Motorcycle tour
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Motorcycle tour · Deosai, Astore, Skardu
Deosai Circuit
A full loop from Skardu across the Deosai plateau to Astore, down to the Karakoram Highway and back to Skardu along the Indus on the Skardu road.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Season
- July–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Overview
This loop links the two sides of Deosai. From Skardu it climbs onto the plateau via Sadpara, crosses past Sheosar Lake to Chilim, the last settlement on the Astore side, and descends through the Astore valley towards the Karakoram Highway. The return follows the paved Jaglot–Skardu road (S-1) up the Indus gorge.
It combines the most remote unpaved riding on the plateau with the newly upgraded Skardu road, but both halves are exposed to landslides, washouts and weather. The Astore side of Deosai is described as steep and rough, and travellers' reports recommend four-wheel drive there. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
- Crossing the Deosai plateau end to end
- Sheosar Lake and the descent to Chilim
- The Astore valley and the Indus gorge on the Skardu road
Itinerary
Day 1
Skardu
Arrival, briefing and gear check.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 2
Spare acclimatisation day
Short local ride around Skardu.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 3
Skardu across Deosai to Chilim
Via Sadpara onto the plateau, past Sheosar Lake and down to Chilim. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Chilim area (to be confirmed) Highest point: 4,250 m
Day 4
Chilim to Astore
Descend through the Astore valley.
Overnight: Astore
Day 5
Astore to the Karakoram Highway and Skardu road
Down to the highway and onto the Jaglot–Skardu road.
Overnight: Indus valley stop (to be confirmed)
Day 6
Along the Indus to Skardu
Up the Indus gorge to Skardu.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 7
Reserve day and departure
Buffer for closures; trip ends.
Overnight: —
Practical information
- Format
- Guided
- Rider requirements
- Provisional: experienced adventure rider, confident on loose gravel, rock and through streams
- Provisional: comfortable with long, cold days above 4,000 m
- Suitable for
- Motorcyclists, Explorers
What’s included
Included
- Sample concept: guided riding with a local road captain (team and arrangements to be confirmed)
- Sample concept: 4x4 support vehicle with fuel reserve, spares and warm kit
- Sample concept: hotels and simple guesthouses
- Sample concept: breakfasts, dinners and packed lunches
- Sample concept: Deosai National Park entry arrangements (fee to be confirmed)
- Sample concept: emergency communication carried by the guide (to be confirmed)
Not included
- Motorcycle hire (fleet and terms not confirmed)
- Riding gear
- Fuel (availability to be confirmed)
- Travel and motorcycle insurance
- Costs of extra nights caused by road closures
What to bring
Essential
- Important riding gear: adventure helmet with goggles or anti-fog visor
- Waterproof armoured adventure suit with thermal liner
- Off-road boots, knee guards and body armour
- Two pairs of insulated waterproof gloves
- Thermal base layers
Optional and useful
- Heated vest
- Dust buff for the Indus gorge
- Hydration pack and energy snacks
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Deosai is only accessible in summer; snow can close it well into spring and return in autumn.
- The Astore road has been reported as landslide-prone in the rainy season, and the Skardu road can be blocked for days by landslides or earthquakes.
- Overnight stops at Chilim and on the Indus are provisional.
- Licence, insurance and document requirements to be confirmed before publication.
Photos
Route and region
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