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MULTI-COUNTRY

MULTI-COUNTRY: 31 DAYS | SILK ROAD & THE STANS | JULY 2027

MULTI-COUNTRY: 31 DAYS | SILK ROAD & THE STANS | JULY 2027

PRICE: $8,750 USD

TOUR DATES: 3 JULY - 2 AUG 2027

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Area: 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇨🇳 China 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan 🇹🇯 Tajikistan 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan 🇦🇫 Afghanistan
  • Duration: 31 Days, 31 Nights | 25 riding days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous: Physical endurance gets you there. A positive mindset gets you through.
  • Max Altitude: 15,400 ft
  • Total Ride: 5500+ kms
  • Motorcycle: CFMoto 450 MT IBEX
  • Terrain: 30% Off-road 70% Tarmac
  • Group size: 8-10 Riders

READ THIS FIRST: 
This is not a motorcycle tour for everyone.

Nearly a month on the road. High altitude. Remote border crossings. Long riding days. Unpredictable weather. Changing cultures every few hundred kilometres.

This is for experienced riders who enjoy endurance riding as much as they enjoy the destination.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

This isn’t just a ride. It is a 6,000 km journey through some of the most legendary landscapes on Earth.

Designed for experienced riders who have tackled international motorcycle trips before, this tour takes you across six countries, multiple borders, and some of the most exhilarating roads on the planet.

We kick things off in Skardu, Pakistan, riding up the legendary Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world. From there, we cross into China’s wild west, spending time in Kashgar, a historic Silk Road city, and exploring its culture and markets with a local guide.

The journey continues into Kyrgyzstan, where sweeping alpine valleys, nomadic settlements, and rugged mountain passes define the ride. Next, we head into Tajikistan to take on the legendary Pamir Highway, a remote and high-altitude route that has challenged riders for decades.

From there, we enter Uzbekistan, tracing ancient Silk Road routes through Samarkand, where history, culture, and architecture meet at every turn. After traversing some of the most isolated and breathtaking landscapes in Central Asia, we make our way into Afghanistan, completing one of the most ambitious overland motorcycle journeys on Earth.

Yes, Afghanistan. We know what you are thinking. This is a country that has seen decades of conflict, but it is now slowly opening up to tourism. We cross through its stunning landscapes before making our way back into Pakistan via the storied Khyber Pass, finishing the tour in Islamabad. 

IMPORTANT: The tour includes one China border crossing. If the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains closed when we reach it in late July 2027, we'll re-enter Pakistan via China instead. As this would require a second China crossing, additional permits and logistics will be necessary, adding approximately USD 800 per rider.

MEET YOUR GUIDE

MOIN KHAN | A Different Agenda

Moin has been guiding motorcycle riders in Pakistan for 15 years, as well as leading tours in Central Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, and East Africa. He’s no stranger to long-haul adventures—after finishing his studies in San Francisco, California, he rode his motorcycle 40,000km across 22 countries back to Pakistan. With his deep knowledge of overlanding and his passion for showcasing the beauty of the world, Moin brings an unmatched level of experience to the ride. That experience shaped much of what we believe at ADA today. Motorcycles are one of the best ways to understand a place. To get more people out into the world on motorcycles. Not just to cover kilometres or collect countries, but to experience places properly, meet people they might otherwise never meet, and come home seeing the world a little differently.

If you’re looking for a ride that will push your limits, take you through landscapes few have seen, and leave you with stories for a lifetime—this is it.

Included

  • Experienced motorcycle guide - Moin Khan
    Islamabad to Skardu flight
  • All airport transfers
  • Bike and fuel for the full ride: CFMOTO 450 MT Ibex
  • Breakfast and dinner every day of the tour (lunch and snacks are not included)
  • Twin-sharing accommodation throughout
  • Basic spares, tools and first aid kit
  • GBAO permit for the Pamir Highway
  • All taxes and permits for China, Central Asia and Afghanistan
  • All China transit costs including support vehicle (One way)
  • Carnet de Passage for all countries on the route

Not Included

  • International flights in and out of Islamabad
  • Visas for all countries
  • Costs related to emergency evacuation, if needed
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Drinks, snacks, laundry and other personal expenses
  • Single room option available for $1,275
  • Anything of a personal nature that isn’t listed as included
  • Travel or tour expenses outside the official tour dates
  • If a rider can’t continue riding, any costs for transporting the motorcycle back to Islamabad

Join this ride if you are comfortable riding 300-400 km days; previously done multi-day adventure touring; confident on gravel and broken pavement; comfortable riding independently; understand that plans may change; physically fit for almost four weeks on the road — If you're unsure whether this ride is right for you, it probably isn't.
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PROVISIONAL ITINERARY

Our itinerary is here to give you an idea of where we will be going and what we will be doing during this expedition. This itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. It’s all part of the adventure!

