The Northern Circuit – 8 High Passes, 3 Mountain Ranges, One Ride

Open the tour with Deosai, a near-treeless plateau spanning 3,000 km² at over 4,000m and one of the last refuges of the Himalayan brown bear. Stop at Sadpara Lake before taking in Kala Pani, Bara Pani and Sheosar Lake, then descend into Astore for the night.

The longest transfer of the trip, down through Raikot, Chilas and Dasu along the Indus, dropping from alpine altitude to the warm river plains near Besham. Stop at Raikot Bridge, Zero Point Chilas and an Indus River viewpoint to break up the ten-hour ride.

Turn west into the Swat Valley, long known as the "Switzerland of Pakistan" for its pine forests and river gorges. Pass through Besham City and over Shangla Top before reaching Bahrain and continuing on to Kalam, the valley's alpine hub.

A shorter riding day through Usho Forest to Mahodand Lake, with Falak Sar's snow-capped ridge visible for much of the ride. Stop at Matiltan and Saifullah lakes on the way, then spend time at Mahodand itself before returning to Kalam.

Cross Badgoi Pass at 3,523m via Thal en route to Kumrat, one of the least developed and most densely forested valleys in the Hindu Kush. Stop in Utror before arriving in Kumrat, where deodar forest runs straight down to the riverbank.

Ride via Upper Dir and Lowari Pass into Chitral district, then down into the Kalash valleys through Ayun Village. This is the gateway to one of South Asia's most distinct living cultures, arrive with the afternoon free to settle in before two full days exploring.

A full day among the Kalasha people, whose religion, language and festival calendar predate Islam's arrival in the region and survive nowhere else on earth. Visit the Kalash Museum and the traditional Madawjaw Dur burial ground, and spend time talking with local families about daily life in the valley.

Head north through Ayun and Chitral town toward Booni, with Tirich Mir, at 7,708m the highest peak in the Hindu Kush, dominating the skyline for much of the ride. Stop at Qaqlasht Meadow before arriving in this quiet Upper Chitral town.

Climb through classic Hindu Kush scenery, small villages, glacial rivers, and Buni Zom's 6,542m summit in the distance, to Shandur Pass. At 3,700m, this flat-topped pass hosts the world's highest polo ground, where a centuries-old rivalry between Chitral and Gilgit is still played out every July.

Descend through Gupis, following the Ghizer and Gilgit rivers past Phander and Khalti lakes. It's a long day in the saddle, but the scenery, glacial-blue water against green valley floors, makes it one of the most photogenic rides of the trip.

The final riding day, back along the Indus to Skardu with the Haramosh massif and Himalayan valleys as company for most of the route. Stop at Astak Nala and the Indus River viewpoint before winding down at Shangrila Lake.

A relaxed final morning to pack, or take a short ride out to Kharpocho Fort or Sarfaranga Cold Desert if time allows, before transferring to Skardu Airport for your departure flight.