Adventure Bike Tour from Islamabad to Minimarg: Exploring Deosai, Skardu, and Surrounding Gems (May 2025)

Day 1: Bike to Deosai

Islamabad to Deosai National Park, Pakistan on May 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Islamabad

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chai Shai near F-7 Markaz, known for fresh parathas and local tea to fuel your bike journey.
PKR300, 1h

8:00AM

Start bike ride to Deosai

Begin the scenic ride from Islamabad to Deosai National Park covering approximately 240 km with moderate terrain, perfect for biking enthusiasts.
Fuel Cost approx PKR2000, 6h

2:00PM

Lunch at Skardu Road Dhaba

Stop en route at Skardu Road Dhaba for traditional Pakistani food such as karahi and naan, a popular resting point for travelers to the north.
PKR500, 1h

3:30PM

Explore Deosai National Park

Arrive at Deosai National Park, famous for its vast plateau, wildlife like the Himalayan brown bear, and stunning flora making it a natural paradise.
PKR500 (entry fee), 2h

6:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at Deosai Campsite

Relax at a cozy campsite or guesthouse near Deosai. Enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local trout fish and fresh vegetables prepared by locals.
PKR1500, 2h

Day 2: Deosai to Skardu

Deosai National Park to Skardu, Pakistan on May 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Campsite

Start early with a warm breakfast at your campsite including eggs, bread, and tea to prepare for your scenic ride to Skardu.
Included in stay, 1h

8:30AM

Ride from Deosai to Skardu

Take the picturesque 160 km bike ride downhill towards Skardu, passing through lush valleys and mountain terrain.
Fuel Cost approx PKR1500, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Deosai, Skardu

Enjoy a modern café environment with local and continental dishes such as grilled chicken and fresh salads to refresh after your ride.
PKR600, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Skardu Fort

Explore the historic Skardu Fort dating back to the 8th century, offering panoramic views of the Skardu valley; it’s open until 6 PM.
PKR200, 1h

3:30PM

Shigar Fort Tour

A short ride from Skardu, visit the restored Shigar Fort museum and hotel area showcasing Balti architecture and culture.
PKR500, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at Satin's Café

Dine at Satin's café featuring a variety of local dishes and vegetarian options ideal for groups, open until 9 PM.
PKR700, 1.5h

Day 3: Explore Skardu

Skardu, Pakistan on May 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kohistan Café

Start your day with traditional Balti breakfast items like butter tea and local bread at Kohistan Café, open from 7 AM.
PKR300, 1h

9:00AM

Day trip to Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake

Visit Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake (also called Secret Lake), ideal for hiking and photography; the park opens at 8 AM.
PKR700 (entry), 4h

1:00PM

Lunch at Shangrila Resort

Enjoy lunch within the resort featuring trout fish dishes and local cuisine in a beautiful lake setting.
PKR800, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Kharpocho Fort

Explore the ruins of Kharpocho Fort which offers incredible views of the Skardu town and mountain ranges, open all day.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Evening at Skardu Bazaar

Shop for local handicrafts, gemstones, and Balti wool products at Skardu Bazaar, perfect for souvenirs.
Depends on purchases, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Café de Polo

Relax with a casual dinner offering a fusion of local and continental dishes before preparing for next day’s ride.
PKR700, 1.5h

Day 4: Skardu to Minimarg

Skardu to Minimarg, Pakistan on May 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Skardu

Have a filling breakfast including fresh fruit and eggs to start the longer ride to Minimarg.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00AM

Bike ride from Skardu to Minimarg

Embark on an adventurous ride toward Minimarg, passing through breathtaking mountainous roads covering approx 120 km.
Fuel Cost approx PKR1000, 5h

1:00PM

Lunch en route near Astore

Stop for lunch at Astore town, enjoying a simple yet delicious meal with local flavors.
PKR500, 1h

3:00PM

Check-in and Relax at Minimarg

Arrive at Minimarg and settle into a guesthouse, surrounded by stunning alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks.
PKR1500 per night, Rest of day

6:00PM

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy a home-cooked traditional dinner featuring local specialties like yak meat and freshly grown vegetables.
PKR600, 1.5h

Day 5: Minimarg Exploration

Minimarg, Pakistan on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with traditional bread, honey, and tea highlighting the local flavors and hospitality.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Explore Nearby Valleys and Hiking

Spend the day hiking and exploring the beautiful alpine valleys surrounding Minimarg with knowledgeable local guides available.
Guide approx PKR1500, 5h

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch Outdoors

Have a packed picnic lunch amidst nature with views of the glaciers and mountain peaks, arranged by your guesthouse.
PKR400, 1h

6:00PM

Relax and Socialize

Wind down at your guesthouse or socialize with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories of your journey.
Free, 2h

8:00PM

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy another delicious homemade dinner, featuring soups and traditional desserts.
PKR600, 1.5h

Day 6: Return Journey Begin

Minimarg to Skardu/Islamabad on May 6, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Pack

Have an early breakfast at the guesthouse and prepare for departure back towards Islamabad with possible overnight stop at Skardu.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Ride Minimarg to Skardu

Begin the ride back to Skardu covering approx 120 km taking scenic photo stops as desired.
Fuel Cost approx PKR1000, 5h

1:30PM

Lunch in Skardu

Enjoy lunch at one of Skardu's popular eateries like Café Deosai to relax before continuing onward the next day.
PKR600, 1h

3:00PM

Overnight stay in Skardu

Rest in a mid-range hotel or guesthouse to recuperate from this leg of the bike journey.
PKR2500 per room, Overnight