Hindu Kush Mountain Bike Tour: Chitral, Shandur and Hunza
A 19-day biking route from the Hindu Kush to the Karakoram: Dir and Chitral, the Kalash valley of Bumburet, the Shandur Pass at 3,720 m, then down through Phander, Gupis and Gilgit to Hunza and Passu.
About the Hindu Kush Bike Tour
To discover the region of Chitral and Hunza by bike has its charm. We start our trip from Islamabad to Peshawar by jeep through the beautiful Swat valley up to Dir. From here, one can use their horsepower. The 3118 m high Lowari Pass and the 3720 m high Shandur Pass are highlights for bikers. The Chitral Valley, at an elevation of 1127 m between the two passes, has an exotic touch. The major attractions are the Kalash valleys. A population of 3000 strong Kafir Kalash people lives in the valleys of Birir, Bumburet, and Rambur. The Kalash are gay people who love music and dancing, particularly on occasions of their religious festivals. After the strenuous climb to Shandur Pass, one can relax on the magnificent plateau. We continued our bike ride to the dark blue Punder Lake. There, we should try to catch our trout fish for dinner. The following days mean “easy biking” towards Hunza.
Introduction as published on the Mountain Biking page.
Key facts
- Duration
- 19 days
- Best time
- Mid-May to End-August
- Range / region
- HinduKush/Karakoram
- Highest point
- 3720 m
- Zone
- Open
- Starts and ends
- Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
- Tent nights in the itinerary
- 8
Who it suits
The programme names the Lowari and Shandur passes as the highlights for riders. It suits cyclists who want a long, varied route that crosses two mountain ranges and several cultures.
- Best time in the programme: mid-May to the end of August.
- A rest day is planned at Shandur Lake.
- Domestic flights, an English-speaking guide and entry fees are listed as included.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we assemble and test our mountain bikes, followed by a trip briefing. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Islamabad to Dir / Chitral
Early morning departure by road toward Dir via the Swat Motorway and Lowari Tunnel, entering the realm of the Hindu Kush range. The drive offers stunning transitions from plains to alpine terrain. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Dir – Chitral Town
We begin our cycling journey along scenic river valleys, riding towards Chitral Town. Enjoy dramatic views of the Trich Mir (7,708 m), the highest peak of the Hindu Kush. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Chitral – Kalash Valley (Bumburet)
We bike from Chitral town into the secluded Kalash Valley. The route turns into a rough, unpaved track requiring concentration. We arrive in Bumburet and set up camp. Overnight in camp/guest house.
Day 5: Kalash Valley (Exploration Day)
Rest and cultural exploration day. We bike through traditional Kalash villages, observing their centuries-old customs, wood-carved temples, and vibrant way of life. Overnight in camp/guest house.
Day 6: Kalash – Buni
Back on our main route, we pedal along the Mastuj River through dramatic gorges and rugged cliffs toward Buni. A long day with mixed tarmac and gravel roads. Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 7: Buni – Mastuj
A demanding ride along dirt tracks and rocky terrain. The valley opens up to reveal glaciers and terraced fields. Our support vehicle provides warm lunch en route. Overnight in camp at Mastuj.
Day 8: Mastuj – Laspur
Ascending deeper towards Shandur. The track becomes steeper and rougher, winding through remote settlements. We camp near the riverbed in Laspur village. Overnight in camp.
Day 9: Laspur – Shandur Pass (3,700 m)
A strenuous climb of over 800 meters elevation gain to reach the famous "Roof of the World"—Shandur Pass. Superb views of the alpine plateau and the highest polo ground in the world. Overnight in camp near Shandur Lake.
Day 10: Rest Day at Shandur Lake
A well-deserved rest day at the high plateau. We relax our legs, soak in panoramic mountain views, and enjoy gentle walks around the pristine lake. Overnight in camp.
Day 11: Shandur Pass – Teru / Phander
An exhilarating, long downhill stretch from the pass down to the emerald Phander Valley. The road follows the turquoise Gilgit River lined with willows and trout pools. Overnight in camp.
Day 12: Phander – Gupis
We continue riding on an undulating, smooth gravel track through lush green villages and fruit orchards. In the afternoon, we reach the scenic Gupis settlement. Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 13: Gupis – Singal (Punial Valley)
A thrilling cycling day following the fast-flowing river. The road winds through steep granite cliffs and ancient wooden suspension bridges. Overnight in camp at Singal.
Day 14: Singal – Gilgit
The final cycling stage brings us to Gilgit, the historic hub of the northern region. A visit to the local bazaar and the ancient Kargah Buddha rock carving. Overnight in hotel.
Day 15: Gilgit – Karimabad (Hunza Valley)
We transfer/bike along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) into Hunza, enjoying direct roadside vistas of Rakaposhi (7,788 m). Visit Baltit and Altit Forts in the afternoon. Overnight in hotel.
Day 16: Hunza Valley – Passu
A ride along the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake and through the iconic Passu Cones landscape. Overnight in hotel/camp at Passu.
Day 17: Passu – Gilgit / Besham
We begin our return journey south along the Karakoram Highway via support vehicles and optional road cycling stretches. Overnight in hotel.
Day 18: Besham / Chilas – Islamabad
Full day drive back to Islamabad. If weather allows, we take the direct flight from Gilgit to Islamabad instead. Farewell group dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 19: Return / Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home.
Included and not included
Listed as included
- Hotel Accommodation on a sharing basis
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Air-conditioned luxury transport
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entry fees
- toll taxes
- Domestic flights tickets
- Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels
Listed as not included
- Member international flight tickets
- Member personal insurance and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks,
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees
- Room service, personal services, items of a purely personal nature, and any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) members will be paid according to the number of days basses.
As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.
Places on this route
Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:
Compare other biking tours
| Programme | Days | Best time | Highest point | Range / region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hushe valley Biking Tour | 14 | Mid-May to End-August | 2750 m | Karakoram |
| Karakorum Highway Biking tour | 14 | Mid-June to End-September | 4,693 m | Karakoram |
| Deosai Biking Tours | 19 | — | — | — |
