Khunjerab Cycling Tour — 6 Days
Overview
The KKH is a bucket-list ride, and this plan serves its best course: acclimatised riding through upper Hunza, then the crown jewel — summiting Khunjerab by support vehicle or pedal, and descending 80+ km of smooth tarmac through a national park, yaks and marmots for spectators.
Trip Highlights
- The legendary Khunjerab descent (80+ km)
- Supported riding: van always behind you
- Passu, Gulmit and Attabad ride sections
- Quality MTB/hybrid bikes provided (or bring yours)
- Ride-what-you-want flexibility every day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Islamabad → Chilas
Transfer north with bikes.
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Karimabad
Warm-up ride sections en route.
⛰ 2,438 m
Karimabad → Gulmit ride
Attabad tunnels by van, lakeside and Gojal riding.
⛰ 2,500 m
Gulmit → Sost ride
Passu Cones section — the KKH's most scenic spin.
⛰ 2,800 m
Khunjerab summit & descent
Up by van or pedal, then the great descent to Sost; transfer to Karimabad.
⛰ 4,693 m
Return to Islamabad
Transfer south.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
- Bikes, helmets & support vehicle
- Mechanic-guide
✖ Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
- Personal cycling kit
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit must I be?
If you can ride 40–60 km with stops you'll love it; the van scoops anyone anytime, so there's zero pressure.
Can I bring my own bike?
Absolutely — we transport it padded and secure, and the price stays the same.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Yes — the itinerary includes a Khunjerab Pass day (4,693 m, China border), open roughly May to late November. In winter we substitute Naltar Valley snowscapes.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility — vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely — add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.