Hushe Valley Biking Tour
A 14-day biking tour that rides from Skardu along the Shyok to Khaplu, Machulo and Hushe village, with an excursion into the Charakusa Valley for views of K6 and K7.
About the Hushe Valley Biking Tour
The Hushe Valley is in the Ghanche district of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Hushe Valley is famous for its highest mountains. Many sub-valleys exist, such as Gondogor, Charkusa, Nagma, Nanbroq, and Mashabrum. This valley surrounds several peaks above six thousand meters, including Laila Peak, K6, and K7. Murtaza Peak is 5100m just behind K6 Base camp and is considered the epicenter of trackers and beginners.
Introduction as published on the Mountain Biking page.
Key facts
- Duration
- 14 days
- Best time
- Mid-May to End-August
- Range / region
- Karakoram
- Highest point
- 2750 m
- Zone
- Open
- Starts and ends
- Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
- Tent nights in the itinerary
- 6
Who it suits
With a highest point of 2,750 m in the programme facts, it is the lowest of the published biking routes and includes an acclimatisation day in Skardu and a buffer day in Islamabad.
- Best time in the programme: mid-May to the end of August.
- Day 2 travels to Skardu by flight or along the Karakoram Highway.
- The return goes via Kande and Saling back to Skardu.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Meet, assist, and transfer to hotel. Bike assembly, check-up, and expedition briefing. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 02: Islamabad – Skardu (Flight or KKH Drive)
Take the scenic flight over the Himalayas and Karakoram to Skardu. (In case of cancellation, drive along the Karakoram Highway towards Chilas). Overnight in hotel.
Day 03: Skardu / Acclimatization Day
Rest and acclimatization at Skardu (2,230 m). We test our bikes on local trails, explore Skardu Bazaar, and visit the historic Kharpocho Fort. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Skardu – Khaplu (Biking & Transfer)
We start our cycling journey along the Indus and Shyok rivers towards Khaplu, the capital of Ghanche district. Enjoy smooth tarmac mixed with gentle gravel tracks, passing lush apricot orchards. Overnight in hotel at Khaplu.
Day 05: Khaplu – Machulo
Pedal out of Khaplu into the lower Hushe Valley. The road becomes rugged and unpaved, demanding balance and concentration. From Machulo village, we get our first distant panoramic view of K6 and K7. Overnight in camp/guest house.
Day 06: Machulo – Hushe Village
Ride along the fast-flowing Hushe River deeper into the Karakoram. The trail features rocky climbs and river crossings with the backdrop of dramatic granite walls. Reach Hushe village (3,050 m), the ultimate mountain hub. Overnight in camp.
Day 07: Hushe – Saicho (Charakusa Valley Approach)
A thrilling bike and hike ride towards Saicho, the junction of the Gondogoro and Charakusa valleys. Ride over moraine paths surrounded by jagged spires and alpine scenery. Overnight in camp at Saicho.
Day 08: Saicho – Charakusa Valley Excursion (K6 & K7 Viewpoints)
Day hike and light single-track biking towards the Charakusa Glacier, home to granite towers like Nagma Valley's cathedral spires and dramatic vistas of K6, K7, and Murtaza Peak (5,100 m). Return to camp in Saicho. Overnight in camp.
Day 09: Saicho – Mashabrum Viewpoint / Hushe
Pedal along the valley trails with magnificent viewpoints of the iconic Mashabrum Peak (7,821 m). Descend back into Hushe village for a warm Balti meal. Overnight in camp.
Day 10: Hushe – Kande – Saling
An exciting, long downhill ride back out of the Hushe Valley. Passing traditional stone houses, suspension bridges, and green terraces down to Saling. Overnight in camp/hotel.
Day 11: Saling – Skardu
Cycle and drive along the Shyok Valley back to Skardu. Afternoon visit to the cold desert of Katpana or Sadpara Lake. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12: Skardu – Islamabad
Fly back to Islamabad (or begin return road drive via KKH). Evening free for shopping and relaxation in Islamabad. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13: Buffer Day / Islamabad Sightseeing
Contingency day for road travel delays or sightseeing in the twin cities (Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh). Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the final flight back home.
Included and not included
Listed as included
- Hotel Accommodation on a shared 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karakorum Highway Biking tour | 14 | Mid-June to End-September | 4,693 m | Karakoram |
| Deosai Biking Tours | 19 | — | — | — |
| HinduKush Mountain Bike | 19 | Mid-May to End-August | 3720 m | HinduKush/Karakoram |
