Motorbike tour starting Gilgit or Skardu in Pakistan?
 

Hi,

I'm planning to visit Northern Pakistan for a week in August, and would like to do a small motorbike tour.

Is it better to fly into Gilgit or Skardu? Skardu has better timings for possible flights and heard more reliable airport due to weather. Is travelling in both areas comparable or quite different?

Is it easy to rent a motorbike or a scooter in those areas (50cc, or 75cc, or max 100cc)? What should I expect to pay?

What is a nice route I could do over 5 days or so?

I guess if it's too hard to rent a motorbike, I can just take buses from town to town? In that case, are short day-trip hiking areas close by?

Thanks,

Peter

Usually, Gilgit airport is more reliable. The scenery is spectacular in both areas but maybe Hunza is more beautiful near Gilgit. I think you can easily rent a small bike there from locals or ask your hotel. 70cc to 125cc are very common in Pakistan

I agree completely, I flew into Gilgit and rented a Suzuki GS150 from https://www.karakorambikers.com/ who were very good and the hotel they operate from is not bad either. Head up the KKH and out to Skardu from there.
You can probably get to Skardu and back and up to the Chinese border in 5 days but that would be a bit of a rush, 7 or 10 would be better.

This is your holiday so choose the places which most interest you. Don't worry about the safety while in the north. While at few places there is local bus transportation, it can be time consuming and you will see more with a bike. I think your best bet would be to just look around when you get there - you're traveling in high season - arranage your accommodation well in time.
I think a scooter is the way to go. You won't need anything big - I've found that a 125 cc is good enough to get up the mountains while riding two up with no strain at all.Used this one last year to rent an ATV. Was very satisfied with everything from booking till dropping it off in Gilgit.


Best bet is to fly to Skardu from Islamabad, bigger plane and higher frequency of flights daily. my route was
Day 1. fly to Skardu ,
Day 2. bike to Khaplu Shigar and Kharmang
Day 3. bike to Skardu Deosai Tarishing Astore valley
Day 4. return hike to herlikoffer Nanga parbat base camp south face
Day 5. bike to Rama Astore
Day 6. bike to Gilgit and Hunza
Day 7. bike to Passu, Attabad lake and back to Gilgit
Day 8. fly back to Islamabad

All good suggestions. One thing to bear in mind, particularly around Skardu. There are often long, and I mean days long, delays caused by roads being closed and or damaged by landslides and construction works etc. Dont put yourself in a position where you need to meet tight timelines. Have fun, it's and insanely beautiful place.

Hello Peter!!!!
Nice to know you are planning your trip to Pakistan.
Flying into Gilgit and Skardu is pretty same according to weather condition. on both flights you can see Nanga Parbat and magnificant landscape of Karakoram and Himalayas. We Suggest you to fly to Gilgit city and rent one from Karakoram Bikers. You can also find bike in Skardu (Like if you ask at hotel reception) but there is not any Official Motorcycle Rental Company there.

Gilgit and Skardu regions are pretty different, Gilgit region have Hunza Valley with Snowy Mountains views and nice green surrounding Valleys and you can ride till border with China (Khunjrab National Park).
Skardu is more like desert in the sky. Shigar road to k2, Khaplu and Hushe are remote and more close to nature.

exploring Gilgit/Hunza region 5days are fine but for Skardu you need a week minimum if you start your riding journey from Gilgit city.

Best:)
SHAH from Karakoram Bikers.

Resuscitating this old thread as I am considering doing a Karakoram tour this autumn with Karakorambikers and would welcome any advice or feedback.. Thanks in advance :scooter:

We did a trip with them a few years ago, mostly all our family members male and female. Good guys, fun and easy to work with, as our group had a very mixed range of riding experience.

The only thing I will say is do it, one of the world's great motorcycle trips.