31 DAYS SILK ROAD & THE STANS

DAY 1 – FLY TO SKARDU (01 JULY)

Altitude: Skardu 2,200 m

Airport pickup & bike handover.

DAY 2 – RIDE TO GILGIT/HUNZA (02 JULY)

Altitude: Skardu 2,200 m → Hunza 2,400 m  Distance: ≈ 230 km

Ride via Indus Gorge and the Karakoram Highway to Karimabad. Technical mountain sections and tight valleys.

DAY 3 – HUNZA TO TASHKURGAN (CHINA) (03 JULY)

Altitude: 2,400 → 3,100 m (High point Khunjerab Pass 4,693 m)  Distance: ≈ 270 km

Cross the world’s highest paved border. Thin air, cold winds, surreal snow-desert panoramas. Overnight in Tashkurgan.

DAY 4 – TASHKURGAN TO KASHGAR (04 JULY)

Altitude: 3,100 → 1,300 m  Distance: ≈ 300 km

Descend the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway — long straights, sweeping valleys. Arrive Kashgar, gateway to the Silk Road.

DAY 5 – KASHGAR TO TOUPA (05 JULY)

Altitude: 1,300 → 1,000 m Distance: ≈ 350 km

Fast asphalt through the dry Taklamakan fringe. Minimal settlements, pure open-desert ride.

DAY 6 – TOUPA TO NARYN (KYRGYZSTAN) (06 JULY)

Altitude: 1,000 → 2,000 m Distance: ≈ 380 km

Exit China via Irkeshtam Pass. Border formalities, then winding climbs into Kyrgyz alpine country. Stay in Naryn.

DAY 7: NARYN REST DAY (07 JULY)

DAY 8 – NARYN TO ISSYK-KUL LAKE  (8 JULY)

Altitude: 2,000 → 1,600 m  Distance: ≈ 120–160 km

Drop out of the high valleys and ride toward the blue shores of Issyk-Kul. Open roads, pastureland, mountains on all sides. Overnight by the lake.

DAY 9 – ISSYK-KUL LAKE TO SON-KUL (9 JULY)

Altitude: 1,600 → 3,000 m  Distance: ≈ 180–220 km

Climb back into the high mountains toward the wide, windswept plateau of Son-Kul. Gravel sections, switchbacks and big views all the way. Overnight in yurts by the lake.

DAY 10 – SON-KUL - KAZARMAN (10 JULY)

Altitude: 3,000 → 1,200 m  Distance: ≈ 150–180 km

Ride off the Son-Kul plateau and drop into remote mountain valleys. Gravel, passes, and rugged terrain all day. Overnight in Kazarman.

DAY 11 – KAZARMAN TO OSH (11 JULY)

Altitude: 1,200 → 960 m  Distance: ≈ 250–300 km

Long riding day across shifting landscapes. Mountain passes, open valleys and fast highway sections before rolling into the old Silk Road city of Osh. Overnight in Osh.

DAY 12 – REST DAY IN OSH (12 JULY)

Altitude: ~960 m

Free day to reset. Explore markets, cafes and Silk Road history.

DAY 13 – OSH TO MURGHAB (TAJIKISTAN) (13 JULY)

Altitude: 960 → 3,600 m (Top Taldyk Pass 3,615 m)  Distance: ≈ 420 km

Enter the Pamir Highway (M41). Remote and breathtaking — true high-altitude riding.

DAY 14 – MURGHAB TO KHAKHA FORTRESS (14 AUG)

Altitude: 3,600 → 3,200 m  Distance: ≈ 180 km

Ride along the Afghan border to the ruined fortress overlooking the Wakhan Corridor.

DAY 15 – KHAKHA FORTRESS TO KHOROG CITY (15 JULY)

Altitude: 3,200 → 2,100 m  Distance: ≈ 240 km

Rugged track along the Panj River. River crossings and raw terrain.

DAY 16 – REST DAY IN KHOROG (16 JULY)

Refuel, minor maintenance, optional soak in Garm Chashma Hot Springs.

DAY 17 – KHOROG TO KALAIKHUMB (17 JULY)

Altitude: 2,100 → 1,300 m  Distance: ≈ 240 km

Narrow gorge riding beside the Afghan border — epic Pamir scenery.

DAY 18 – KALAIKHUMB TO DUSHANBE (18 JULY)

Altitude: 1,300 → 800 m  Distance: ≈ 370 km

Final leg of the M41. Asphalt improves near Dushanbe.

DAY 19 – DUSHANBE TO PENJIKENT (19 JULY)

Altitude: 800 → 900 m  Distance: ≈ 260 km

Ride northwest to Tajikistan’s cultural heart, near the Uzbek border.

