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This is an adventure for intrepid travelers. Whether or not it’s your first foray into Pakistan doesn’t matter. As long as you’ve had an inkling of motorcycle experience, AKA feel relatively comfortable driving a manual motorcycle, then YOU are capable of touring the country on a motorcycle. Not the whole country mind you, there are many regions of Pakistan that remain off-limits to wandering foreigners and regions so remote that it doesn’t make sense to travel there via bike. But all the places in this Pakistan Motorcycle itinerary– you can do.
I’ve visited Pakistan twice. My 60-day stay was nothing compared to some of the travelers I met there. But during my relatively short time in the country, I learned a lot and did a lot on a motorcycle.
These are the things you need to know before you plan your motorcycle trip in Pakistan.
In almost every single one of my blog posts on Pakistan, I shout out Lost With Purpose. Not only is Alex a friend of mine, but she is also THE Pakistan blogger. She knows the country better than anyone. She runs tours in it with her Pakistani business partner Sana and practically lives there full time when she’s not off traveling the world. Head to her blog for really in-depth guides on Islamabad + Lahore, as well as loads of pre-trip planning info and unique travel stories from her time in the country. Consider me a secondary resource.
Why You Should Consider Renting a Motorcycle in Pakistan
If you’re here already you probably don’t need convincing, but here we go.
What are the benefits of riding a motorcycle in Pakistan rather than traditional traveling?
- Public transport in Pakistan takes ages, doesn’t go “everywhere,” and you’ll be required to hire drivers often during your journey to reach hiking trailheads and viewpoints. This can bust your budget quickly.
- You can stay in scenic guesthouses for cheap. These accommodations are usually NOT in the city centers. Having your own mode of transport expands where you can stay and will end up saving you money.
- It’s super fun.
- Pakistan’s roads are some of the most road-trip-worthy in the world.
- If you’re a woman, you’ll feel like a total badass every time you take off your helmet, and all the men’s jaws will drop.
- The roads are relatively good in most regions you’ll find yourself.
- Gas, guesthouses, and snacks are abundant, so route planning isn’t necessary. You just need to know where you will stop for the evening.
- Pakistan is known for its hospitality. If you need help, people will ALWAYS stop and help you.
If none of this appeals to you, don’t hesitate to check out my Pakistan itinerary for backpackers. This doesn’t require your own transportation and covers many of the same bucketlist destinations.
Not Feeling Confident? Consider a Motorcycle Tour.
Before we chose to motorcycle through Pakistan, we had spent one month on a motorcycle in Vietnam—that’s it. We had never driven one in the United States, and we did not have a license. Because of this and having never been to Pakistan before, we chose to join Lost With Purpose on a three-week motorcycle tour.
This tour is the reason I fell in love with Pakistan.
If I had not traveled with Alex and Sana around the country, we probably would not have come back to Pakistan. It was through their love of the country that we got to learn so much about it, and it keeps us coming back again and again. We will be visiting for the 3rd time (and not the last) this year.
Alex runs two tours.
One for women only that does not involve a motorcycle.
And the one we did for all genders, that does. It’s 2 weeks and not only does it cover the most incredible sights but you’ll learn SO MUCH about Pakistan culture, history, and politics along the way.
The two main reasons I recommend this tour for people who are a little apprehensive about independent motorcycling in Pakistan is they bring along a follow car & you’ll have a knowledgeable person with you to explain how you should behave in the country.
Because that is the biggest risk in Pakistan. Your own ignorance to the intricacies of the culture.
This way if your bike breaks down or the road disappears in a landslide, you’ve got a car to hop in. Also, they won’t let you get into any sticky situations in uber-conservative towns.
Your Beginner’s Guide to a Pakistan Motorcycle Trip
Let’s dig into the logistics. What do YOU need to know before you go?
General Map of Where to Go & Where NOT to Go in Pakistan
This map gives you a general idea of where you can and cannot go in Pakistan on a motorcycle by yourself.
