15 days (route maps)
https://www.lostwithpurpose.com/tours/pakistan-adventure-motorcycle-tour/
- Hanoi – Guangzhou (China)
17:50 flight to Guangzhou, arrival at 20:30. After immigration procedures, we’ll have dinner and stay overnight in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou – Islamabad (Pakistan)
In the morning, explore Guangzhou city before heading to the airport for the 15:40 flight to Islamabad, arriving at 20:15.
After immigration, our vehicle will pick you up and take you to the hotel for dinner and rest.
- Explore Islamabad by motorcycle
After breakfast, receive your bike and get used to the chaotic traffic of Islamabad while exploring the city.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: hotel
- Islamabad – Besham/Naran, 235km/260km
Begin your adventure in Pakistan. Today’s ride is relatively long, so we’ll start early to have more rest time and adjust to traffic conditions.
In spring, the Karakoram Highway usually opens to traffic and is the only route available. In summer and autumn (July–October), we can choose a scenic route skirting the Himalayas to the military-controlled Kashmir area before arriving in Naran, a lovely town nestled in the forest and surrounded by majestic mountains.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: hotel
- Naran – Chilas, 205km/115km
In summer and autumn, we can choose between two routes to reach Chilas, home to the famous Indus River that originates from the sacred Kailash range in Tibet, flows through Ladakh and Kashmir into Pakistan and Afghanistan, stretching 3,180 km—one of Asia’s longest rivers. The Indus River is also the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s largest urban civilizations that flourished around 2600 BCE.
- Chilas – Hunza, 220km
We’ll follow the legendary Karakoram Highway—blossoming in spring, heavenly in autumn—experiencing ultimate freedom as we ride toward the vast Hunza Valley amid Gilgit-Baltistan’s towering peaks.
- Hunza – Passu, 50km
In the morning, visit ancient forts in Hunza to learn about its history and continue to the old village of Passu, known for the most stunning views in the region.
- Passu – Khunjerab – Passu, 250km
Spend the day riding to the Khunjerab Pass, the border with China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region. This is the highest paved border crossing in the world at 4,693m (15,397 ft) above sea level.
The majestic snowy mountain scenery will make the 250km round trip feel far too short.
- Passu – Ishkoman, 225km
Return along the Karakoram Highway, then turn east into the peaceful Ghizer district—one of the most beloved regions in the north—and rest in Ishkoman, a sub-valley of Ghizer.
- Rest day in Ishkoman
Free time for relaxing, exploring, swimming, fishing… and most importantly, recharging for the upcoming offroad adventure.
- Ishkoman – Shandur Pass (3,738m) – Laspur, 175km
A sweet morning ride with over 100km of scenic roads before reaching offroad terrain at Phander, leading us to Shandur Pass at 3,738m above sea level. Known as the “Roof of the World”—perhaps due to the challenge of reaching it—it’s also where the world’s highest polo festival is held annually. The field was built in 1935 by the British and the final match between Gilgit and Chitral districts is played under freestyle rules from July 7–9 each year.
- Laspur – Booni – Qaqlaht
Booni is our first “civilized” stop after Shandur Pass, while Qaqlaht is a lush high-altitude grassland above Booni—a paradise on earth for lucky bikers like us.
- Qaqlaht – Chitral – Kalash, 120km
An easy day. We’ll reach Chitral early to explore its historic forts and busy markets before navigating the rugged road to one of the remote Kalash Valleys. Bumburet Valley is home to the Kalasha people, believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army.
- Kalash – Mardan, 280km
Back to the heat of the plains, we’ll ride south, cross the Lowari Pass, leave the mountains behind, and stop in Mardan.
- Mardan – Islamabad – Hanoi, 180km
We’ll start early today!
It’s time to close this epic motorcycle adventure in Pakistan! Ride back along the chaotic yet fascinating Grand Trunk Road and return to the surprisingly calm streets of Islamabad.
After a shower and change, we’ll enjoy a farewell party before heading to the airport.
- Islamabad – Hanoi