Motorbike Tours and Rentals: Journey to the Northern Region of Pakistan
Exploring the Northern Region of Pakistan on a motorbike is an adventure of a lifetime. With its rugged terrain, scenic valleys, towering peaks, and winding roads, the region offers unmatched beauty and thrilling experiences. Starting from Islamabad, this guide takes you through the most popular motorbike routes in the northern areas, including Naran Kaghan bike tours, Skardu bike tours, and the exhilarating ride to Babusar Top. Whether you own a motorbike or are looking for a bike for rent for Babusar Top, this article will serve as your ultimate guide.
Starting Point: Islamabad
Your journey begins in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Known for its well-planned infrastructure and proximity to the mountains, Islamabad is the perfect base for launching your motorbike adventure.
Recommended Rental Services: If you don’t own a motorbike, you can find reliable rental services in Islamabad offering bikes like the Honda CG 125, Suzuki GS 150, or Yamaha YBR 125G, which are well-suited for mountainous terrain.
Essential Preparations: Ensure your motorbike is in excellent condition, carry essential tools, wear protective gear, and pack for varying weather conditions.
Leg 1: Islamabad to Naran
The first leg of your journey takes you from Islamabad to Naran via N-35 Karakoram Highway. This scenic route is a mix of modern highways and winding mountain roads.
Distance: Approximately 240 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Key Stops:
Abbottabad: Known for its colonial charm and scenic beauty.
Mansehra: The gateway to the Kaghan Valley.
Balakot: A picturesque town along the Kunhar River.
Leg 2: Naran Kaghan Bike Tour
Once in Naran, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Kaghan Valley. This region is renowned for its lush greenery, alpine lakes, and serene ambiance.
Key Attractions:
Lake Saif-ul-Malook: Take a detour to this iconic lake known for its turquoise waters and folklore.
Kaghan Town: A quiet stop to explore local culture and cuisine.
Lulusar Lake: A glistening lake surrounded by majestic peaks, en route to Babusar Top.
Pro Tip: The roads in the Naran Kaghan region are mostly paved but may have rough patches. A mid-range motorbike like the Yamaha YBR 125G is ideal for this terrain.
Leg 3: Naran to Babusar Top on Bike
From Naran, the road ascends to the famous Babusar Top, a high mountain pass connecting the Kaghan Valley to Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan. This stretch is one of the highlights of the journey.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Key Attractions:
Lulusar Lake: A scenic stop along the way.
Babusar Pass: At an altitude of 4,173 meters, Babusar Pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Safety Tips:
Take frequent breaks to acclimatize to the altitude.
Ensure your motorbike has reliable brakes and tires for the steep and winding roads.
Leg 4: Chilas to Skardu
After crossing Babusar Top, the road descends into Chilas, a small town on the Karakoram Highway. From Chilas, you’ll embark on a thrilling ride to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram mountain range.
Distance: Approximately 270 km
Duration: 8-10 hours
Route:
Karakoram Highway: One of the world’s highest paved roads.
Jaglot-Skardu Road: A winding, rugged road offering spectacular views.
Key Stops:
Raikot Bridge: The starting point for treks to Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
Shigar Valley: Known for its historic Shigar Fort and lush landscapes.
Tips for Skardu Road Trip on Bike:
The road is challenging, with sharp turns and rocky patches. A durable bike like the Suzuki GS 150 is highly recommended.
Carry extra fuel and water, as facilities are scarce along the way.
Leg 5: Exploring Skardu on a Motorbike
Once you arrive in Skardu, the real adventure begins. This region is known for its unparalleled natural beauty, cultural richness, and iconic landmarks.
Skardu Bike Tours: Key Attractions:
Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake): Known as “Heaven on Earth,” this resort is built around a stunning lake.
Upper Kachura Lake: A serene spot for boating and picnics.
Deosai National Park: Also called the “Land of Giants,” this high-altitude plateau is home to rare wildlife and spectacular vistas.
Satpara Lake: A large freshwater lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for relaxation.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Visit Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lake and Shigar Valley
Day 2: Take a day trip to Sadpara Lake and Deosai National Park.