Why you ask? Because there are checkpoints (police & military) set up to keep you out of these highly contentions regions that the government has deemed too dangerous for travel. This map is accurate as of 2024, but times are always changing, I’ll try to make sure it stays up to date.
Green = Good to go, pretty much always.
Yellow = This region sometimes requires special permission and experiences closures depending on the current political situation. As of this moment, you can visit. It will be much easier with the help of a local guide.
Orange/Red = Likely not allowed to visit without the help of a well-connected guide & special permission. I recommend contacting Coyote Trail for assistance.
For more information on the issues you *might* encounter driving off into Pakistan’s mountains alone, read my blog post on tips for Moto travel in Pakistan + Is Pakistan Safe?
Where to Rent Your Motorcycle
Coyote Trail is the best place for reliable motorcycle rental in Pakistan. It’s located in Islamabad. Sana, the owner can get you set up with all the info and gear you need to travel safely.
Stay at Coyote Den Hostel
Located in the best neighborhood in Islamabad, this hostel is owned by Lost With Purpose and Coyote Trail. They have dorms and private rooms. Even if you don’t plan to rent and have your own bike, you have a place to park it safely here.
What Size Motorcycle do I Need?
A 150cc will suffice. You do not NEED a 650 engine to get around Pakistan’s mountains.
Obviously, depending on whether you are one or two riders and whether you plan to bring much baggage with you, you might benefit from a slightly larger bike. Most often, in the mountains, the lighter, the better.
Things to Bring With You & Motorcycle Packing List
Before we dig into what is feasible to see and do on your motorbike loop, let’s discuss what to bring.
- Shalwar Kameez. This is a local Pakistani dress that you will wear pretty much exclusively once you’re off the bike.
- A helmet. Duh.
- Waterproof shoes/boots. This is a non-negotiable. Your feet will get wet and freeze off otherwise.
- Lifestraw or other water filtration device.
- Portable phone charger.
- Warm clothes. I’m talking puffy jacket, thermal layers, durable pants.
- A headscarf, if you are a woman.
- First-Aid Kit.
- Cash—lots of it. ATMs are sparse outside the main cities and often don’t work even then. Get your cash sorted before you drive out of Islamabad.
- Your passport and many paper copies of both your visa and passport to show at various checkpoints. I like to print 10.
Things you do not need to bring with you…
- Shorts or swimwear.
- Tent unless you are keen to camp. In that case, you need a sleeping mat pad, rainfly, thick sleeping bag, and pillow.
- An abundance of food or water. There are shops everywhere.
Quick Things to Know Before We Plan Your Route
1. Don’t ever try to drive over 300 KM in a day.
Assume 250 KM will take you around 8 hours on this Pakistan motorcycle itinerary. You’ll usually be making lots of stops, and these aren’t roads you can travel quickly. Take your time and never overextend yourself. Besides this gives you time to enjoy the sights and take lots of photos.
2. You don’t NEED to book your guesthouses ahead of time.
I like to write down a few that I’m interested in and then just turn up for the best rates. Usually, they won’t be full. I’m including the booking.com links on this blog post to satisfy all who plan far in advance.
3. May to Early October is the only time to do this Pakistan Motorcycle itinerary.
If you’re traveling during the winter season, then the mountains will be snow-locked. In this scenario, you’re not going to get very far on a motorcycle. Consider visiting the Sindh province in the vast desert of Pakistan instead.
4. All these routes are mostly paved.
I was pleasantly surprised by Pakistan’s roads. However, when construction or landslides occur, the roads deteriorate rapidly. We had to do a few rocky river crossings and slow down on deep-rutted dirt roads a few times, but for the most part, this route is paved.
First of all, it’s offline, which is much more reliable. Additionally, it’s got all kinds of little spots left by fellow travelers that are worth checking out. This is a great way to find neat sights in the area you’re driving. We always found the driving and hiking routes in Pakistan to be well-marked on the app.
