Skardu - our new base 2025

Skardu - Often referred to as the Roof of the World or the Desert in the Sky is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world. Skardu is the main city hub, capital and gateway to the northern region of Baltistan, the land of the Karakoram ranges - K2 and many other 8000er mountains. One of the key attractions in this region is the Skardu road. which connects the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit to Skardu Baltistan. A culturally rich and vibrant area warmly welcoming trekkers, motorcyclists and global adventure travellers alike.

Cold Desert Skardu area - Kowardo

July 2017 was the first time we rode together on this inspiring route. Shah, Liz and Tabish, of the Karakoram Bikers team. The road welcomes travellers and says goodbye with suspension bridges both leaving the Karakoram Highway and before you enter the city. The mighty Indus River flows next to you all the way to Skardu. The road was once one lane. If a truck came from the other side you’d have to leave the paved road and go on the narrow dirt edge, trying desperately to avoid ending up in the Indus as you let it pass. When overtaking a vehicle you’d have to brave the dirt to get by. Big rocky mountain cliffs over your head and deep curves where you can’t see what’s coming from the front. Skardu road is an ultimate motorcycle experience. In between hot and dry climates, suddenly entering a small village full of green trees gives you the energy to keep going.

The Pakistan government started building a new paved road in 2018 and it took almost two years to complete. Now it is a fully paved double lane major road with just a few bumps and some landslides in areas which are rocky and sandy. Otherwise it’s pretty nice to ride on. Still Skardu road gives you a great motorcycle adventure experience of a lifetime.

Old Skardu Road in Autumn

There is much to see in the region around Skardu and it has some of our personal favourite areas to explore. It is the stepping off point to Shigar and Khaplu with many side valleys and short treks as well as being the gateway into the trekking areas of the Karakoram Range, home of K2. Tourism in Skardu is growing after the new road, social media has educated people and the PIA flights are helping more tourists to come to this region. Flight cancellation rate is low compared to those to and from Gilgit, so the tourists don’t have to face the unnecessary delays.

Last year we made the decision to create a new Karakoram Bikers base in Skardu, a plan long held in our Karakoram Bikers hearts and minds and now finally coming to fruition. We are very excited to be able to announce the opening of our new northern areas base right next to the Skardu airport for absolute ease of access. It is less than 100 metres from the airport, making it the best location for motocycle rental in Skardu. Most of our set Pakistan motorcycle tours now begin and end the riding from Skardu after flying from Islamabad with an aim to avoid potential road transfer delays. Travellers can also rent motorcycles from us in Skardu and Gilgit - making Pakistan Motorcycle rental even simpler. We offer the option to pick and drop in both Skardu and Gilgit, a small fee applies if dropping off in the different city to pick up. For full details please see our website for motorcycle tours and motorcycle rental.