The Golden Window Is Open, But Not for Long
Every year from mid October to early November, the poplar and apricot trees of Hunza turn yellow, orange and red, with snow peaks like Rakaposhi and the Passu Cones standing behind them. For many riders it is the most beautiful time of the year to be on the Karakoram Highway.
It is also a short window. The nights are getting cold, and Babusar Pass usually closes after the first heavy snowfall, often in late October or November. Once it shuts, the only road north is the longer KKH route through Besham and Dasu. If you have been planning a northern bike trip, the next three to four weeks are your chance.
Road News Before You Leave (October 2026)
- Babusar Pass is open. As of 10 October 2026, the Babusar road was reported open for traffic, along with the Kaghan and Naran roads. Closure can come suddenly with snow, so check on the morning you cross.
- Planned KKH blockade at Besham on 17 October. Traders from Malakand Division have announced a sit-in at Besham on the Karakoram Highway on 17 October, against taxes imposed from 1 July. They have said they will block the KKH there. If your route goes through Besham around that date, plan to cross before it or use the Babusar route instead.
- Petrol is close to Rs 400 per litre. Fill up in bigger towns like Mansehra, Chilas and Gilgit, where supply is reliable. Prices in remote villages can be higher.
- Landslides still happen. The Skardu road and parts of the KKH can close for hours after rain. Keep a buffer day in your plan.
Motorcycles are not allowed on motorways
If you are starting from Lahore, Faisalabad or further south, you cannot take the M-2 or other motorways on a bike. Use the GT Road (N-5) to reach Islamabad, and add a day to your plan.
The 8 Day Route From Islamabad
This plan goes up via Naran and Babusar, which is the shorter and more scenic route, and comes back down the KKH. Distances and times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and how often you stop for photos.
| Day | Route | Distance | Riding Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad to Naran (via Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kaghan) | About 270 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| 2 | Naran to Gilgit (via Babusar Top, Chilas) | About 250 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| 3 | Gilgit to Karimabad (Rakaposhi viewpoint on the way) | About 100 km | 2 to 3 hours |
| 4 | Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu and back | About 120 km | Easy day |
| 5 | Rest day in Karimabad and Altit, or Khunjerab day trip | 0 to 300 km | Your choice |
| 6 | Karimabad to Chilas (via KKH) | About 230 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| 7 | Chilas to Besham (via Dasu) | About 230 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| 8 | Besham to Islamabad (via Thakot, Mansehra) | About 230 km | 6 to 7 hours |
If the Besham sit-in or a landslide blocks the KKH on your way back, you can return the way you came, via Chilas, Babusar and Naran, as long as Babusar is still open.
Where to See the Best Autumn Colours
- Karimabad and Altit: orchards around Baltit and Altit forts, with the whole valley below. Go at sunrise or sunset.
- Attabad Lake: golden slopes against bright blue water. One of the best photo stops on the KKH.
- Gulmit and Passu: quiet villages, yellow poplars lining the road and the Passu Cones behind them.
- Rakaposhi viewpoint (Ghulmet): a roadside stop on Day 3 with a clear view of the peak on a good day.
- Khunjerab Pass: the China border at about 4,700 m. It is extremely cold in autumn, so only go if you have proper gloves and layers, and ride back down before late afternoon.
Colours usually peak in the second half of October in lower Hunza and a little earlier higher up in Gojal. The exact timing changes with the weather each year.
How Much Will the Trip Cost?
Here is a rough budget for one rider on a 125cc bike, from Islamabad and back. Hotel and food costs vary a lot by season and choice, so treat these as estimates.
| Expense | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol (about 1,400 km at 35 km/l) | Rs 16,000 | About 40 litres at Rs 400. Mountain climbs and a pillion use more |
| Pre-trip service | Rs 4,000 to 8,000 | Oil, filter, chain, brake pads, tyre check |
| Hotels (7 nights) | Rs 28,000 to 56,000 | Rs 4,000 to 8,000 a night for budget to mid range rooms, shared if you ride in a group |
| Food (8 days) | Rs 12,000 to 20,000 | Rs 1,500 to 2,500 a day |
| Khunjerab park entry and small fees | Rs 1,000 to 3,000 | Fees can change, carry cash |
| Emergency and repairs buffer | Rs 10,000 | Punctures, cables, a tow if needed |
| Total | Rs 71,000 to 113,000 | Less if you camp or share rooms |
Rough estimates for October 2026. Riding in a group of 3 or 4 and sharing rooms can cut the hotel cost by half.