Pro Tip: For a seamless motorbike tour to Skardu, ensure your bike is well-suited for off-road conditions. Adventure bikes like the Zongshen RX3 or Suzuki GR 150 are great options.
Returning to Islamabad
After exploring Skardu, retrace your route back to Islamabad. Depending on your preference, you can take a detour to explore Hunza Valley or follow the Karakoram Highway back through Chilas and Mansehra.
Recommended Stops on the Return:
Hunza Valley (Optional): Visit iconic spots like Altit and Baltit Forts, Attabad Lake, and Passu Cones.
Naran Kaghan: Rest and rejuvenate in this serene valley before heading to Islamabad.
Renting a Bike for Northern Pakistan
If you don’t own a bike, renting is a convenient and cost-effective option. Here’s everything you need to know:
Popular Bikes for Rent
Honda CG 125: Reliable for paved roads and moderate inclines.
Suzuki GS 150: Ideal for long-distance and off-road adventures.
Yamaha YBR 125G: Perfect for mountainous terrain.
Zongshen RX3: Great for rugged and off-road trails.
Where to Rent a Bike?
Islamabad: The best place to start, with numerous rental options.
Gilgit: Bikes are available for local tours and Hunza Valley.
Skardu: Limited options but suitable for exploring nearby areas.
Rental Costs
Daily rates range from PKR 2,500 to PKR 10,000, depending on the bike model.
Always check for additional charges for helmets, accessories, or damages.
Tips for a Successful Motorbike Tour
Plan Your Route: Research your destinations and road conditions thoroughly.
Prepare for Weather: Carry warm clothing and rain gear, as weather in the north can change suddenly.
Carry Essentials: Spare parts, a toolkit, first aid kit, and a power bank are must-haves.
Ride Safely: Follow traffic rules, avoid over speeding, and be cautious on steep or narrow roads.
Stay Hydrated: High altitudes can dehydrate you quickly, so drink plenty of water.
Conclusion
A motorbike tour through the Northern Region of Pakistan is an unparalleled adventure that combines the thrill of riding with the beauty of nature. From the lush valleys of Naran Kaghan to the rugged landscapes of Skardu, every stretch of road offers a new experience. Whether it’s the Naran to Babusar Top bike trip, the Skardu road trip on bike, or simply exploring scenic byways, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.
So gear up, rent a bike if needed, and embark on an unforgettable adventure to discover the heart of Pakistan’s northern mountains.
I rented a motorcycle for 3 weeks in Pakistan, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I did it, what bikes are available, the best city to rent from, and how much motorcycle rentals cost.
Where’s the best place to rent a motorcycle in Pakistan?
The good news is you don’t have to visit the local motorcycle markets to hire a motorcycle in Pakistan. You can simply rent online via a WhatsApp conversation before you arrive!
I started looking in Lahore and quickly realised the options weren’t great. Me also didn’t want to visit the intense motorcycle markets and have to haggle there (If you don’t speak Urdu, you really need a Pakistani friend with you to help there!).
I found Islamabad the best place to rent a motorcycle in Pakistan. It makes sense because it has a major international airport, and it’s the beginning of the many motorcycle trips to the Northern Regions.
So start your search on Google or Google Maps for “Islamabad motorcycle rentals.” I share my rental quotes later in this post.
What motorcycles are available for rent, and which should I choose?
Motorcycle rentals cost anywhere from $10 to $150 daily for high-end adventure bikes like a Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom, or BMW F 850 GS.
I won’t cover those high-end bikes here because I wanted the Pakistani experience on a cost-effective and economical 150cc bike. Plus, you ain’t gonna be riding fast here anyway. Although, I’m sure it would be a luxurious and comfortable experience on one of those bikes!
150cc motorcycles, although they seem small to us, they are enough to get the job done even in the mountains. These smaller bikes have limited luggage space, so pack light and bring 2 bungee cords to attach your bag.
Most popular 150cc: Suzuki GS 150SE
The most popular bikes you’ll see absolutely everywhere in Pakistan, and in HUGE numbers in car parks, are the Honda CD-70, Honda CG-125, and then their cheap Chinese clones, the Road Prince RP-70n and United US-70.