The Ideal Pakistan Motorcycle Itinerary for First Timers (3-4 Weeks)
You’ll notice that this “Pakistan Motorcycle Itinerary” skips both Karachi and Lahore. This does NOT mean you should skip them. You 10,000% have to visit Lahore, and if you have extra time, I also recommend a visit to Karachi, but getting to these destinations on a motorcycle is unnecessarily tedious, boring, and difficult. Take the bus, train, or plane instead.
Read More: Coming from India? Check out my blog post on crossing the Wagah Border.
Islamabad
A carefully planned city that felt surprisingly modern. This is where most people start their motorcycle journey and where I recommend you rent your motorcycle. While there are sights to see here, be sure to use this time to prepare for your trip and get ALL the cash you will need.
- Favorite Hotel: Coyote Den Hostel.
- Must-Do: Visit the Faisal Mosque, Wander through Rawalpindi for killer street food and chaos, or head to the truck market to get your helmet stickered with intricate neon Pakistani designs. Ask Coyote Den how to get there.
Naran Valley
Why not start the trip with a long ride? Naran is a beautiful valley sunken deep within a ring of high, snowy mountains. The ride to Naran is relatively easy. Traffic clears as you leave Islamabad and then Abbottabad behind.
- Distance from Islamabad: 250 KM and approximately 6-7 hours.
- IMPORTANT Alternate Route: If you’re riding this route in April, May, or October, you might be required to detour to Besham City instead of Naran. This is because of Bubasar Pass. After Naran, the only way out of the mountains is this 14,000-foot pass. Unfortunately, because of snow, it can close. If it is closed (ask your hotel), then DON’T go to Naran and instead make the longer journey to Besham City.
- Favorite Hotel: Snow Crest Lodges ($18 per night)
Read More: Foodies, be sure to check out my guide on where to eat in Pakistan.
Chilas
I don’t like Chilas. But it’s a necessary evil. Chilas is a dusty desolate town made worse by the uncharacteristically hostile vibes of the city. It’s extremely conservative, and women should wear full headscarves if/when wandering around town. I also don’t recommend going out after dark. The ride to Chilas, however, is stunning. You’ll be crossing over the iconic Bubasar Pass (13,691 ft) and then rapidly descend to almost to sea-level.
- Distance from Naran: 112 KM or about 3.5 hours.
- Favorite Hotel: Shangrila Chilas. Very foreigner friendly.
- Must Do: See the ancient Buddhist rock carvings in the area.
Optional Multi-Day Side Trip: Rupal for Nanga Parbat
About 6 hours from Chilas is a spectacular mountain town that I REALLY REALLY recommend visiting. The only caveat is that the roads become much smaller and, at times, dirt. They also wind through the mountains, and if you’re a beginner rider, this can be a little dangerous. We did it. So you can too.
I would venture to say this ride was the most scenic I’ve EVER taken in my life. From Rupal, you can hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp easily in an afternoon. Then, head back down and continue on to Minapin. Weather is variable here, and you’ll want to get a good view of the mountains so give yourself at least one night here to wait for a good weather window.
If you’re looking to add even more destinations to your route, be sure to check out my 1-month Pakistan itinerary.
Minapin
You are now officially entering the “North” of Pakistan– Gilgit Baltistan. You are on the famous Karakoram highway headed toward China. Today, you’ll pass near Gilgit. It’s the last large city you’ll encounter in the North. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful green valleys, winding roads, and lots of mountain villages with terraced homes spilling off the mountainsides.
- Distance from Chilas: 200 KM or about 6 hours.
- Favorite Hotel: Roomy Yerts. On Booking.com, they have their luxury tents, but in person, they also have a few cheaper small rooms.
- Must Do: Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek. This takes 2-days to do it right.
Karimabad
Karimabad sits within Hunza Valley. If you’ve done any research about Pakistan’s North you’ll recognize that name. Hunza is a beautiful mountain-fringed valley filled with great viewpoints, old historic forts, and hikes. It also has exceptional food, locally-made alcohol, and is one of the least conservative areas in the country.
