Explorer

At the Crossroads of Giants — Karakoram, Himalayas & Hindu Kush 18 – 31.10.2026

Where giants converge: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, the Pamir, and the Hindu Kush.
BASIC INFORMATION
DETAILS OF THE TOUR
PRICE INCLUDES / NOT INCLUDES

Available

Choose your options:


Reserve your spot on the trip by paying the deposit or making the full payment.

The booking fee is 25%.

On the “CART” page you will find the amount due and choose the transaction currency – EUR, PLN, or USD.

START:

18 October 2026 / Skardu, Pakistan

END:

31 October 2026 / Islamabad, Pakistan

NUMBER OF DAYS AND NIGHTS:

14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

NUMBER OF RIDING DAYS:

12 DAYS

TOUR TYPE:

Explorer

TYPE OF ROADS:

40% paved / 60% gravel

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

8 / 10

MIN./ MAX. NUMBER OF BIKES:

Min. 7 / Max .12
At the Crossroads of Giants — Karakoram, Himalayas & Hindu Kush 18 – 31.10.2026

MOTORCYCLE:


AVAILABLE OPTIONS:

According to the Participant’s choice, the price includes rental of:

  • a Suzuki GS SE motorcycle (150 cc); or

  • a Zongshen Carrera motorcycle (250 cc).

Price for a rider on a Suzuki GS SE (150 cc): 2750 EUR

Price for a rider on a Zongshen Carrera (250 cc): 2950 EUR

PARTICIPANT IN A VEHICLE

For participants joining the tour in a vehicle, the price includes a seat in a 4×4 vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar).

Price for a participant traveling by car with 2 participants in the vehicle: 2500 EUR *

* The final price for a participant traveling in the vehicle depends on the total number of people registered for the tour.
The final amount will be reduced and confirmed before departure — at the time of the final payment — if more than 3 participants register to travel by car.

All vehicles have third-party liability insurance.

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

The single-room option can be selected during booking. If chosen, a single-room supplement of 400 EUR will be added to the tour price.

TOUR DESCRIPTION:


Pakistan’s Karakoram is raw, authentic, and absolutely unforgettable — a frontier where nature still sets the rules of life. It is the meeting point of the world’s greatest mountain ranges: the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. Here, the highest peaks on Earth rise directly from the ancient valleys of the Silk Road. Every village holds stories of traders, mountaineers, and travelers who came in search of the very edge of the map.

MotoBirds takes you there safely, comfortably, and authentically — with no shortcuts and no unnecessary extras. Just pure freedom at high altitude.

Discover with us wild roads, the world’s highest mountains, and the unique culture of northern Pakistan.

From the Silk Road valleys of Hunza to Khunjerab Pass at 4,700 m, experience the legendary Karakoram Highway—one of the highest and most spectacular roads on Earth. Ride your motorcycle among snow-covered peaks of three great mountain “giants”: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush. Fall in love with northern Pakistan, where glaciers meet apricot orchards, ancient forts guard historic trade routes, and every bend in the road reveals landscapes that feel truly otherworldly.

This expedition takes you across high mountain passes, deep valleys, hanging bridges, and age-old mountain villages. We will explore Skardu and the highlights of its valley, including the Sarfaranga Desert. We’ll stay in the beautiful Hunza Valley and reach the famous Fairy Meadows, with the 8,000-meter Nanga Parbat seemingly within arm’s reach. We’ll ride to Khaplu with its majestic fort, and into the Hushe and Kondus Valleys. We’ll discover the renowned Saltoro Valley, a gateway for high-altitude expeditions toward K2. We’ll also visit the lesser-known yet equally stunning Naltar Valley and Chipursan Valley. The cherry on top will be the unforgettable ride into the Shimshal Valley.

On this journey, we’ve combined visits to iconic landmarks with exploration of lesser-known roads and valleys—places seen by very few foreign travelers.

DETAILS OF THE TOUR


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HIGHLIGHTS:

  • The World’s Highest Mountain Ranges: the confluence of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush — the most spectacular meeting point of peaks and passes on the planet.

