cycling KKH

by stacy
(Fort Collins, Colorado)

My husband and I are in the beginning stages of planning a cycling trip along the KKH. We will have a month, and are experienced, fit cyclists. Do you have any recommendations on cycling north to south, or south to north? Places to spend a rest day and should we carry a tent or not.

We'll go June/July or Aug (any preference?) How much water did you need to carry and approximately, how much would such a trip cost while we travel? We're coming from the USA, and a rather in between budget type of trip.

We are starting to gather some LP books and find information. Anything you advise will be great.

Thanks-Stacy

Comments for
cycling KKH

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 28, 2010

cycling KKH
by: Anonymous

It's a great trip - apart from Kohistan. I would really recommend that you bus through there as it was pretty uncomfortable when we were there three years ago and is likely to be worse now. This link http://jimnewmark.blogspot.com/ (ignore the hip business!) is an informal (and perhaps rather long) account which was written soon after the trip. I know Pakistan well - my brother-in-law Malcolm is currently sick on the Manili-Leh road so I think he would prefer the KKH!

Jun 04, 2010

Karakoram Highway
by: Peter

I've cycled the KKH twice, and did it by bus once more. If you are only thinking about the Pakistan part (you do not mention that), I would recommend take the bus north to Hunza and cycle back. It goes more down then up this way.

You can cycle all the way up to Sost but as this is the border (at least it's where you stamp your passport) you will not be able to continue.

Should you cycle to/from Kashgar, they might force you to take the bus. This still depends on the local situation. But if you cycle south-north, you can take a bus back to Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

But that said, it's not particularly difficult to cycle south-north. I would also recommend to take the road to Murree instead of following the road, see my
http://www.bicycle-adventures.com/karakoram-highway-via-murree.html page. Especially if you come from the north, it will be nice to have a last day which is all the way down.

On the road you will find plenty of cheap accommodation. I did have a tent with me but as I was in December here I preferred to in hotels and guesthouses (you can get them as cheap as a few dollars a night). However, in summer it's really cool to camp in some areas but it is not necessary to bring a tent.

However, if you do the Chinese part of the KKH, it's better to bring a tent as in the Chinese part towns and villages are more widespread. You can still ask locals to give you shelter and most likely they will do that for a small fee.

Summer months in Pakistan are warm but the nights can be chilly so bring long pants and a fleece.

1 month is certainly enough to cycle this amazing road, it's called a highway but in reality, it's only the first part which is really a highway. Still, road conditions are fine, no worries but bring spare parts as you won't find any in Pakistan (at least I have never found any decent bike shops though they were able to repair some of my problems).

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Q&A

Custom Search

+1 Bicycle Adventures

Page

Site

Best bicycle buys at Nashbar

Ready to get your last minute bicycle materials? I bought my last sandals here.

Last chance bargains on bikes, cycling gear, clothing at Nashbar.com

[ ? ] Subscribe To
This Site

Secrets of a Life on a Bicycle

Discover the secrets to traveling by bicycle. Here are some amazing facts about bicycle touring… and why you shouldn’t even think about going on a bike tour until you’ve read every word on this page!

Bicycle secrets

Get the Bicycle Blueprint