Beyond the Himalayan Range lies the greatest concentration of mountain ranges in the world.  Here we have the unique opportunity to experience astounding natural beauty and ancient cultures while enjoying some of the best riding in the world.

day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit

Depart, if flying from the UK we suggest you book the BA 0129 flight which leaves at 18.00pm and arrives into Islamabad at 05.50 on the Sunday. If you choose to get another flight you should make sure you arrive by 7am on the Sunday morning.  Fly or drive to Gilgit. The flight is weather dependent, about one third of flights are cancelled, some at the last moment. If this is the case we will go by coach. The flight must be one of the most exciting in the world. The small Fokker Friendship plane flies around Nanga Parba 8,125m. The pilot sometimes invites passengers into the cockpit to see some of Pakistan's 82 peaks over 7,000m, which stretch, range after range, as far as the eye can see. The sharp triangle of K-2, the second highest mountain in the world, is clearly visible on the horizon.

Gilgit Altitude: 1,500m. 
Accommodation: Hotel. (L, D)

day 2: Gilgit

We spend the day relaxing in Gilgit. People have the option of visiting the incredible Kargah Buddha, a three metres high Buddha which was carved half way up a cliff-face in the seventh century. A 10-minute walk from here is the Shuko, where a Buddhist birch-bark text (now called the Gilgit manuscripts) that was found in 1931. The manuscripts are now divided among museums in London, Rome, Delhi and Karachi.

Gilgit Altitude: 1,500m.
Accommodation: Hotel. (B, D)

day 3: Gilgit to Manipin

Not long after we leave Gilgit we cross one of the longest suspension bridges in Asia, spanning an impressive 180 metres. The road climbs slowly, passing a few small villages before we start to witness the huge spiral of Rakaposhi looming in the distance. The road goes so close to its base that it is hidden most of the way. It is only when we arrive at our small family guesthouse at Manipin that we really witness the true beauty of Rakaposhi.

Manipin Altitude: 2,020m
Cycle distance 80 km
Accommodation: Guest house. (B, L, D)

day 4: Manipin to Karimabad

The Karakoram highway (KKH) is at its most spectacular between Ghulmit and Gulmit. The road rides high on the eastern side of the river, twisting and turning around the barren foot of the Hispar Range, which boasts six peaks over 7,000 metres. On the opposite bank, villages cling implausibly to the side of the 7,388m Ultar Mountain. Above, the jagged teeth along the ridge hide the highest snow-covered peaks from view. A short but spectacular day to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza.

Karimabad Altitude: 2,440m
Cycle distance 31 km
Accommodation: Hotel.(B, L, D)

day 5 : Karimabad

A rest day, but with so much to see in this enchanting village, it is unlikely that you will get much rest. Highlights are a visit to the 13th Century Baltit Fort or a visit to see the Sacred Rocks of Hunza. For the really adventuress amongst you a trek up to Hon will give you incredible views across the whole of the Nagar valley.

Karimabad Altitude: 2,440m (B)
Accommodation: Hotel.

day 6: Karimabad to Passu

As we leave Karimabad the road drops down to the village of Ganesh before a fairly hard 15km climb. Remember anytime you have had enough, just wait around for the back-up vehicle.  Just after lunch we pass the village of Gulmit, where right next to the road we see the rock and gravel covered Ghulkin Glacier. The road then climbs for another 8km with intermittent glimpses of glaciers, precipices and gleaming white peaks. We finish the day with a 10km descent to Passu, which brings us directly in front of the incredible Passu Glacier where we well stop for 2 nights.

Passu Altitude; 2,400m
Cycle distance 53 km
Accommodation: Guest house. (B, L, D)

day 7: Passu

Today you can rest, recuperate and absorb the magic of this dramatic area, or you can take a guide and hike to Batura Glacier, said to be the world’s largest outside the Polar region (spanning 60 km). Another option is a half-day expedition to Dut in the stunning Shimshal Valley, truly a beautiful days riding.

Passu Altitude: 2,400m
Cycle distance to Dut 30km
Accommodation: Guest house.(B, D)

day 8: Passu to Sust

A short and relaxing days ride to Sust, the last town before China.  We should arrive mid-afternoon giving us time to look around this interesting little village. 

Sust  Altitude; 2,750m
Cycle distance 40 km. 
Accommodation: Guest house. (B, L, D)

day 9: Sust to Barkhum

The big one! Today we start a two-day climb to the top of the Khunjerab Pass (Altitude is the challenge here not distance). On our first day the road climbs 900 metres through deep gorges high above the Khunjerab River. Camp is set up at Barkhum 35 km before the pass.  