- Distance from Minapin: 35 KM or about 1 hour.
- Favorite Hotel: Off-To Resort. You can get a better deal in person. This place is my favorite hotel in Pakistan when it comes to comfort.
- Must Do: Wander the scenic town, tour the Baltit Fort in town, drive to the Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint, walk through Ganesh Village (an old settlement dating back 1,000 years), shop for souvenirs from the many shops.
- Minimum Days: 2 Nights
Passu
*THIS* is why you’re here. Stunning, jagged, snow-capped mountains stand like a granite wall behind the green river below you. Here in Passu, you’ll see god. On a sunny day of course. On a cloudy day, consider extending your stay until you get a chance to see the “cones”. The ride to Passu is half the fun. Here, you’ll see the aquamarine Attabad Lake in all its glory.
- Distance from Karimabad: 60 KM or about 2 hours.
- Favorite Hotel: Passu Ambassador Hotel. For the views.
- Must Do: Passu Suspension Bridge (not Husseini) Patundas Glacier Trek (multi-day), Yak Burger, Passu Glacier Hike (just to the viewpoint if you don’t do the full trek), and of course, much marveling at the Passu Cones from every possible angle.
- Minimum days: 2 Nights if you’re not trekking.
Optional Day Trip: Khunjerab Pass
This pass is about 250 km round trip from Passu, which makes for a long day. But it offers some of the most beautiful views and stunning mountains on this itinerary, so it’s worth mentioning. If you’re getting good weather and have the day to spare, head to the highest pass in Pakistan and then come back down to Passu the way you came.
Another Excellent Ride: Chiporsun Valley is also an excellent multi-day trip in this region. It is, however, not for a beginner rider. The road is dirt, sometimes mud, and can be very rough. The region is also extraordinarily remote which puts you at risk if something happens on the motorbike. Less people around to help you. It’s worth considering if you’re enjoying the ride thus far though.
Gulmit
Gulmit is a small mountain town with lots of preserved history and some neat traditional homes that you can visit. They also have a Women’s Cooperative to buy some handcrafted rugs. While the price is expensive, you can feel good knowing that you are contributing to a rare female-owned and operated business in the country. Somehow, this little town always seems to be gloomy when I visit, but if you’re interested in learning about life in the mountains, these “museums” are super interesting to stop in at.
- Distance from Passu: 20 minutes, 16 KM
- Favorite Hotel: Silk Route Lodge
- Must Do: Women’s Cooperative (Gulmit Carpet Center), Gulmit Old House
Ishkoman Valley
This valley is little more than a collection of homes and a few streets scattered along the river. Here, you can explore a really scenic waterfall, set out on nearby treks through the high mountains, and, most importantly, stay at one of my very favorite homestays in the country.
- Distance from Gulmit: 223 KM & about 7 hours
- Favorite Hotel: Royal Guesthouse Birgal
- Must Do: Explore the incredibly scenic valley and ask the host of the homestay about waterfalls and other incredible sights to see in the area.
Booni
What can I say about Booni? It’s a very conservative town with a lovely atmosphere and some of the best mountain views in the country. I don’t say that lightly. I know this itinerary is peppered with “best views,” but these towns are all unique and spectacular in their own way.
To reach Booni from Ishkoman, you’ll have to drive over the high-elevation Shandur Pass. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Just be sure the pass is open, the weather is good, and that you stop for tea near the polo field at the summit of it.
This pass is home to the world’s highest polo field. In July every year, thousands of locals drive up to witness the polo festival. Be aware if the dates if you’re traveling near this time period because traffic gets WILD.
- Distance from Ishkoman Valley: 225 KM & 8 hours.
- Favorite Hotel: Best Western Hotel and Guesthouse
- Must Do: Qaqlasht Meadows. Here, you can ride through a vast high-altitude field and marvel at the mountain views around you.