  • The Legendary Karakoram Highway: one of the highest and most beautiful roads on Earth, linking the ancient Silk Road valleys from Skardu, through the Hunza Valley, to Gilgit.

  • Skardu – Gateway to K2: the heart of Baltistan, home to alpine lakes and ancient villages.

  • The Upper Indus Valley: a vast valley lined with trees dressed in autumn colors at this time of year, dotted with ancient forts — true pearls of local architecture.

  • Shimshal: one of the most incredible routes in Pakistan — access to the Shimshal Valley is possible only via a road carved into steep cliffs!

  • Attabad Lake: a lake formed as a result of a massive landslide in 2010.

  • Hunza Valley: a legendary, scenic valley located along the Silk Road, in the shadow of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar peaks.

  • Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat: Fairy Meadows, also known as the “grassy paradise,” lies at the foot of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Pakistan’s most majestic peak.

  • Saltoro Valley: a raw and almost uninhabited valley at the edge of the Karakoram, where mountains rise vertically from the valley floor and the road cuts through a landscape that feels otherworldly. There is no tourist infrastructure here — only glaciers, rocky wilderness, and a profound sense of isolation from the outside world.

  • Hushe Valley: one of the most spectacular valleys in the Karakoram and the gateway to the world’s highest peaks. This is where expeditions set off toward the Gasherbrums and Masherbrum, and the road to Hushe leads through villages, glacial rivers, and stark high-mountain landscapes.

  • Naltar Valley: green, contrasting, and surprising. Famous for its turquoise lakes, dense forests, and glacier panoramas that change with the light throughout the day. It is one of those places where, after the harsh, rocky stretches of the Karakoram, color and softness suddenly appear.

  • Khaplu: the historic heart of the Baltistan region and one of the most atmospheric towns in northern Pakistan. Stone houses, narrow alleys, and views of the Masherbrum massif create a unique ambiance. Khaplu is where the history of the Silk Road meets the everyday life of mountain communities.

  • Chipursan Valley: one of the most remote and least visited valleys in the Hunza region. Located close to the Afghan border, it captivates with wide open spaces, towering peaks, and a deep sense of absolute silence.

  • Kondus Valley: a wild, glacial valley leading toward the K2 massif and the Baltoro region. Kondus is a landscape dominated by rock, ice, and massive mountain walls. The roads are demanding and the surroundings raw and uncompromising — one of those stretches you remember for a lifetime.

  • Deosai National Park: one of the most extraordinary places in all of Pakistan. This vast high-altitude plateau lies at over 4,000 m above sea level and is often called the “Roof of Pakistan.” Green and flower-filled in summer, harsh and nearly inaccessible in winter, it is a place where the weather can change within minutes and wind and altitude constantly remind you that you are truly in the mountains. Deosai is also a land of wildlife, home to, among others, the Himalayan brown bear.

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WEATHER:

If you don’t like the weather in the high mountains, wait a few hours… it will definitely change. The Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas are so high that almost every valley creates its own microclimate, and weather conditions can shift very quickly. It may be bright and sunny, and just a few hours later — cloudy and cold. Our tour takes place in spring. Temperatures are very difficult to predict. You need to be prepared for all kinds of conditions: warm days with strong sun, sudden gusts of strong wind (sometimes even with snow), and cold nights.

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MOTORCYCLE GEAR:

Remember that this is a motorcycle tour, and you are required to bring appropriate riding gear. Each participant is responsible for their own equipment. Adventure-style motorcycle boots or sturdy enduro boots work very well for this type of riding.

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LUGGAGE:

We will be traveling light. Try not to take more than one 20kg luggage piece. It should be dust & water proof. For riding days take with you a small backpack or waterproof bag, with straps, to enable you to attach it to your motorbike.

IMPORTANT, REMEMBER:

Each participant is responsible for obtaining their own tourist visa for Pakistan. Upon request (for an additional fee), we can assist with the visa application process.