Save on petrol
If your bike is registered with the PM Petrol Relief Scheme on 9771, you can use your weekly Rs 500 tokens at participating pumps on the way. That is up to Rs 2,000 off your fuel in a month, which covers a good part of the petrol on this trip.
Which Bike Is Good for This Trip?
People have ridden to Hunza on a CD 70, and it can be done. But for two people, luggage and long climbs, a 125cc or 150cc makes the trip much easier and safer.
| Bike | Good For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| 70cc (CD 70, US 70) | Solo rider, light luggage, patient pace | Slow on Babusar climbs, struggles with a pillion |
| 125cc (CG 125, YBR 125) | The most popular choice, easy parts in every town | Carry a spare clutch cable and tube |
| 150cc (CB 150F, GS 150) | Pillion and luggage, better on climbs | Higher fuel use, fewer parts in small villages |
Not sure which one suits you? Our comparison of 70cc vs 125cc bikes in Pakistan covers the trade offs, and you can check new bike prices or find a used bike for sale before your trip.
Pre-Trip Bike Check
- Engine oil and filter: change them before you go, not halfway.
- Brakes: new pads if they are even half worn. The descents from Babusar are long and steep.
- Chain and sprockets: clean, lube and adjust. Replace if the sprocket teeth are hooked.
- Tyres: good tread on both. Check pressure every morning.
- Lights and horn: tunnels on the KKH (like the Attabad tunnels) are dark.
- Battery and wiring: cold mornings are hard on weak batteries.
For more, see our 10 bike maintenance tips every Pakistani rider should know.
Packing List for Cold Autumn Nights
Days in Hunza in late October can feel pleasant in the sun, but nights get close to freezing, and Babusar and Khunjerab are much colder.
- Full face helmet, riding jacket and proper gloves (thin gloves are not enough at Babusar)
- Thermal inner layers, a fleece and a warm cap
- Rain cover or a cheap raincoat
- CNIC, bike registration book or smart card, and a copy of each
- Spare tube, puncture kit, pump, clutch and accelerator cables, basic tools
- Power bank, phone mount, and offline maps downloaded
- Cash. ATMs exist in Gilgit and Karimabad but can run out or be down
- Basic first aid kit and any medicines you need
Safety Tips for Riding North
- Never ride at night in the mountains. Plan each day to reach your stop before dark.
- Ride in a group if you can, or at least share your live location with family.
- Watch for falling stones on landslide prone sections, and do not stop under loose slopes.
- Go slow on gravel and wet patches near streams and glacier melt on the road.
- Respect local customs. Ask before taking photos of people, and keep the valleys clean.
Riding this far for the first time? Our beginner's guide to your first long bike ride covers planning, rest stops and riding fatigue, and our list of the best motorcycle road trips in Pakistan has more routes for next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Babusar Pass close for winter?
There is no fixed date. It usually closes after the first heavy snowfall, which often comes in late October or November. As of 10 October 2026 it was open. Check the road status before you leave Naran.
Is the Karakoram Highway open right now?
The KKH is open, but traders have announced a sit-in at Besham on 17 October that may block traffic there. Short closures for landslides are also common. Keep one spare day in your plan.
Can a 70cc bike go to Hunza?
Yes, many riders have done it, but go solo, pack light and expect a slow climb over Babusar. A 125cc or 150cc is easier, especially with a pillion.
How cold is Hunza in late October?
Daytime is usually mild in the sun, but nights can drop close to freezing, and Babusar and Khunjerab are much colder. Pack thermals and proper gloves.
How much does a Hunza bike trip cost from Islamabad?
Roughly Rs 71,000 to 113,000 for one rider over 8 days, including petrol, a pre-trip service, hotels and food. Sharing rooms in a group brings it down a lot.
The Bottom Line
Autumn is the best season to ride to Hunza, and it does not last. Get your bike serviced, pack for the cold, check Babusar and the KKH before each leg, and plan around the 17 October Besham sit-in. Do that, and you will come back with the best ride of your year.
Road status and news based on reports up to 10 October 2026. Mountain roads can change quickly, so always check the latest conditions before you ride.