The Suzuki GS 150SE is similar to these but with a 150cc engine. It’s the most recommended motorcycle for long trips because of its low price and repairability. The only downside is the seat is not very comfortable!
Most comfortable 150cc: Honda CB 150F
If you want a cheap but comfortable option, I went with the Honda CB 150F. Because it’s more comfortable and harder to find, the rental companies charge a premium for it, unfortunately! But if you need a little comfort, like me, this is the best option for the price.
After a few thousand kilometres on this bike, I can say the seat is great, and my bottom never really got sore. Unlike on my Royal Enfield Himalayan – their seats suck for long journeys (I just road 7 hours on it from Amritsar to Delhi today).
The only downside is the CB 150F’s suspension is horrible; you will feel all the bumps and potholes.
There are 250cc and above bikes available, but I recommend these 150cc models because Pakistani mechanics know these bikes inside-out. During your trip, you won’t have any issues getting anything fixed on these. Whereas little-known Chinese 250cc or high-end foreign bikes can only be serviced in big cities.
What to know before renting!
Obviously, always check the condition of the bike before taking it.
But, most of us are not mechanics!
Plus, when you plan to leave on a certain date, you can’t really be choosy when you pick up the bike! So, try pickup a day or two in advance so you can do whatever work needs to be done on it.
You’ll probably discover issues with the bike on the first day of riding. I did!
All the problems I had with my rented motorcycle in Pakistan
During my ride, here’s all the work I had to do on the Honda CB150F:
When I picked up the bike it had a flat rear tyre. The rear tyre kept leaking throughout the first two days. Turns out it was given to me with a puncture! When I reached Naran, the bike was really struggling to fire. Turns out the last renter had left the choke open. I’d been riding with it open too. So the spark plug was dirty and needed to be cleaned. The bike continued to miss fire, so I replaced the spark plug. The rear wheel’s tread was way down, so I replaced the tyre. Oil changed at 1000km. Replaced a broken speedo cable. The chain guard got disfigured and was hitting the chain. A kind panel beater fixed it for me for free. As you can see, the bike was a real pain and dampened my trip with so many visits to various service centres.
Luckily, the parts and labour were very cheap! Some of the repairs were even free because the friendly locals wouldn’t take money from me!
Alls well that ends well because the rental company reimbursed me for the work.
I called around the main rental companies in Islamabad, looking for the best prices for a cheap motorcycle.
Don’t forget to bargain! They will come down to meet your budget if they have an excess supply.
For example, I wanted the Honda CB150F, so I told Pakistan Bikers that I wanted the bike for 3 weeks minimum, but my budget was $16 daily. They agreed.
Note: Pakistan Bikers and Pakistan-Bikers are two different companies! Someone copied someone.
Cost per day to rent a 150cc motorcycle in Pakistan
The rental usually includes a helmet, elbow and knee pads, gloves, and a cellphone holder.
If this post helped you, please comment and tell me about your travel plans and what motorcycle you’re looking at.
Disclaimer
The content on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content provided. Readers are encouraged to consult directly with professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Any views or opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our company. We reserve the right to modify or update content as necessary.
The entire route is on tarmac roads in good condition, to some extend curvy but mostly easy to handle. A minimum of 5.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
■■□□□
The majority of the route is on well-developed tarmac roads with some curvy parts. A minimum of 7.500 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
■■■□□
The route is very twisty, occasionally on narrow tarmac roads. A minimum of 10.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
■■■■□
The majority of the rout is on very demanding, very narrow curvy roads, and sometimes on single lanes. A minimum of 15.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
■■■■■
The entire route is permanently on very demanding, extremely curvy, very narrow, partly on single lanes. A minimum of 20.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
Close
AVERAGE DRIVING TIME PER DAY
Some of our participants enjoy riding as many miles as possible, whereas others preferred to arrive early at the hotel to enjoy the amenities before dinner. The stated driving times include breaks and photo stops, but not the time spend for lunch (between noon and 2pm, usually 1 hour). A riding day usually starts around 9 am, if necessary a little earlier.
