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The most remarkable bike trip in the
world, KKH Bike Tour, takes one through an area said to be the
inspiration behind James Hilton's Shangri-La, Hunza. This 14 day bike
trip traverses the complete length of the increditble valleys of Gilgit,
Hunza, Gulmit, Passu and Sost by way of the Karakoram Highway. The KKH
connects Pakistan with China and is considered an engineering feat as it
winds through the narrow gorges of this remote mountain kingdom.
Completed in 1974, this famous highway follows the old Silk Route,
entering China at the Khunjerab Pass (16,000 feet) where our ride
begins.
To arrive at our starting
point (Khunjerab Pass) we fly (weather permitting) from Islamabad, the
capital of Pakistan, to Gilgit at 4,770 feet. We are then transported by
jeeps to the top of Khujerab Pass in two days with an overnight hotel
stay at Gulmit or Sost.
From the
crest of the pass, our downhill bicycle journey takes us to Gulmit in
three easy five-hour days. At Gulmit a rest day is scheduled. This
provides time for a day hike into the depths of this stunning valley.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, is our next destination. Here one can
do some rugged mountain biking in the nearby glacial valley called
Hoper. The last leg of our tour consists of a two day ride to Gilgit.
The stupendous wall of Rakaposhi (25,550 feet) rises from the bed of the
Hunza River, past the Karakoram Highway with a 20,000 feet gain;
honouring it as the steepest place on our planet.With the sight of
Rakaposhi rich on our minds, we roll into Gilgit and either fly or drive
back to Islamabad.
OPTION - I
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 01 Arrive Islamabad
and sight-seeing in Islamabad
Day 02 Drive to Besham
Day 03 Drive to Gilgit
Day 04 Gilgit to Hunza
Day 05 Hunza to Gulmit
Day 06 Gulmit to Sost
Day 07 Sost to Khunjerab Pass
Day 08 Khunjerab to Gulmit
Day 09 Rest day in Gulmit
Day 10 Karimabad - local exploration
Day 11 Karimabad to Gilgit
Day 12 Gilgit to Besham
Day 13 Besham to Islamabad
Day 14 Flight to Destination
OPTION - II
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 01 Sost-Passu
Day 02 Sot-Karimabad
Day 03 Karimabad-Duiker
Day 04 Duiker-Gilgit
Day 05 Giligt-Chilas
Day 06 Besham
Day 07 Islamabad
Day 08 Islamabad
Day 09 Islamabad (spare day)
Day 10 Departure
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