We will be traveling at high altitudes, so be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
During the tour, especially when crossing the highest mountain passes, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Remember that the best way to minimize this risk is to drink plenty of water and electrolytes.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:

4693 m Khunjerab Pass

meters above seal level

DAY BY DAY TOUR PROGRAM

DAY 1 (18.10)

Arrival in Skardu

Arrival in Skardu – Gateway to the Karakoram

Distance: approx. 40–60 km | Surface: asphalt / local roads

After arrival in Skardu, our team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel, offering views of the rugged peaks of Baltistan. After some well-deserved rest, we will complete all formalities, hand over the motorcycles, carry out technical checks, and hold a briefing.

In the afternoon, a short familiarization ride through the Shigar Valley and the Sarfaranga Cold Desert — a unique landscape where mountains meet sand.

In the evening, return to Skardu and a welcome dinner.

DAY 2 (19.10)

Skardu → Khaplu → Hushe Valley

Distance: approx. 170 km | Surface: asphalt + off-road + gravel roads

We ride east through the green Shyok River valley and the historic town of Khaplu, heading toward the Hushe Valley — the gateway to the highest peaks of the Karakoram. The route combines asphalt with off-road sections.

DAY 3 (20.10)

Hushe → Kondus Valley → Dumsum

Distance: approx. 80 km | Surface: off-road

Breakfast in Hushe followed by a full day of off-road riding. We enter the wild Kondus Valley, riding up to the Karmanding Cones, with views of glaciers and the raw walls of the Karakoram. Return to Dumsum in the afternoon. Lunch at Siachen Resort.

DAY 4 (21.10)

Dumsum → Saltoro Valley → Skardu

Distance: approx. 200 km | Surface: mixed route

After breakfast in Dumsum, we head toward the Saltoro Valley, one of the most remote and rugged regions of northern Pakistan. We ride to the Goma area or the Gyari Sector Memorial, then return via Khaplu, where lunch is planned. Evening ride back to Skardu.

DAY 5 (22.10)

Skardu → Deosai → Astore

Distance: approx. 240 km | Surface: asphalt + gravel

Ride across the legendary Deosai National Park — a high-altitude plateau located at over 4,000 m above sea level. Vast open spaces, gravel tracks, and endless horizons. Descent into the Astore Valley.

DAY 6 (23.10)

Astore → Raikot Bridge → Fairy Meadows

Distance: approx. 90 km by motorcycle | Surface: asphalt + gravel. Approx. 1 h off-road jeep ride + 2.5 h hike or horse ride

Ride to Raikot Bridge, where we leave the motorcycles. From there, a jeep ride to Tattu, followed by a hike or horse ride up to Fairy Meadows. Spectacular views of Nanga Parbat along the way.

DAY 7 (24.10)

Fairy Meadows → Karimabad (Hunza Valley)

Distance: approx. 280 km | Surface: asphalt

Morning views of Nanga Parbat, followed by descent back to civilization and a ride to Karimabad in the Hunza Valley. In the afternoon, visit to Baltit Fort.

DAY 8 (25.10)

Karimabad → Hussaini Hanging Bridge → Sost → Chipursan

Distance: approx. 160 km | Surface: asphalt + gravel

Ride along the Karakoram Highway. En route, a visit to the Hussaini Hanging Bridge and passage through Sost. Off-road ride into the remote Chipursan Valley, close to the Afghan border.

DAY 9 (26.10)

Chipursan → Khunjerab Pass → Passu

Distance: approx. 220 km | Surface: asphalt + gravel

A high-mountain day: ascent to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the highest international border crossing in the world. Then descent to Passu, with views of the Passu Cones and surrounding glaciers.

DAY 10 (27.10)

Passu → Shimshal

Distance: approx. 75 km | Surface: off-road

One of the most legendary roads in northern Pakistan. Ride into the isolated Shimshal Valley — a narrow, technical route carved into rock cliffs above the river.

DAY 11 (28.10)

Shimshal → Jafar Abad (Hunza)

Distance: approx. 180 km | Surface: off-road + asphalt

Return ride from Shimshal to the Hunza Valley. Along the way, a visit to either Passu Glacier or Hopper Glacier. Evening arrival in Jafar Abad.

