The most remarkable bike trip in the world, KKH Bike Tour, takes one through an area said to be the inspiration behind James Hilton's Shangri-La, Hunza. This 14 day bike trip traverses the complete length of the increditble valleys of Gilgit, Hunza, Gulmit, Passu and Sost by way of the Karakoram Highway. The KKH connects Pakistan with China and is considered an engineering feat as it winds through the narrow gorges of this remote mountain kingdom. Completed in 1974, this famous highway follows the old Silk Route, entering China at the Khunjerab Pass (16,000 feet) where our ride begins. To arrive at our starting point (Khunjerab Pass) we fly (weather permitting) from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to Gilgit at 4,770 feet. We are then transported by jeeps to the top of Khujerab Pass in two days with an overnight hotel stay at Gulmit or Sost. From the crest
of the pass, our downhill bicycle journey takes us to Gulmit in
three easy five-hour days. At Gulmit a rest day is scheduled. This
provides time for a day hike into the depths of this stunning valley.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, is our next destination. Here one
can do some rugged mountain biking in the nearby glacial valley
called Hoper. The last leg of our tour consists of a two day ride
to Gilgit. The stupendous wall of Rakaposhi (25,550 feet) rises
from the bed of the Hunza River, past the Karakoram Highway with
a 20,000 feet gain; honouring it as the steepest place on our planet.With
the sight of Rakaposhi rich on our minds, we roll into Gilgit and
either fly or drive back to Islamabad.
|
