Biking Adventure from Islamabad to Minimarg with Stops at Deosai and Skardu | 5-6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Naran

Islamabad to Naran, Pakistan on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chai Shai, Islamabad

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast including local chai and parathas at Chai Shai, popular for its traditional flavors. Opens at 7:00am.
PKR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Bike ride to Naran

Begin your scenic 6-7 hour ride (approx 240 km) to Naran via the Karakoram Highway and Mansehra, enjoying mountainous landscapes along the way.
Fuel approx PKR2500, 7h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Naran Riverside Hotel

Enjoy traditional Pakistani dishes at this river-facing restaurant in Naran – a perfect spot to relax after a long ride.
PKR600, 1h0m

4:30pm

Stay Overnight at Guest House in Naran

Check in to an affordable guest house or motel in Naran to rest before heading further north. Basic rooms cost around PKR1500 per night per person.
PKR1500, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at a local eatery

Sample local trout fish or seekh kebabs at a nearby restaurant in Naran, open till 9:00 pm.
PKR500, 1h0m

Day 2: Naran to Deosai National Park

Naran to Deosai Plains, Pakistan on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Naran

Start your day with a quick breakfast of parathas and chai at your guest house or a local cafe.
PKR300, 0h45m

8:15am

Ride to Deosai National Park

Travel approx 120 km towards Deosai National Park, a thrilling ride offering stunning high-altitude views in one of the world’s highest plateaus.
Fuel approx PKR1200, 3h0m

11:30am

Explore Deosai National Park

Spend the afternoon enjoying Deosai's vast plains and spotting wildlife such as Himalayan brown bears and golden eagles. Park entry fee applies.
PKR300, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Deosai Campsite

Have a packed lunch or simple meal at a local campsite or shelter, usually consisting of chapati, dal, and vegetables.
PKR400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Ride to Skardu

Depart for Skardu (approx 150 km, mountainous terrain) and enjoy breathtaking views on your way.
Fuel approx PKR1500, 4h0m

8:00pm

Check in at Skardu Guest House

Stay at a budget guest house or hotel in Skardu, rooms typically cost PKR1500-2000 per night.
PKR1800, Overnight

8:30pm

Dinner at Skardu local restaurant

Try local Baltistani cuisine such as grilled meats and rice dishes at a popular restaurant serving till 10:00 pm.
PKR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Skardu Local Exploration

Skardu, Pakistan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Skardu Hotel

Enjoy traditional breakfast options including eggs, bread, and local tea at your accommodation.
PKR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Shangrila Resort & Kachura Lake

Spend the morning at the scenic Shangrila Resort and nearby Kachura Lake, famous for lush views and serenity. Open 8am to 7pm.
Entry PKR200, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shangrila's restaurant

Taste a mix of continental and local dishes at Shangrila’s in-house restaurant, with lake views.
PKR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Skardu Fort & Kharpocho Fort

Explore these historical forts that offer panoramic city views and insight into local history. Usually open day-time.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Skardu Bazaar

Stroll through Skardu bazaar for souvenirs such as woollen clothes, pashmina shawls, and local handicrafts.
Optional shopping budget PKR500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roadside BBQ

Enjoy the local BBQ delicacies at a popular roadside stall featuring meats grilled over open fires.
PKR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Skardu to Minimarg

Skardu to Minimarg, Pakistan on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Skardu

Grab an early breakfast with packed options to sustain you on the ride to Minimarg.
PKR300, 0h45m

7:45am

Ride to Minimarg

Travel approximately 130 km along rugged roads via Shounter Valley or Gondogoro Pass to reach Minimarg. Ride may take 6-7 hours depending on road and weather conditions.
Fuel approx PKR1500, 7h0m

2:30pm

Check in at Local Guest House in Minimarg

Accommodation in Minimarg is basic but comfortable, with guest houses charging PKR1000-1500 per night per person.
PKR1500, Overnight

3:30pm

Explore Minimarg Village

Take a light walk around the beautiful alpine village of Minimarg, known for its green pastures and mountain views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Guest House

Enjoy home-cooked local dishes made by your hosts, offering authentic flavor and warmth.
PKR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Minimarg to Islamabad

Minimarg to Islamabad, Pakistan on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Minimarg

Have a fresh mountain breakfast with local bread, butter, and green tea before departure.
PKR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Start Return Journey

Begin bike ride back to Islamabad, retracing the route via Skardu and Deosai, estimated 12-13 hours total bike ride, so plan stops accordingly.
Fuel approx PKR3000, 12h0m

1:00pm

Lunch stop en route

Stop midway at Naran or similar for a simple local meal to recharge.
PKR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near Islamabad

Dinner at a highway restaurant before final stretch home, with Pakistani cuisine options.
PKR500, 1h0m

9:00pm

Arrival in Islamabad

End your adventurous trip safely back in Islamabad after a memorable ride through Gilgit-Baltistan.
Free, Complete