12 DAYS | DESERT TO GLACIER | OCT 2026

Welcome to the capital city Islamabad. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Explore Islamabad, visit the famous Faisal Mosque, eat at a local joint, do some last minute shopping before we venture out into the mountains.

Fly into Skardu, gear up, hop on the bikes and head to the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. Think golden dunes, epic mountain views, and your first taste of adventure on your 450 IBEX. Short ride, big vibes—let’s go!

We kick off the ride on the JSR road, carving through the Indus valley before linking up with the Karakoram Highway. It’s a solid day on the bikes. Long stretches of twisty tarmac, river crossings, and high-altitude views all the way to Nomal - The gateway to Hunza.

Today’s ride follows the Karakoram Highway along one of its most scenic stretches. We stop briefly at Attabad Lake, Borith Lake and the Passu Cones before reaching Passu in upper Hunza.

In the afternoon, we trek toward Passu Glacier to witness the visible retreat of the ice and the impact of climate change on this fragile high-altitude environment. A short, low-impact walk that adds context to the landscape we’ve been riding through.

We continue north on the Karakoram Highway, riding to the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing in the world at 4,700 meters. The road climbs steadily through shifting landscapes, from rugged rock valleys to high alpine terrain. After a stop at the border for photos and a warm cup of tea, we return to Passu for the night.

An early start takes us off the main highway and deep into the Shimshal Valley, one of the most remote and awe-inspiring routes in northern Pakistan. The narrow gravel and rock bed track winds along steep cliffs and rivers before reaching the village of Shimshal. After a short stop and lunch, we ride back and return to the highway and continue to Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza.

A relaxed day in Karimabad, with time to explore the Baltit and Altit Forts, walk through the local bazar, and take in panoramic views of Ultar Sar and Rakaposhi. Optional short hikes can be arranged for those who want to stay active, or simply unwind at the hotel and enjoy the view.

We ride to Minapin Village at the foot of Rakaposhi, park the bikes, and begin a half-day trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp. The trail passes through pine forests and alpine meadows with sweeping views of the glacier. We spend the night camping at Hapakun, under clear mountain skies.

After breakfast, we descend back to Minapin and continue the ride toward Naltar Valley. The route offers a mix of smooth tarmac sections, leading to a lush forested valley known for its vibrant alpine lakes. Overnight stay in Naltar.

We begin our ride back toward Skardu, retracing sections of the Karakoram Highway. It’s a long but steady day on the road, ending with a comfortable night in Skardu.

Descending to Islamabad, we'll take a scenic morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad offering breathtaking aerial views of Pakistan's majestic Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. Snow-capped peaks (including K2 and Nanga Parbat), valleys, lakes and winding rivers create a stunning backdrop as you descend into the capital, making this a scenic and unforgettable journey through some of the world's most dramatic landscapes.

Write to us when you reach home!