Motorcycle Tour Pakistan: Meet the Women of Pakistan

This motorcycle tour of Pakistan begins in Islamabad, where you’ll settle in, explore the capital, visit the Grand Faisal Mosque, and enjoy a meal in Saidpur Village before heading to Balakot, where the bikes are waiting. The ride then starts properly as you leave for Batakundi, entering the Himalayas through lush green hills and bustling mountain markets like Naran Bazaar, giving you your first real taste of northern Pakistan’s dramatic scenery and energy.

From Batakundi, the journey becomes even more spectacular as you cross the breathtaking Babusar Pass at 13,700 feet and join the world-famous Karakoram Highway beside the mighty Indus River on the way to Hunza. Along the route, you’ll stop at the remarkable point where the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindukush mountain ranges meet, before continuing into the Hunza region, where rest, exploration, and cultural connection await. In Hunza, the experience goes far beyond the road, with visits to centuries-old forts, the Shimshal girls’ hostel, a women’s furniture factory, and a local music school supported by ADA, offering a deeper look into how women in the region live, work, and create opportunities for themselves.

The route then pushes higher into the Karakoram mountains as you ride toward the Chinese border, reaching the highest border crossing in the world at 15,400 feet before descending to Passu for the night. From there, you will take on the remote ride into Shimshal Valley, including the famous off-road stretch often called the “Death Road,” where towering cliffs, isolation, and incredible scenery make this one of the most memorable parts of the tour. Time in Shimshal also creates space for genuine local interaction, including meeting women from the community.

As the adventure continues, you will ride on to Gilgit and Phander, where the landscapes shift into peaceful valleys, rivers, and mountain roads that are favourites among local guides. From Phander, the tour heads over Shandur Pass – home to the world’s highest polo field – and on to Mastuj, where you stay in a family-run fort setting, before continuing to Ayun. One of the most culturally powerful days of the tour is the ride into the Kalash Valley, where you spend time immersed in the traditions, stories, and daily life of the Kalash people, one of the region’s most distinct indigenous communities.

The final stretch takes you from Ayun to Mardan for your last day on the bikes, before returning to Islamabad for your journey home. Altogether, this motorcycle tour Pakistan is far more than a scenic ride – it is a deeply immersive journey through mountain passes, remote valleys, women’s initiatives, and ancient cultures, offering both adventure and perspective in one extraordinary experience.

Day 1: Arrival into Islamabad

Explore Islamabad, visit the Grand Faisal mosque and have a meal at Saidpur village.

Day 2: Islamabad to Balakot (approx. 3.5 hours)

The bikes are waiting for us at Balakot, where we will start the ride the following day.

Day 3: Ride from Balakot to Batakundi (approx. 5 hours)

We enter the Himalayas, lush green rolling hills all around. Naran Bazaar is busy – it will be the first chance for everyone to explore a Pakistani mountain market.

Day 4: Ride from Batakundi to Hunza (approx. 7 hours)

Today we go over the most beautiful pass in Pakistan – Babusar pass at 13,700ft, and everyone gets to ride the world famous Karakorum highway next to the mighty Indus river. We will also stop at the junction point where the three mountain ranges meet – the Karakorum, Himalayas and Hindukush. We’ll also try some local Hunza food today.

Day 5: Rest day in Hunza

We explore different historical sites, including 1000+ year old forts. We will also visit Shimshal girls hostel, and visit an all women furniture factory where we will meet the women and understand how the women here live and work. We’ll also visit a local music school which is supported by ADA. 

Day 6: Ride from Hunza to the border with China, then down to Passu for the night (approx.. 8 hours)

We ride to the highest paved border crossing in the world at 15,400ft, through the Karakorum mountain range. This ride is special! 

Day 7: Ride from Passu to Shimshal valley (approx. 3 hours)

We get to ride the “Death Road” off road ride with a sheer drop on one side and a steep cliff on the other side. Beautiful scenery, we’ll be completely alone on this road. We get to mingle with the local women of shimshal, and a football match can be arranged with the local women football team.

Day 8: Ride from Shimshal to Gilgit (approx. 8 hours)

Today for lunch we will have Yak Burger, then visit a school in Ghulkin that ADA has been supporting for the last few years.

Day 9: Ride from Gilgit to Phander (approx. 5 hours)

The journey from Gilgit to Phandar valley is not just a ride; it’s a sensory voyage that allows you to truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and unique charm of this incredible region. The road to Phandar is a favourite amongst the local tour guides. 

Day 10: Ride from Phander to Mastuj (approx. 6 hours)

We will stop at Shandur Pass, the world’s highest polo field, and make our way to picturesque Mastuj town where stay at Mastuj Fort, a family-owned space of private wooden huts in a magical fort garden.

Day 11: Ride from Mastuj to Ayun (approx. 6 hours)

You will not feel like leaving this morning because Mastuj does that to everyone of us, every time we spend a night here; however, it’s time to head towards Ayun Fort.

Day 12: Ride from Ayun to Kalash and back (approx. 1.5 hours)

This will be a very special day for us as we make our way to Kalash valley. The Kalash people are believed to be the last descendants of Alexander the Great, a ‘lost tribe’ hidden in a remote village. We shall immerse ourselves with this unique and vibrant tribe of indigenous people, amidst their village, their traditions, their incredible school and immense beauty. We will hear their stories, learn their history, and do everything in our power to ensure their future. 

Day 13: Ride from Ayun to Mardan (approx. 6 hours)

This is our last day on the bikes. We will hit some traffic today but nothing crazy.

Day 14: Drive to Islamabad for flight home 

A 3.5 hour drive to Islamabad, we shall have lunch today and get ready for your flights out today.

Yes. We can recommend and help you book a few extra nights accommodation and we will cater for airport pick-up/drop-off. 
Costs will be borne by you.

Yes, you can easily change your cash in Islamabad, but it will be more difficult in the rural areas.
Since the trip is all inclusive, your budget will depend on the optional activities you wish to do.
You can also withdraw and pay in most places with your VISA cards.

We will carry a first aid kit with us and our team members are experienced in giving first aid.
Clinics and health posts are  accessible on our route.

We will let you know closer to the date if there is any in-country health requirements. Meanwhile, you can check updated information here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/pakistan

Take sufficient quantity of any of your personal medications.

You can check on the official immigration website to apply for an e-visa online: https://www.visa.nadra.gov.pk

Any international travel insurance that covers medical repatriation and “dangerous” activities such as motorcycling travel.

During the trip, we will take care of the tips for the team for fair allocation.
Outside the team members, you can usually tip 10% of the bill amount.

As you get to know your fellow travelers, you will certainly be allowed to swap roommates.
Extra cost for the single room is 40 euros per night.

Food is very flavourful and can be spicy, but we will arrange for non spicy food too. It is mostly Halal. Specify any dietary requirements early so that we can accommodate.
Bottled water will be provided during the duration of the trip.

No, we do not camp.
However, if you feel more comfortable with your own sleeping bag or pillow for example, you should bring it.

Bikes are insured. Small damages will not be charged. However, for self-inflicted damages above 100 euros, your deposit will be used to cover the parts and repair cost.
For bigger damages beyond 500 euros, the insurance will cover the costs.
Security of the bike will be our responsibility.

Yes, the local team will be able to handle minor repairs on the road.