DAY 20 – PENJIKENT TO SAMARKAND (UZBEKISTAN) (20 JULY)

Altitude: 900 → 700 m  Distance: ≈ 70 km

Short, easy border hop. Afternoon in Samarkand’s historic core.

DAY 21 – REST DAY IN SAMARKAND (21 JULY)

Rest, walk the Registan, and enjoy Central Asia’s finest architecture.

DAY 22 – SAMARKAND TO TERMEZ (22 JULY)

Altitude: 700 → 300 m  Distance: ≈ 350 km

Long open-road day to the Afghan frontier city.

DAY 23 – TERMEZ TO MAZAR-E-SHARIF (AFGHANISTAN) (23 JULY)

Altitude: 300 → 380 m  Distance: ≈ 150 km

Cross into Afghanistan. Visit the iconic Blue Mosque and ancient bazaars.

DAY 24: MAZAR-E-SHARIF REST DAY (24 JULY)

DAY 25 – MAZAR-E-SHARIF TO DOSHI (25 JULY)

Altitude: ~350 → ~800 m  Distance: ≈ 200–230 km

Ride south through dry plains and rolling hill country toward Doshi. Long straight sections mixed with winding valley roads. Overnight in Doshi.

DAY 26 – DOSHI TO KABUL (26 JULY)

Altitude: 800 → 1,800 m  Distance: ≈ 150–180 km

Scenic valley riding with mountain sections as you head toward Kabul. Mixed surfaces, busy stretches and big views along the way. Overnight in Kabul.

DAY 27 – REST DAY IN KABUL (27 JULY)

Altitude: ~1,800 m

Easy day to regroup. Explore the city, visit local markets and take in Kabul’s culture, or simply rest up before the final ride.

DAY 28 – KABUL TO JALALABAD (28 AUG)

Altitude: ~1,800 → ~550 m  Distance: ≈ 150–170 km

Ride through dramatic mountain valleys and descend toward the warmer lowlands of Jalalabad. Twisty sections, river views and fast stre

DAY 29 – JALALABAD TO PESHAWAR (29 JULY)

Altitude: ~550 → ~350 m  Distance: ≈ 70–90 km

Cross the border into Pakistan after a scenic ride through the lowlands. Warm temperatures, busy roads and a mix of fast and slow sections. Overnight in Peshawar.

DAY 30 – PESHAWAR TO ISLAMABAD (PAKISTAN) (30 JULY)

Altitude: ~350 → ~540 m  Distance: ≈ 180–200 km

Final riding day. Smooth highway sections and rolling plains as you ride back into Islamabad, completing an 6-country loop across Central Asia.

DAY 31 - FLY HOME!

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Accommodation: We stay mostly in locally owned hotels and guest houses, with 3 to 4 nights spent in home stays or traditional yurts. That said, some of the areas we ride through are remote and unpredictable, so every now and then we simply stay in the best accommodation available. It's all part of the adventure. Rooms are generally shared with other riders on the tour and may be mixed gender depending on availability. In homestays and yurts, you may share a room and bathroom with multiple guests, including people outside our group.

Meals: Expect a mix of local cuisine and hearty meals after long riding days. Lunches stay flexible so you're free to follow the road, the scenery and the moment.

PERSONAL BUDGET

We recommend a budget of $100/$200 per person per week to live comfortably during this expedition. This budget should cover day to day stuff like lunch, snacks, soft drinks, the odd few beers, etc.
Budget approximately $600 - $800 for your visas, security clearances and letters of invitation.
Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying souvenirs you should budget for it.

VISAS

Here’s the latest general info we have about visas and passports. Use this as a guide only, as visa rules can change and vary depending on your nationality and where you apply. ADA is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports, so please double-check everything with your local consulate if you’re unsure.

Make sure your passport has at least 5 blank pages for all the visas and stamps you’ll collect, and that it’s valid for at least 6 months after your tour ends.

You’ll need 4 passport photos with white baclground during the expedition.

Some visa applications and border crossings also require a digital colour copy of your passport and a digital passport photo (between 5–100 KB), so keep those stored on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Budget roughly $600 - $800 depending on your nationality for visas and letters of invitation.

PAKISTAN VISA

For most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand an e-visa is required to enter Pakistan which you should apply for online (https://visa.nadra.gov.pk). Other nationalities should check with their local consulate. ADA will provide you with a letter of invitation and other required documents for your visa application.

CHINA VISA

For citizens of the UK, USA and Canada a visa is required to enter China and you should apply for your Chinese visa in your country of residence prior to departure. In order to apply for your Chinese visa you may require a Letter of Invitation from a Chinese travel agency which we can provide for you.