DAY 12 (29.10)

Jafar Abad → Naltar Valley

Distance: approx. 70 km | Surface: asphalt + gravel

Ride to the lush Naltar Valley, famous for its turquoise lakes and glaciers. In the afternoon, a hike to a glacier.

DAY 13 (30.10)

Naltar → Skardu

Distance: approx. 200 km | Surface: asphalt

Return to Skardu. En route, visits to Lower and Upper Kachura Lake, with lunch at Upper Kachura Lake.

DAY 14 (31.10)

Departure from Skardu – Farewell to the Karakoram

A relaxed breakfast and final moments in Skardu before transfer to the airport for departure.

NOTE: The route may be subject to change due to political, social, or weather conditions.

YOUR OPINIONS

FROM GOOGLE

Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews

PRICE INCLUDES:

motocykl

MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycles available on site: Zongshen Carrera (250 cc) or Suzuki GS SE (150 cc), depending on the participant’s choice. The rental cost for the motorcycle included in the tour price.
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4X4 CAR

It is also possible to join the tour in a 4x4 vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar). The cost of fuel for the car is not included in the tour price.
PRZEWODNIK

GUIDE

Assistance of a MotoBirds guide and local guide on a motorbike.
SAMOCHÓD WSPARCIA I SERWIS

SUPPORT CAR

A support car will assist us during the tour. Our luggage will be loaded in the car. The price includes fuel for the support car and driver expenses.
SAMOCHÓD WSPARCIA I SERWIS

MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE

Basic motorcycle maintenance.
ZAKWATEROWANIE I WYŻYWIENIE

ACCOMMODATION & FOOD

Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, in twin rooms. One night will be spent in a local homestay. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included in the price. A single room may be available upon request, subject to availability, for an additional fee. This option can be selected during booking. Please note that part of the route leads through regions rarely visited by tourists. Accommodation in these places may be simpler than in the cities — clean and well-kept, but without urban comforts such as 24-hour hot showers, central heating or air conditioning, or hotel-style buffets. What these places may lack in amenities, they more than make up for with authentic atmosphere, closeness to nature, fresh local food, and the kind of hospitality you never forget.
ZAKWATEROWANIE I WYŻYWIENIE

TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE HOTEL

Group airport transfers are included in the tour price, provided that arrival and departure take place on the dates specified in the program. Individual transfers on different dates can be arranged upon request, but are not included in the tour price.
WIZY I DOKUMENTY

ACTIVITIES

The price includes the jeep transfer from Raikot Bridge to Tattu Village on the way to Fairy Meadows.

DOKUMENTY

INSURANCE

  • Basic travel insurance.
  • Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
  • Tourist Support Fund fee.

IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.

ZDJĘCIA Z PODRÓŻY I TRAKI

WELCOME PACK

Each Participant will receive a welcome pack.

PRICE NOT INCLUDES:

  • Airline tickets (tickets should not be purchased until the organizer confirms that the minimum group size has been reached).
  • Costs of a tourist visa, if required.
  • Lunch and dinner in Islamabad.
  • Medical expenses not covered by the basic travel insurance provided by MotoBirds.
  • Fuel for the car for participants who choose to travel by 4×4: self fueling.
  • Fuel for the motorcycle participants: €100 to be paid on the first day.
  • Drinks.
  • Tips.Refundable motorcycle deposit of 500 USD, payable in cash on site on the first day, or, at the participant’s choice, a non-refundable insurance guarantee of 190 USD.
  • Entrance fees to attractions along the route (e.g., forts) and to national parks.Optional horseback ride between Tattu Village and Fairy Meadows – instead of hiking

DEPOSIT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE:

OPTION 1 – Refundable motorcycle deposit of US$500. Cash payment on site on the first day. If the damage to the motorcycle exceeds the amount of the refundable deposit, the driver is obliged to pay the difference.
OPTION 2 – Non-refundable insurance in the amount of US$190.

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