabad Lake formed as a result of a landslide in January 2010, Gulmit village, the hanging bridge at Hussaini, viewpoints of Shisper peak(7611 m), Passu(7478m) and Batura(7795m) range and glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 4 – Sost to Chilās (1265m, 330km, 6-7hrs)
The Karakoram highway traces the mighty Indus River through an arid landscape, to Chilās on the Silk Route. The Chilās area is known for Buddhist rock art engraved during the Buddhist period when Gandhara became the centre of learning and Swat and Taxila attracted scores of pilgrims and students. Thalpan and Chilās rock carvings are well worth visiting. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Chilās to Naran (2409m, 120km, 4-5hrs) Babusar (pass at 4173m)
The Alpine valleys of Kaghan will be our playground for part of the day. We will also cross Babusar pass, and ride by Lake Lulusar and the beautiful Batakundi before reaching Naran. There’ll be time to enjoy the bustle of Naran Bazar before a delicious BBQ dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 6 – Naran to Islamabad via Muzaffarabad (600m, 270km, 7-8hrs)
On our last day of biking through Pakistan, our adventure takes us through Garhi Habibullah, a spectacular natural terrain, to Muzaffarabad in Azad (Pakistan-administered) Kashmir. We will stop at the Taxila museum on the way. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 7 – Islamabad to Lahore and Wagah border (234m,250km,8hrs)
A bus will take you to Lahore, and on to the Wagah border to cross into India. Our Pakistani crew will bid you farewell after assisting you with what might be a slow process at the border. Our Indian crew will welcome you on the Indian side of the border. After experiencing the phenomenal and unforgettable Wagah-Attari border ceremony, you’ll pay a visit to the exquisite Golden Temple in Amritsar. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 8 – Amritsar to Patnitop (2024m, 300km, 6-7hrs)
Once you’ve met your legendary Royal Enfield and received a briefing on Indian traffic and road rules, the journey to Patnitop will commence, before the traffic gets heavy. It’s all tarmac until the Shivalik range of the Himalayas and you’ll ride by many colourful towns and cities. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel on top of the hill.
Day 9 – Patnitop to SriNagar (1585m, 185km, 5-6hrs)
Today we’re riding the twistie jackpot! We’ll zigzag downhill all the way to the plains of SriNagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir. Nature here is absolutely breathtaking and please keep an eye out for India’s holy cows. On arrival at Dal Lake, you will be transferred to houseboats for a luxurious overnight and dinner.
Day 10 – SriNagar at leisure (1585m)
Kick back with a slow start to the day on the deck of your houseboat. There are options to take a canoe sightseeing around the lake (not included in this itinerary) and visit the renowned and vibrant floating markets including vegetable and other shops. Lunch will be at a traditional Kashmiri restaurant and then you’re free to explore the town. Overnight and dinner on a houseboat.
Day 11 – SriNagar to Kargil (2676m, 200km, 6-7hrs) Zoji La (pass at 3528m)
The endless hairpins between Kargil and Srinagar present exquisite scenery, even in challenging patches on the Zojila pass. There are several monuments, temples, stupas, varying sized towns and villages and other attractions along the way, for us to discover. On the other side of the Zojila pass the landscape changes dramatically from lush green alpine valley to the semi-desert where we will reach our destination for the day, Kargil, a small Muslim town. Overnight stay and dinner at a hotel.
Day 12 – Kargil to Leh (3500m, 220km, 5-6hrs) Namki La (pass at 3815m) Fotu La (pass at 4108m)
From Kargil we proceed towards Mulbek. The landscape changes into the desert abode of Buddhist monks and after many a mountain crossing including two of the highest passes, we finally set our eyes on Lamayuru monastery, one of the oldest gompas in Ladakh. The road then follows the Indus river towards Leh, all the while rewarding you with breathtaking sights of untouched landscapes and ancient architecture. Overnight stay at a hotel and dinner out in the town.
Day 13 – Leh cresting Khardung La and back to Leh (3500m, 78km, 5hrs) Khardung La (pass at 5359m)
The mighty Khardung La is ours today! This is the worlds’ highest motorable road at a riveting 5359m, only 39 km from Leh. Fantastic, surreal sceneries and landscapes will guide you all the way to the very top. Upon return to Leh, your afternoon is free for a visit to the market or a stroll to the alluring Shanti Stupa with a captivating view of Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 14 – Fly Leh to Delhi and Home
Congratulations, you’ve completed a fantastic cross-country adventure and we hope you made unforgettable memories that’ll bring you endless joy for many years to come! An early morning flight will take you to Delhi and after freshening up at the hotel, you will be taken to visit Old Delhi and its spice market. A traditional Indian restaurant will serve our lunch. You’ll be escorted from the hotel to the international airport on time to take your flight back home.
Tips
- Please note that since we will be crossing the Pakistan-India border at Wagah by land, rather than through an airport, obtaining paper visas for both countries is mandatory. Both countries will NOT accept e-visas for this tour.
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IncludedAll ground transfers in Pakistan and India, airport to airportIslamabad to Gilgit flight ticket250cc Motorcycle and fuel for the Pakistan part of the itineraryBus transfer from Islamabad to Wagah borderCollection at Wagah border and transfer to AmritsarRoyal Enfield 500cc Bullet or Himalayan 411cc Motorcycle and fuel for Indian part of the itineraryAccommodation (twin sharing in comfort hotels / similar) neat and cleanBreakfast and dinner in the hotel and lunch on the way in local restaurantsMineral water will be provided during the expeditionsEnglish speaking guide, a motorcyclist by profession and passionMedical kit with oxygen cylinderMechanics with all the necessary spare partsSupport vehicle (if riders suffer from a sore @$$, they may jump into our backup jeep to relax!!)All monument entrance fees during the tour, excl. camera fees
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Not IncludedVisasInternational flightsAny medical / travel insurance coverage and personal expensesAny telephone calls / internet chargesAny tips for the guide, driver and mechanic (suggested at $100)Any items not mentioned in included sectionAlcoholic beveragesAny damage to the motorcycle must be covered by the rider in fullCosts incurred or expenses arising due to natural calamities, strikes, breakdowns and any other unforeseen calamities beyond the control of Motorcycle Expeditions Adventure Tour Pvt Ltd and its associates (force majeure)Any itinerary extensions will be subject to additional cost
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