Note: I originally stopped overnight between these two towns because the drive is long! There are a few small places you can stay at. Just leave early and make sure to give yourself ample time. If you do decide to stop, guesthouses are not on Booking.com but you can ask around as you pass through towns.
Feeling confident: Kalash
Kalash is one of my very favorite places in Pakistan. But it is not easy to reach on a motorcycle. Or by car, for that matter. You’ll drive for ages along a narrow cliffside road barely large enough for a single car, and yet, somehow, it’s a two-lane road. It often involves some incredible maneuvers and long stretches of reversing, but once you get into the mountains of Kalash…it’s well worth the dirt road struggle. If you’ve been struggling at all with the route thus far, it’s worth it to skip Kalash as the road is definitely worse than elsewhere in the country.
- Distance from Booni: 115 KM and 7-ish hours
- Favorite Hotel: Hotel Alexander Post
- Must Do: Kalasha Museum, walk through the valley, Bamboret cemetery, Kalasha graveyard, drink local Kalash liquor, and Peace Cafe for food.
Chitral
While Chitral has been in and out of the “no-go” zone for a while now due to conflict with Taliban-backed groups…it is typically a perfectly safe and easy destination to visit. There are some really beautiful moto-friendly guesthouses along the riverside near the royal palace of Chitral and some shopping streets selling local goods and neat “hats” called Pakol that are unique to the region.
- Distance from Kalash: 30 KM or about 2 hours. All dirt roads.
- Favorite Hotel: Chitral Green Guest House
- Must Do: Shopping + a visit to the palace.
Peshawar
Peshawar is another popular city for foodies. Chapli Kebab alone is reason enough to visit this historic city. We haven’t yet explored the city to its full potential, so I can’t recommend much, but on your way back to Islamabad, this makes for a great stopover for a day or two.
- Distance from Booni: 350 KM — All day. Leave early.
- Favorite Hotel: Shelton Accommodation
Alternative: Mardan is actually much more conveniently located if you are just looking for a stopover on the way to Islamabad. But it has far less in terms of things to see and do than Peshawar. Mardan is also much more conservative, and you’ll probably have to use Couchsurfing to find a place to stay in the city.
Islamabad
YOU MADE IT. The full loop. Back to Islamabad and warm(ish) showers.
Distance From Peshawar: 185 KM or about 4-ish hours depending on the traffic within the two cities.
Recommended Motorcycle Tour: Lost With Purpose
Now that I have outlined my perfect motorcycle loop in Pakistan for first-time visitors, I have to again credit Lost With Purpose and Coyote Trail. Without the two of them, I would never have visited half of these destinations. Further, Lost With Purpose is a vital Pakistan resource for you all, and you should 10,000% head to her blog right now.
BUT I DIGRESS.
If you’re interested in visiting these destinations but don’t want to do it on your own, you should join their motorcycle tours rather than forge your own path. There are lots of pros to traveling with Alex and Sana rather than on your own. I outline them all here.
Pakistan Motorbike Itinerary Map
How Much Should You Expect to Spend Per Day on this Pakistan Motorcycle Itinerary?
If you are a lucky holder of a US or EU passport, I’m going to assume that your dollar or euro is strong in Pakistan. This means Pakistan is one of the least expensive countries for you to travel in. If you stay in guesthouses, rent your motorcycle, and eat local food you can expect to spend no more than $40 per day on average.
Being budget-conscious travelers, we spent somewhere around $45 per day for the two of us.
Note on Hotels: You’ll notice that the cost of the hotels listed in this blog post doesn’t really line up with the total we spent in the country. This is because hotels are more expensive listed online than they are by walk-up in person. However, you run the risk they will be full.
Pakistan will forever be one of my favorite countries I have ever visited. The mountains, the hospitality, the food, and now… the newfound friends. I promise, if you’re considering a foray into Pakistan, this is the very best motorcycle route for first-time visitors.
Save This Pakistan Motorcycle Itinerary For Later!
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