KYRGYZSTAN VISA

Most nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many EU countries do not require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan. Other nationalities may be able to apply for a Kyrgyzstan e-visa online. If your nationality does not allow you to get an e-visa please contact your nearest Kyrgyzstan consulate to find out the easiest way to obtain the visa.

TAJIKISTAN VISA

Many nationalities including citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and many EU countries do not require a visa to enter Tajikistan. Other nationalities including citizens of the UK should apply online for an e-visa prior to departure. If your nationality does not allow you to get an e-visa please contact your nearest Tajikistan consulate to find out the easiest way to obtain the visa.

AFGHANISTAN VISA

For most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand a visa is required to enter Afghanistan. We recommend flying into Pakistan a couple of days early and apply for Afghan visa in Islamabad.

UZBEKISTAN VISA

Many nationalities including citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand and many EU countries do not require a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Other nationalities including citizens of the USA and Canada should apply online for an e-visa prior to departure. (USA nationals can avail a free visa starting Jan 1st 2026)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is compulsory for everyone joining an ADA tour. You’ll need coverage for the entire duration of the trip, and we’ll ask for proof of insurance before the tour starts. Sometimes your credit card already includes travel insurance, so it’s worth checking with your provider before purchasing a new policy.

Make sure your insurance includes emergency evacuation. This is important. If something happens and you can’t finish the tour or can’t bring the bike back into Pakistan, the related costs will fall on you. You are fully responsible for the motorcycle for the duration of your ride.

WHAT TO BRING

LUGGAGE

You’ll be carrying all your gear on your bike, so we recommend using proper moto travel bags like the Mosko Moto Reckless 80 or Giant Loop systems. They hold up well and keep things simple on long rides.

This is a fully self supported tour. You must carry everything with you on the bike.

Packing light really is the key. The less you carry, the easier and more enjoyable the ride will be.

HEADLAMP

A solid little investment for the trip. We recommend grabbing a Petzl USB-rechargeable headlamp.

SMARTPHONE

We highly recommend bringing a smartphone. Most of our tour communication happens through WhatsApp, and having your phone makes everything easier, from storing digital documents to taking photos, checking maps and calling home. It just keeps the whole trip running smoother.

CAMERA

Completely up to you. Most people use their phone.

TOILETERIES

You can buy basics almost everywhere along the route, but it’s good to start with the essentials: some toilet paper, toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap, shampoo and any feminine hygiene products you might need.

SIM & E-SIM

Sim: Make sure your phone is factory unlocked as we recommend buying a SIM card for each country you cross. Its your responsibility to stay connected at all times, routes and destination for the day will be shared in the WhatsApp group.

E-sim: Airalo has an affordable digital E-sim that you can use while travelling abroad which means you can stay connected and be online without having to constantly buy local physical sim cards to connect to the internet. Just make sure your phone is E-sim compatible before buying any E-sim.

SUNBLOCK

Minimum SPF 15 recommended.

SUNGLASSES

Polarised lenses offer great protection.

FIRST AID

Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

TOWEL

A microfibre travel towel is a good option as it dries quickly and packs down small.

PASSPORT

Please ensure you have 5 blank pages in your passport to accommodate all the visas and stamps required on this tour, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.

Digital passport copy: Please have a digital colour copy of your passport (5 – 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

PASSPORT PHOTOS

You will need approximately 4 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

Digital passport photo: Please have a digital colour passport photograph (5 – 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

MOTORCYCLE GEAR

You’ll need to bring all of your own riding gear. This should include:

  • Moto pants and jacket
  • Moto boots with proper ankle and shin protection
  • Helmet
  • Gloves for both summer and colder conditions
  • Rain gear
  • Riding socks

PERSONAL CLOTHING

  • Lightweight down jacket (doubles up as bike thermal)
  • Flip flops
  • Walking shoes, trainers
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Quick dry T-shirts
  • Zip-off trousers which can be worn long or short
  • Swimwear
  • Headscarf for the ladies
  • Thermal beanie or woolly hat
  • Baseball cap

ELECTRONICS

  • Cell phone 
  • Cardo communication - helmet coms
  • Adapters
  • Battery Pack

DRESS CODE & CULTURAL AWARENESS

In general all the countries we visit on this expedition are very friendly and hassle-free destinations. If we all respect local traditions, culture and religion we will have an unforgettable experience in some of the most welcoming regions of the world. Below is some information about dress code and cultural awareness that will help you stay safe and feel comfortable during this tour.

As a female tourist in Afghanistan you are expected to wear a headscarf, long trousers and a long loose shirt that covers your arms and hangs down to mid-thigh level. 

As a male tourist in Afghanistan you are expected to wear long trousers and a shirt.

Sounds like your kind of adventure?

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