Barkhum Altitude: 3,650m
Cycling distance 55 km  
Accommodation: Camping. (B, L, D)

day 10: Barkhum to Tashkurgan

We start after an early breakfast with a relatively easy 18km climb, the hard part is the last 17km of switch backs to the top of this 4730 metre pass. It was only in 1986 that tourists were allowed to cross the Kunjerab Pass. It is the highest border in the world, separating not just 2 countries but 2 of the world’s major mountain ranges, the Pamir and the Karakoram. From the pass we have to transfer to Tashkurgan.  A few years ago the Chinese decided not to allow cyclists along the 130 km to Tashkurgan.

Tashkurgan Altitude: 3,200m  
Cycle distance 35 km. (B, L)
Accommodation: Hotel.

day 11: Taskurgen to Lake Camp in Yurt

Another fantastic day as we cycle to Kara Kul. This is a long and challenging day with some amazing views in probably the most spectacular part of western China. For the first 40km there is a gentle incline, the road then winds its way through the Tagharma basin where you get the first views of the stunning north side of the Muztagh Ata Massif (Father of Ice Mountains. 7,546m high). Wind can be strong up here but usually it’s a tail wind. The road then gets steeper for the last 32km to the top of the 4200 metre pass. After we cross the pass it’s a 30km blast downhill, depending which way the wind blows!   We finish the day with 20km flat ride to our camp by the lake.

Kara Kul Altitude: 3,200m
Cycle distance 95 km
Accommodation: Yurt. (B, L, D)

day 12: Yurts to Kashgar

In the morning Tajik nomads can often be spotted in the area, their horses, yaks and bactrian camels grazing around the lake. With the 7546m high Mt Mustagh Ata and the 7720m Mt Kongur in the background you’ll be in no hurry to leave. But what a day we have in front of us, we can now enjoy a day of downhill riding, the route drops around 1800m down the Ghez River canyon and through dramatic glacier mountains.  From Ghez you have a choice, either transfer to Kashgar or cycle the last 105 km, the road is flat but the head wind can be strong. 

Kashgar. Alt: 1,600m
Cycle distance 90 or 195 km 
Accommodation: Hotel. (B, L,)

day 13: Kashgar

A rest day in Kashgar the most famous market town in Central Asia.  This was an important hub on the Old Silk Road, a vibrant Islamic centre positioned at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, commanding access to the high glacial passes of the Silk Road routes into Central Asia, India and Persia. 

Kashgar Altitude: 1,600m (B)
Accommodation: Hotel.

day 14: Kashgar to Tash-Rabat

An early start as we transfer across the Torugart Pass (3752m) and into Kyrgyzstan. Some spectacular scenery as we pass the stunning Chatyr Kul lake before we reach Tash-Rabat. This small yurt village is part of a well-developed network of Community Based Tourism (CBT) initiatives which have helped the local economy and gives travellers a great insight into a traditional way of life, unchanged over the centuries.

Tash-Rabat Altitude: 2,620m (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Yurt.

day 15: Tash-Rabat to Naryn

The lush green pastures and snow-capped mountains of the Tian Shan Mountains are a pleasant change from the red desert on the Chinese side of the border. As we descend towards Naryn we will pass encampments of Yurts that are dotted all over this wild landscape. We will end the day camping in a high alpine pasture surrounded by stunning snow covered peaks.

Naran Altitude: 2,062m
Cycling distance 80 km
Accommodation: Guest house.(B, L, D)

day 16: Naryn to Kochkor

Kyrgyzstan is probably the most beautiful of all the Central Asian countries. You will witness this today as we cycle past some small farming communities and nomadic shepherds as we make our way to the last pass. At just over 3,000 metres the Dolon Pass shouldn’t be too difficult. A long downhill ride through a wide fertile valley takes us to Kochkor, where we will stop for the night.  

Kochkor Altitude: 1,840m
Cycling distance 80 km
Accommodation: Guest house. (B, L, D)

day 17: Kochkor to Bishkek

Our last day’s cycle takes us to Issyk Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world after Lake Titicaca.  With the Tian Shan Mountains as its backdrop, its a fantastic location to finish a wonderful ride. After lunch we will transfer the group to Bishkek.      

Bishkek Altitude: 760m
Cycling distance 58 km
Accommodation: Hotel.(B, L,)

day 18: Bishkek

Rest day, time to pack the bikes up, then spend time exploring this laid- back picturesque city.  

Bishkek Altitude: 760m (B, D)
Accommodation: Hotel.

day 19: Home

An early morning transfer to the airport for the morning flight home. . Flights to London arrive into Heathrow around 13.00 hrs.