From Dust to Snow
Baltistan, Karakoram Highway, Upper Hunza, Shimshal & Indus Gorge
NOT FOR BEGINNERS
Designed for experienced riders who are comfortable with long days, rough mountain roads and changing surfaces. Confident motorcycle control is essential for this route.
Islamabad → Skardu → Sarfaranga → Nomal → Passu → Khunjerab → Shimshal → Karimabad → Minapin → Naltar → Chilas → Besham → Islamabad
Secure your place with a $700 deposit. Choose your motorcycle and room preference now; the remaining tour balance will be arranged through a secure payment request. We’ll clearly show what you’ve paid, what remains, and when it’s due.
Tour Parameters & Quick Facts
13 Days / 11 Riding
1,480 Kilometers
4,693 Meters
8–10 Riders
Islamabad
29 April – 11 May 2027
The Journey
A demanding early-season journey linking Baltistan, the Karakoram Highway, Upper Hunza, Shimshal, Rakaposhi country and the lower Indus. Beginning in Islamabad before traveling north to Baltistan and the cold desert landscapes of Skardu, riders tackle the dramatic Indus corridor, the high-altitude sweep to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m, and the rugged, remote mountain shelf of Shimshal.
Why This Route
Experience northern Pakistan during the transition from late spring into early summer. Crisp mountain air, snow-capped giants, blooming valleys, and dramatic contrasts between high desert plateaus and vertical granite spires.
Who This Trip Is For
Experienced adventure riders seeking a strenuous, multifaceted route through remote valleys and world-class mountain roads.
Riding Style & Terrain
70% mountain tarmac / 30% rough mountain roads and remote gravel spurs.
Major Tour Highlights
Rider Prerequisites
- •Valid motorcycle license with International Driving Permit (IDP)
- •Confident handling on variable gravel, broken asphalt, and narrow mountain roads
- •Warm technical layering for sub-zero high-pass conditions
The Daily Timeline
Every day is balanced with riding, scenic photography halts, and comfortable mountain lodging.
Welcome riders at Islamabad International Airport and transfer into the city. Keep the first day relaxed so international guests can recover from their journey, meet the group and go through the tour briefing. Use the evening for introductions, route expectations, riding etiquette and final preparation.
Travel north to Skardu and meet the motorcycles. After bike fitting and basic checks, take a short familiarisation ride toward the Sarfaranga Cold Desert area. The purpose of the ride is to let everyone settle into the motorcycle before the longer mountain days begin.
What Is & Is Not Included
Zero hidden costs. Every service on the official tour is clearly scheduled.
INCLUDED ON THIS TOUR
- Personal airport welcome and private airport transfers
- Motorcycle 150cc and full tour fuel
- Support vehicle for passenger luggage and spares
- English-speaking lead guide and expedition tour manager
- Full-time motorcycle mechanic throughout all riding days
- Essential tools, motorcycle spare parts, and first-aid medical supplies
- National park permits, road fees, and scheduled itinerary entries
- Twin-share accommodation (comfortable hotels, mountain guesthouses, camps)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during scheduled expedition dates
- Daily drinking water on the road
- Visa support documentation for Pakistan tourist e-Visa
NOT INCLUDED (RIDER EXPENSE)
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Personal motorcycle riding gear (helmet, jacket, armor, gloves, boots)
- Comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation travel insurance (mandatory)
- Pakistan visa processing fee
- Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, personal snacks, and laundry
- Single room supplement (available for +$600 USD)
- Optional CFMOTO 450MT upgrade (+$750 USD)
- Tips for local drivers, mechanics, lodge staff, and guides
- Expenses resulting from unforeseen delays, roadblocks, or flight cancellations
Download Waiver for Signing
All participants are required to review and sign the full Rider Safety, Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver before participating in an expedition.
Please download the waiver, read it carefully, complete the required details, sign it, and return the signed copy to The Scenic Mistake before your expedition.
A signed waiver is required from every rider before participation. Booking an expedition does not replace the requirement to complete and sign this document.
Available Motorcycle Fleet
Purpose-chosen adventure motorcycles engineered for high-altitude passes and mountain asphalt.
Motorcycle 150cc — Included
150cc Single Cylinder
Lightweight dual-sport motorcycle prepared for mountain terrain. Dependable, agile in tight switchbacks, and equipped with protective bars and luggage support.
CFMOTO 450MT — +$750
449cc Parallel-Twin DOHC, 44 HP
Dedicated adventure tourer with 21/18 tubeless spoked wheels, adjustable long-travel KYB suspension, robust crash bars, high windscreen, and luggage rack.
From Dust to Snow Tour FAQs
What is the riding difficulty of From Dust to Snow?
This tour is classified as Strenuous and is not recommended for beginners. You will encounter high-altitude tarmac, broken canyon roads in Shimshal, variable weather, and full riding days.
How is luggage handled during the ride?
A dedicated 4x4 support vehicle carries all rider luggage, spare parts, tools, and medical equipment between overnight stops.
2027 Motorcycle Tours
Beyond Shandur
Islamabad → Dir → Ayun → Kalash Valleys → Mastuj → Shandur Pass → Phander → Gilgit → Hunza → Khunjerab → Shimshal → Skardu → Islamabad
The Long Way North
Islamabad → Skardu → Nomal → Passu → Khunjerab Pass → Upper Hunza → Karimabad → Hunza → Skardu → Islamabad